MAM
DS Group’s Pulse Candy was recognised by IIMA as a case study in marketing excellence
Mumbai: Being a leader in the hard-boiled candy segment for the last eight years, Pulse Candy has captured millions of consumers’ taste buds. The IIMA case study examines the marketing strategies and strategic decisions that fueled Pulse Candy’s rise to prominence. It looks at how DS Group identified market needs, developed a unique product, and navigated various challenges to achieve success.
“We are deeply honoured by IIM Ahmedabad’s recognition of Pulse Candy as a case study,” said DS Group vice chairman Rajiv Kumar. “This acknowledgement highlights our team’s dedication and the product’s significant impact on the market. Our continuous focus on innovation and dedication to deliver what the consumer wants is what has helped us flourish and remain relevant since the last 95 years. We hope this case study serves as an inspiration to future marketers and entrepreneurs.”
IIM Ahmedabad prof Sanjay Verma said, “The inclusion of Pulse Candy in our case study series underscores the remarkable intersection of innovation and strategic acumen. Pulse Candy’s journey from a bold market entry to industry leadership is a testament to the power of creative marketing and strategic vision. This case study not only highlights DS Group’s ability to identify and capitalize on market opportunities but also provides invaluable insights for future business leaders. It is a compelling example of Culture Marketing and how well-executed strategies can redefine market dynamics and achieve unprecedented success.”
This three-part case study examines DS Group’s strategic entry into the competitive hard-boiled candy market. The FMCG giant’s transition into a sector dominated by established national and international players is explored in detail. The study analyzes the identified market opportunity and DS Group’s approach to product differentiation. It provides a comprehensive overview of market size, growth, segmentation, key competitors, and distribution channels.
The launch of Pulse Candy is the second part of the series and is highlighted as a turning point in the case study. By identifying a consumer preference for tangy raw mango, DS Group created a unique, premium candy. This innovative product, with its distinctive taste and packaging, rapidly gained popularity, surpassing competitors to become the market leader.
Pulse Candy’s success is further examined in terms of marketing strategies and challenges in the third series. Pulse Candy achieved Rs 1 billion in sales in eight months through BTL, digital, and influencer marketing. Despite counterfeits, copycats, and shortages, DS Group’s strategies maintained market dominance.
Brands
Summercool signs 10-episode Teen Taal podcast deal as presenting sponsor
Brand taps content-led marketing with seamless integrations on Aaj Tak show
NEW DELHI: Summercool Coolers has partnered with Teen Taal as the presenting sponsor for a 10-episode podcast series, marking its push into content-led marketing as brands increasingly look beyond traditional advertising formats.
The collaboration with Aaj Tak, part of the India Today Group, aims to tap into the growing influence of podcasts as high-attention platforms where audiences engage more deeply with content.
Instead of standard ad slots, the partnership leans on a content-first approach, with Summercool integrated directly into the show’s environment through studio branding, contextual mentions and visual cues. The idea is simple: be part of the conversation, not a break from it.
Early signs suggest the strategy is working. In the opening episode, the brand is woven into the discussion without interrupting the flow, offering a more natural recall compared to conventional advertising bursts.
Summercool Coolers director finance Abhishek Gupta said, “This partnership reflects our belief in engaging audiences where they are most attentive. By integrating naturally within a compelling storytelling format like Teen Taal, we are able to create authentic connections and drive organic engagement.”
Echoing this, India Today Group Digital CEO Salil Kumar said, “Podcasts today are not just content formats, they are high-attention environments. With Teen Taal, we’ve created a space where brands can participate in conversations, not interrupt them.”
Hosted by Kamlesh Singh, Kuldeep Mishra and Asif Khan, Teen Taal has built a loyal following for its mix of humour, satire and sharp takes on current affairs and everyday culture. That easy, conversational tone makes it a natural fit for brands seeking relevance without being overly intrusive.
With the first episode already live across platforms such as YouTube, Spotify and JioSaavn, the series offers a glimpse into how storytelling and subtle branding can go hand in hand. For Summercool, it is less about cooling the air and more about warming up to a new way of reaching audiences.
