Brands
Heineken introduces Star Can
MUMBAI: Heineken, the world’s No.1 international premium beer announced the launch of the STAR CAN in India, coinciding with the global roll-outof the new modern and progressive STAR CAN design which conveys sophisticated simplicity. In India, Heineken is currently available in 650ml and 330ml bottlesand the latest500ml aluminum STAR CAN, which expands the brand offering in India, is expected to attract new consumers and cater to more consumption occasions.
Commenting on the launch, Samar Singh Sheikhawat – Senior Vice-President, Marketing, United Breweries Limited said, “Heineken STAR CAN will be launched in a phased manner, beginning with Daman, Goa, Delhi, Pondicherry & Bangalore, followed by other key consumption markets like Mumbai, Kolkata, Chandigarh, Haryana, UP and Punjab. Cans will help increase the sales of Heineken and we expect the overall brand to grow organically by over 50% this year. We hope to extend the drinking experience to more drinking occasions and reach out to new consumers.”
The STAR CAN has been designed by the Heineken Design team in collaboration with Amsterdam-based packaging design agency DBOD over the last two years, exploring multiple routes and iterations, with a focus on details aided by consumer feedback and insights.
Commenting on the STAR CAN, Mark van Iterson, Manager – Heineken Global Design & Concept said, “The packaging design of Heineken must always stay true to its core values, it must be progressive and iconic and it must be clearly recognizable on the retailers’ shelf. The visibility of the aluminum on the STAR CAN creates a fresh, masculine look with an open character. Bare aluminum looks very fresh and thirst-quenching when you take the can out of the fridge. The red star is one of our most important visual symbols and has always been part of the brand identity. We’ve made it larger and more visible so it really stands out to consumers.”
Heineken has been targeting the globe-trotting, James Bond-inspired demographic through its various initiatives and the new can plays into the image. Packaging is a vital element of the overall brand experience as it is the most tangible point of contact between a brand and consumers. With Heineken already strengthening its foothold in the super-premium beer market in India, the introduction of the STAR CAN to the existing distribution network will also bring in global consistency.
The Heineken Star Can will be available in the 500ml size and will be priced at Rs. 120/- in Maharashtra & Bangalore. The can is priced at Rs 100/- and Rs 70/- in Delhi & Goa respectively.
Brands
Tata Communications named Gartner WAN Leader for 13th consecutive year
AI-driven network upgrades and global expansion keep telecom major ahead
MUMBAI: Tata Communications has once again secured its place among the top global network providers, earning a Leader position in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Global WAN Services 2026 for the thirteenth year running.
The recognition from Gartner highlights the company’s consistent performance in both strategic vision and execution, a rare feat in a fast-evolving connectivity landscape.
Over the past year, Tata Communications has doubled down on building what it calls a more intelligent and flexible network fabric. In simpler terms, this means networks that can adapt on demand, powered by artificial intelligence and analytics, to support businesses operating across geographies and industries.
The company has expanded its network-on-demand offerings, allowing enterprises to scale connectivity more easily across data centres and multiple cloud environments. It has also invested in next-generation fibre infrastructure and high-capacity 800G wavelength services to keep pace with the growing demands of AI-led cloud ecosystems.
Global reach remains a key focus. Tata Communications has extended its footprint through partner points of presence, enabling quicker deployment in new markets while strengthening last-mile connectivity through local collaborations.
Security, too, is getting a significant upgrade. The company has enhanced its Secure Access Service Edge capabilities to tackle emerging AI-driven cyber risks, including unauthorised data transfers. Looking ahead, it is also preparing to roll out quantum-safe encryption services based on post-quantum cryptography standards, aiming to future-proof enterprise data against both classical and next-generation threats.
Speaking on the milestone, Tata Communications executive vice president, core and next-gen connectivity services and chief technology officer Genius Wong said, “We are honoured to be recognised for the 13th consecutive year and deeply appreciate the continued trust our customers place in us. At Tata Communications, we will continue to transform our solutions so enterprises can build resilient, high-performance and intelligent digital foundations. With our future-ready, resilient and intelligent network fabric, enterprises can scale with confidence and thrive in an AI-powered future world.”
While industry rankings often come and go, a 13-year streak suggests more than just consistency. For Tata Communications, it signals a steady grip on a rapidly shifting global connectivity market and a clear ambition to stay ahead of the curve.
