MAM
Dentsu wins a part of MRF’s advertising duties
MUMBAI: Dentsu Communications has won a part of the creative mandate of MRF. The account was won after a robust multi agency pitch process. Dentsu’s Communication executive creative director Ashwin Parthiban and national business head Suresh Mohankumar will lead the business.
 |
 |
|---|
| Dentsu Communications will be creating newer aspects of the brand for consumers to see it in a new light altogether |
On winning the prestigious account Dentsu India Group executive chairman Rohit Ohri said, “We’re delighted with this opportunity to partner MRF in India. It’s not just a dream come true for us, but also an opportunity to rapidly scale up our operation in Chennai. Dentsu Communications and Dentsu Media will be working together to provide integrated communication solutions on the business.”
Dentsu Communications will be creating newer aspects of the brand for consumers to see it in a new light altogether.
Commenting on bringing onboard Dentsu Communications as a creative partner, MRF executive vice president – marketing Koshy Varghese said, “At MRF we are looking at further consolidating our leadership position. We have plans to unveil new aspects of our brand to consumers. In this context we needed a partner who has an understanding of the automotive segment, and is in a position to work closely with us to fulfill our objectives. Currently Dentsu Communications meet this requirement of ours.”
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.
