MAM
Candyman turns kids into storybook stars with ‘Once Upon a Time’
MUMBAI: Bedtime stories just got a sugar rush. ITC Candyman, the confectionery brand known for its vibrant flavours and cheeky charm, has launched a new initiative ‘once upon a time by Candyman’ that turns children into the heroes of their very own storybooks.
In a world where digital distractions often steal reading time, the brand is reimagining storytelling as a personalised, interactive experience for families. Parents can now log onto the Candymanclub website, pick from a range of whimsical tales, and with just a few clicks seamlessly weave their child’s name and photograph into the storyline. The result? A printed or digital book where the child doesn’t just read the adventure, they live it.
The stories, brimming with mischief, magic, and epic little quests, are designed to keep young readers engaged on every page. The idea is simple but powerful: instead of watching others play the hero, children see themselves centre stage.
“With Once Upon a Time by Candyman, our goal is to spark kids’ imagination and make reading a delightful family ritual,” said ITC Limited vice president and head of marketing for chocolates, coffee and confectionery, foods division Anuj Bansal. “When children see themselves as the heroes of their own adventures, it builds confidence, joy, and memories that last.”
The platform is secure, easy-to-use, and family-friendly, blending creativity with digital innovation. Parents can personalise multiple stories, creating keepsakes that combine entertainment with bonding.
For Candyman, a brand rooted in fun and flavour, this initiative is more than playful mischief, it’s about making reading irresistible in the swipe-and-scroll age. By giving children the spotlight in their own tales, the brand is not just sweetening storytime but fostering a love of storytelling that could last well beyond childhood.
Brands
Nykaa eyes majority stake in Deepika Padukone’s 82°E brand
Deal could help scale premium label as Nykaa sharpens its beauty play
MUMBAI: Nykaa is in advanced discussions to acquire a majority stake in 82°E, the premium skincare label founded by Deepika Padukone, according to media reports.
The proposed deal signals Nykaa’s intent to deepen its House of Nykaa portfolio while giving 82°E the scale it has struggled to achieve independently. Padukone is expected to retain a minority stake if the transaction goes through.
For Nykaa, the play is both strategic and timely. With a customer base of over 42 million, the company is betting on its strong distribution, logistics, and repeat purchase ecosystem to revive the brand’s momentum. The two sides already share a working relationship, with Padukone serving as Nykaa’s global brand ambassador since September 2025.
Launched in late 2022, 82°E entered the market with a premium positioning but has faced headwinds. The brand reported revenue of Rs 14.7 crore in FY25, down 30 per cent year on year, alongside losses of Rs 12.26 crore. Industry observers have pointed to steep pricing, a somewhat diffused brand identity, and intense competition from digital-first labels as key challenges.
The potential acquisition also reflects a broader shift in India’s beauty and lifestyle space, where celebrity-led brands are increasingly partnering with larger corporates to unlock scale. Alia Bhatt’s Ed-a-Mamma, for instance, sold a majority stake to Reliance Retail, while Katrina Kaif’s Kay Beauty has emerged as a standout success within Nykaa’s portfolio, clocking Rs 132.4 crore in FY25 revenue.
Nykaa itself has been on a strong growth trajectory. Its parent, FSN E-Commerce Ventures, reported a 156 per cent jump in net profit to Rs 68 crore in the December 2025 quarter, with revenue reaching Rs 2,873 crore.
Nykaa has been steadily building its portfolio through acquisitions such as Dot & Key, Earth Rhythm and Nudge Wellness, signalling a clear push to own and scale homegrown brands.
If the 82°E deal materialises, it could mark a fresh chapter for the label, blending celebrity appeal with corporate muscle. For Nykaa, it is another calculated step in staying ahead in an increasingly crowded beauty aisle.
