Brands
Anime meets cricket as Crunchyroll backs Proteas
MUMBAI: Cricket just got an animated twist as Cricket South Africa has brought Crunchyroll on board as associate team sponsor for the Proteas Men’s series in India, running from 14 November to 19 December.
The partnership places Crunchyroll’s branding on the team’s jerseys across all formats, including Test, ODI and T20 matches. For Crunchyroll, it marks a bold step into global sport, placing the anime platform front and centre in one of world cricket’s most-watched tours.
The association highlights how anime and cricket share a spirited fandom powered by emotion, drama and storytelling, creating a cultural bridge between India, South Africa and a rapidly growing global audience.
CSA chief executive officer Pholetsi Moseki said, “CSA takes pride in welcoming Crunchyroll as the official team sponsor for the upcoming India series. With anime becoming one of the world’s most dominant entertainment forces, soon to have over a billion viewers, we see this partnership as a celebration of shared values and a drive to connect with global audiences.”
Crunchyroll senior vice president, growth and planning Kartik Gandhi added, “We’re thrilled to partner with Cricket South Africa for this exciting series with India. Cricket and anime both capture the intensity of competition and the joy of shared fandom. This partnership strengthens our ongoing focus on bringing together the worlds of sports and anime, combining the spirit of anime with cricket across two dynamic markets with growing anime fandoms: India and South Africa.”
As the Proteas prepare for a high-voltage tour, their jerseys will carry a fresh pop of culture, proving that on this field, passion plays well across languages, nations and genres.
Brands
Jubilant FoodWorks to exit Dunkin’ India franchise as pact ends in 2026
Company opts not to renew long-running deal, plans phased wind-down of brand
MUMBAI: Jubilant FoodWorks Limited has decided not to renew its franchise agreement for Dunkin’ in India, marking the end of a 15-year run for the American coffee and baked goods chain in the country under its stewardship.
The decision was approved by the company’s board at a meeting held on Monday and formally disclosed to BSE Limited and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited. The current development agreement, signed in February 2011, is set to expire on December 31, 2026.
Rather than extending the pact, Jubilant FoodWorks will take a measured, phased approach to its Dunkin’ operations. This includes evaluating options such as scaling down certain outlets, exiting select locations, or transferring assets and franchise rights, all in consultation with the brand’s global owners and in line with contractual and regulatory requirements.
The move follows what the company described as a broader strategic review of its portfolio. Despite Dunkin’s presence in India, the brand has remained a relatively small contributor to Jubilant’s overall business. In the financial year 2024-25, Dunkin’ accounted for just 0.61 percent of the company’s revenue and reported a loss at the profit level.
Importantly, the company has clarified that the decision will not materially impact its financial or operational performance, signalling that its core growth engines remain firmly intact.
Jubilant FoodWorks Limited company secretary and compliance officer Mona Aggarwal, in the regulatory filing, indicated that the transition would be handled in an orderly manner, ensuring compliance with all agreements and minimising disruption.
Jubilant FoodWorks, best known for operating Domino’s Pizza in India, appears to be sharpening its focus on stronger-performing brands while quietly winding down less impactful ventures. As Dunkin’ prepares to fade from its portfolio, the company seems intent on keeping its menu of growth opportunities both lean and well-risen.
