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
Dabur elevates Mohit Malhotra to global CEO, appoints Herjit Bhalla as India business CEO
Bhalla will report to Malhotra in his capacity as global CEO
GHAZIABAD: Dabur’s board of directors has approved a senior leadership restructuring, elevating Mohit Malhotra to the role of whole-time director and global chief executive officer with immediate effect.
In a regulatory filing on Tuesday, the company said Malhotra, who currently serves as whole-time director and chief executive officer, has been redesignated as global CEO from 17 February, 2026.
Separately, the board has approved the appointment of Herjit S Bhalla as chief executive officer – India business, placing him in the category of senior management personnel. His appointment will take effect from 15 April, 2026.
Bhalla will report to Malhotra in his capacity as global CEO.
Aged 49, Bhalla brings more than 25 years of commercial and general management experience across multiple geographies. He began his career at Unilever, where he spent 16 years in sales and marketing roles, including a stint as marketing director in Moscow between 2009 and 2012.
He later served as chief operating officer at Metro Cash & Carry, where he was also a member of the executive board. In 2018, Bhalla joined The Hershey Company as managing director for India and has since held global roles, including vice-president positions overseeing India, AEMEA, Canada and global customers.
