MAM
ITC and Britannia resolve packaging feud
Mumbai: FMCG majors Britannia and ITC have reached a resolution over the nine-month long case in which the former had dragged ITC to the Delhi high court alleging infringement of product packaging.
The judgement, dated 4 August, considered the matter resolved after ITC changed the packaging (pillow and box) scheme for its ‘Sunfeast Farmlite 5-Seed Digestive’ and ‘Sunfeast Farmlite Veda Digestive’ biscuits which was challenged by Britannia Industries in December, last year as being “deceptively similar” to that of its NutriChoice Digestive biscuit brand.
“The respondents have modified the packaging of their products ‘Sunfeast Farmlite 5-Seed Digestive’ and ‘Sunfeast Farmlite Veda Digestive’ which are already in the market. The Appellant has no objection to the use of the modified packaging of the Respondents as depicted hereinabove,” the judgement read.
In view of the above settlement, Britannia Industries has withdrawn all claims for rendition of accounts, damages, and costs.
Hearing the matter in April, a single judge bench of the Delhi high court had ruled that the impugned packaging cannot be called “deceptively similar” because in both the cases the name of the product is abundantly clear. Britannia appealed against the judgement on the grounds that ITC’s promotion of April order is causing harm to its goodwill. “It is averred that the impugned judgment is being publicised heavily and is therefore causing immense harm and injury leading to loss of goodwill and reputation of the appellant,” it said.
Responding to Britannia’s appeal in an order dated 8 July, the Delhi high court had asked the two parties to reach a consensus on the matter within four weeks.
MAM
HUL appoints Pavan Bedi as CMO for Foods business
Veteran marketer with 22-plus years at Unilever takes charge of foods portfolio in Mumbai.
MUMBAI: HUL’s foods division just got a seasoned flavour boost because when it comes to seasoning success, Pavan Bedi knows exactly how to stir the pot. Hindustan Unilever (HUL) has elevated long-time leader Pavan Bedi to chief marketing officer for its Foods business, the company confirmed on 23 February 2026. Bedi, who has spent over 22 years with the FMCG giant, shared the news himself on LinkedIn, writing: “I’m delighted to share that I will be stepping into a new role as CMO Foods, HUL”.
Before this Mumbai-based appointment, Bedi served as global brand vice president for more than four years. His career is dotted with high-impact global roles: he was global brand director for Pond’s (based in Singapore), driving innovation across South Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, led the high-profile rebranding of Fair & Lovely to Glow & Lovely as global brand director; and spent six years shaping Lifebuoy’s “Purpose agenda” and “Social Mission”, forging public-private partnerships with the United Nations and other platforms.
Now overseeing HUL’s sprawling foods lineup from staples to snacks and everything in between Bedi steps into one of the company’s most dynamic verticals at a time when consumer tastes are evolving fast. His track record blending global scale, brand transformation, and purpose-led marketing makes him a natural fit for steering strategic growth and creative campaigns in the category.
In his LinkedIn post, Bedi underscored his enduring commitment to Unilever’s vision, framing the move as another chapter in a career built on long-term impact rather than quick wins.
For an organisation that thrives on trusted, household names, Bedi’s elevation is less a surprise and more a reminder, the best recipes for growth often come from ingredients that have been simmering for over two decades. Whether it’s rebranding icons or building purpose at scale, he’s now tasked with making sure HUL’s foods business stays as appetising tomorrow as it is today.
