MAM
‘Barista-Star World Absolutely Everyday Contest’ announced
MUMBAI: The contest season has begun once again. While most of the mainstream channels are cashing in on the World Cup, a few have dared to go against the tide. The latest in the offering is the Barista – Star World Absolutely Everyday contest, launched in a bid to leverage co-marketing opportunities and strategic alliances.
Barista Coffee, South Asia’s largest retailer of fine coffees has tied up with Star World to launch the contest which promises its winners some exciting prizes like a trip to Bangkok, Swatch gold finger watches, Welcome holidays from ITC Hotels and a set of Bose speakers.
The contest requires participants to avail a Barista – ‘Star World Absolutely Everyday’ card by drinking Barista coffee which also entitles the holder to a complimentary beverage after consuming four beverages. In order to enter the contest card holders need to answer a simple question based on Star World, states a press release.
” For both Star World and Barista , the brand fit is perfect-young, aspirational and happening. We hope the new tie up will go a long way in further establishing the two brands”, Star India COO Sameer Nair is quoted as saying in the release.
Last month a similar tie up had been announced between B4U and Cafe Coffee Day.
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MAM
HUL appoints Pavan Bedi as CMO for Foods business
Veteran marketer with 22-plus years at Unilever takes charge of foods portfolio in Mumbai.
MUMBAI: HUL’s foods division just got a seasoned flavour boost because when it comes to seasoning success, Pavan Bedi knows exactly how to stir the pot. Hindustan Unilever (HUL) has elevated long-time leader Pavan Bedi to chief marketing officer for its Foods business, the company confirmed on 23 February 2026. Bedi, who has spent over 22 years with the FMCG giant, shared the news himself on LinkedIn, writing: “I’m delighted to share that I will be stepping into a new role as CMO Foods, HUL”.
Before this Mumbai-based appointment, Bedi served as global brand vice president for more than four years. His career is dotted with high-impact global roles: he was global brand director for Pond’s (based in Singapore), driving innovation across South Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, led the high-profile rebranding of Fair & Lovely to Glow & Lovely as global brand director; and spent six years shaping Lifebuoy’s “Purpose agenda” and “Social Mission”, forging public-private partnerships with the United Nations and other platforms.
Now overseeing HUL’s sprawling foods lineup from staples to snacks and everything in between Bedi steps into one of the company’s most dynamic verticals at a time when consumer tastes are evolving fast. His track record blending global scale, brand transformation, and purpose-led marketing makes him a natural fit for steering strategic growth and creative campaigns in the category.
In his LinkedIn post, Bedi underscored his enduring commitment to Unilever’s vision, framing the move as another chapter in a career built on long-term impact rather than quick wins.
For an organisation that thrives on trusted, household names, Bedi’s elevation is less a surprise and more a reminder, the best recipes for growth often come from ingredients that have been simmering for over two decades. Whether it’s rebranding icons or building purpose at scale, he’s now tasked with making sure HUL’s foods business stays as appetising tomorrow as it is today.
