Brands
Asian Paints damp proof shields Old Trafford pitch
MUMBAI – In a unique activation, Asian Paints Damp Proof – India’s leading waterproofing solution has branded the cricket rain pitch cover at Old Trafford stadium during the recent India vs. England Test match. This crucial rain shield, which protects the cricket pitch from sudden downpours and ensures minimal game delays, became a powerful symbol of Asian Paints Damp Proof’s leadership in waterproofing, much like how the brand protects millions of Indian homes from water damage.
Partnering with FCB Kinnect, Asian Paints brilliantly leveraged cricket’s rain delays, a cultural moment followed intensely across India, to demonstrate the brand’s promise of protection.
Cricket in India is more than just a sport, it’s a shared passion that unites over a billion people. Yet, rain delays often bring matches to a halt, creating moments of tension and anticipation that dominate conversations nationwide. By owning the stadium’s rain pitch cover, Asian Paints Damp Proof turned these rain interruptions into a live demonstration of its expertise, protecting the very heart of the game – the pitch.
Asian Paints MD & CEO Amit Syngle said, “Cricket is deeply loved in India, and when rain interrupts a match, it creates a moment everyone talks about. As India’s leading waterproofing solutions brand, we leveraged this moment to demonstrate our expertise where it truly counts. By integration on the cricket rain pitch cover, we reinforced our promise of protection in the most impactful way.”
FCB Kinnect CEO Rohan Mehta added, “Brand leaders lead conversations, rather than join them. We saw the rain interruption and turned it into a moment of brand truth, and it became a real-time demonstration of the brand’s promise. At FCB Kinnect, this is the kind of creative integration we thrive on – culturally resonant and undeniably effective.”
Neville Shah, CCO, FCB Kinnect, said, “Rain is truly frustrating when it comes to cricket. Covering the pitch to keep it dry, has always been a part of the sport. Spotting the media opportunity with a seamless connection to our core proposition is what makes the idea truly stand out. It’s not just ANY sponsorship. It’s relevant.”
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Brands
Jubilant Foodworks to end Dunkin’ franchise in India
Pizza chain operator will not renew agreement when it expires at end of 2026.
MUMBAI: When the doughnuts stop turning and the coffee goes cold, even a global giant like Dunkin’ can find the Indian market a tough brew to crack. Jubilant Foodworks has decided not to renew its franchise agreement with Dunkin’ when the pact expires on 31 December 2026, according to a Reuters report. The operator, best known for running Domino’s outlets in India, said it would evaluate options for its existing Dunkin’ stores, including a potential sale or transfer of franchise rights, in consultation with the US-based brand.
The decision follows years of underperformance in a market where local tastes and intense competition have made it difficult for international coffee-and-doughnut formats to gain traction. Jubilant, which has increasingly focused on its core pizza business and newer bets like Popeyes, indicated that the exit would not materially affect its financial or operational position.
Dunkin’ accounted for just 0.61 per cent of Jubilant’s revenue in the fiscal year ending 2025 and recorded a loss of approximately Rs 191 million, according to a regulatory filing. The company operated 27 outlets as of December 2025, having shuttered seven stores over the preceding year.
The retreat comes even as Jubilant’s broader business shows signs of momentum. The company reported a 65 per cent rise in quarterly profit for the October to December period, reaching Rs 70.9 crore, up from Rs 42.91 crore a year earlier.
For Jubilant, the exit reflects a sharpening strategic focus. For Dunkin’, it marks another setback in a market that has proven resistant to imported café concepts without significant localisation.
In the cut-throat world of Indian quick-service restaurants, sometimes the sweetest deals are the ones you quietly walk away from leaving more room for the brands that truly rise to the occasion.
