MAM
Ferrero India, Discovery Channel launch Kinder Joy’s ‘Natoons’ collection
Mumbai: The confectionery brand of Ferrero, Kinder Joy (manufacturers of sweet-packaged products) has announced its portfolio expansion in India with the launch of Kinder Joy ‘Natoons’ emphasising the purpose of ‘Learning about Animals’ for kids.
With an aim to strengthen its purpose, Kinder Joy has joined hands with Discovery Channel, a brand with a strong commitment to conservation and protection of wildlife. The collection will showcase life-like toy figures of animals such as moorish idol, whale, killer whale, tortoise, macaw yellow, macaw blue, toucan, turtle, porcupine, armadillo, seal, and basilisk.
Backed by an integrated marketing approach & bespoke content from Discovery’s vast library of content, the partnership will be promoted through multiple touchpoints across both partners’ platforms that immerse consumers in the world of animals. Discovery branded Kinder Joy ‘Natoons’ will be available in India and supported by a consumer engagement program that will highlight the promotion’s key values. To ensure consumer participation, contests will also be hosted to deliver a compelling and an enriching experience to kids.
Additionally, ‘Natoons’ will also be a part of the phygital experience through the AR feature on the free-for-all ‘Applaydu’ app, developed by Kinder. Specifically, designed Natoons POS (point of sale) material will be visible at retail outlets to create awareness and drive penetration. The Applaydu app QR code on the POS material will additionally assist in driving digital integration, allowing shoppers to bring the toys to life in store and generate excitement at the point of purchase.
Speaking on the occasion, Ferrero regional marketing manager Indian subcontinent – Kinder Brands Amedeo Aragona said, “Playtime is vital to children’s growth and development, and we understand that children learn through play. The new ‘Natoons’ range is another step in nurturing their imagination & creativity and is designed to deliver learning opportunities through fun, engaging content. We truly believe that the ‘Applaydu’ app’s augmented reality feature will bring the Natoons collection to life and further enhance the learning experience.”
Sharing his thoughts on the association, Warner Bros. Discovery SVP – international consumer products Ian Woods said, “We are thrilled to partner with Kinder Joy to provide families across India with an exciting collaboration spanning across multiple touchpoints. Working closely with our local marketing & content production teams we are thrilled to be bringing new experiences to our audiences that not only enlighten but also leave them inspired to learn more. Our partnership with Ferrero really allows kids to learn more about their local wildlife and make them aware of the world around them.”
Kinder Joy ‘Natoons’ has been introduced pan India and is priced at Rs 45. It will be available across all leading retail outlets, including modern trade and traditional stores pan India. Along with this, consumers will be able to buy the product on e-commerce platforms.
With Kinder Joy ‘Natoons,’ the company is taking a step forward towards strengthening its presence in the Indian market, which is driven by the trust and love of consumers for Kinder products. Kinder Joy ‘Natoons’ is manufactured at the State-of-the-Art factory situated at Baramati, Pune.
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.
