MAM
Beck’s Ice launches first India campaign with BBH
MUMBAI: Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev) – the leading global brewer has appointed BBH as the creative agency for its new brand Beck’s Ice. An integrated mandate, BBH will also be responsible for social media marketing.
Part of AB InBev family, Beck’s is renowned for its uncompromising quality by consumers in over 85 countries. With 100 per cent pure malt liquid that delivers a refreshing taste, Beck’s Ice is inspired by its German heritage from 1873 that is sure to appeal to unisex consumers.
The brand also launched its maiden campaign in the country this month. The campaign, conceptualised and executed by BBH, derives from the cultural insight that Indian millennials are constantly on the lookout for new experiences to escape the monotony and pressures of urban life. Beck’s Ice with its uncompromising quality offers just this – a world of pure & unmitigated fun that one can enjoy with friends.
AB InBev marketing director for India Kartikeya Sharma says, “We are glad to appoint BBH as our creative agency for Beck’s Ice in India. BBH had a thorough understanding of our market requirements giving us the confidence to award them the mandate. BBH partnered us in finding a unique positioning for the brand, which is much differentiated in its category and resonates with young millennials, our key TA. We are getting a good early response and we hope the momentum will carry forward with all creative assets going live.”
BBH chief creative officer and managing partner Russell Barrett adds, “Working on Beck’s Ice has been an exciting journey. From the way we were briefed (at a golf course) to the very first presentation, the entire process has been wildly exciting. The creative team, led by Sapna and Yohan, along with Akash Bhatia, the director, have created a beautiful film that makes you feel the tension of everyday life and the release that a break in the mountains brings. The film exhorts you to escape the everyday, to the purity, of the mountains where time and stresses are put in their place. You can’t help but agree with that message.”
Brands
Jubilant FoodWorks faces Rs 47.5 crore GST demand, plans appeal
Tax authorities flag alleged misclassification of restaurant services
MUMBAI: Jubilant FoodWorks Limited has landed in a tax tussle after receiving a GST demand of Rs 47.5 crore from the office of the additional commissioner of CGST and central excise in Thane, Maharashtra.
The order, issued under the provisions of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, relates to an alleged incorrect classification of certain services under the category of restaurant services. According to the tax authorities, this classification resulted in a short payment of goods and services tax for the period between the financial years 2019-20 and 2021-22.
The demand includes Rs 47.5 crore in GST along with an equal amount as penalty, in addition to applicable interest. The order was received by the company on March 13, 2026.
In a regulatory filing to the BSE Limited and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited, the company said it disagrees with the order and believes its arguments were not adequately considered.
The company is preparing to challenge the decision and plans to file an appeal. It added that once the redressal process is complete, the demand is likely to be dropped.
Despite the sizeable figure attached to the notice, the company said it does not expect any material impact on its financials, operations or other activities.
The disclosure was signed by Suman Hegde, EVP and chief financial officer, who confirmed that the company received the order at 19:06 IST on March 13 and has already initiated steps to contest it.
The development places the quick service restaurant major in the middle of a tax debate that could hinge on how certain restaurant-linked services are classified under GST rules. For now, the company appears ready to take the matter from the tax office to the appeals desk.
