MAM
Cannes Lions 2014: India grabs 6 Lions in PR & Direct
MUMBAI: It isn’t turning out to be a great show for Indian advertising agencies at the ongoing Cannes Lions 2014. While it has been a no show for India in Creative Effectiveness and Promo & Activation Lions, a few agencies have been able to get back some glory.
McCann Worldgroup has grabbed two Silver Lions for its campaign ‘Share My Dabba’ in the Direct category. This work was done for Happy Life Welfare with the help of Dabbawala Foundation. The campaign that aimed to feed street kids grabbed the attention of not only India’s Human Resource Minister but also inspired many other lunch services to take the initiative forward. All this was done through a ‘Share Sticker’. With this sticker the dabbawalas were alerted to dabbas that contained un-eaten food; they then shared these ‘marked’ dabbas with children in need.
British Airways’ ‘Magic of flying’ campaign bagged the Grand Pix in this category. The campaign was executed by OgilvyOne.
In the PR category O&M’s ‘Google Reunion’ campaign picked a Silver and Bronze Lion. This film which was first released on various digital platforms within 30 hours of release received over one million views on YouTube. In less than a week, the ad was the third most viral video on the internet. Currently, the film has over 50 million views across all digital platforms, leading to a 38 per cent increase in awareness for new search features.
According to the agency, the digital film earned 52 years (273, 34, 441 minutes) of free viewing time making it the most viewed and shared film in the history of Indian advertising.
The agency also picked up a Bronze Lion for its work done for Akanksha Foundation Schools.
The Grand Pix in this category was awarded to Creative Artists Agency Los Angeles for its campaign titled, ‘Chipotle Mexican Grill.’
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.
