MAM
ITC’s Fabelle debuts on Metaverse with a 3D wedding
Mumbai: With the new normal setting in, platforms like Metaverse are bringing people closer than ever before. ITC’s luxury chocolate brand Fabelle Exquisite Chocolates made its debut in Metaverse over this weekend.
Fabelle was an integral part of two weddings hosted on the Yug Metaverse and the TardiVerse (metaverse wedding partner – CoinSwitch Kuber) platforms.
In a ‘first-of-its-kind’ wedding event, the groom gifted the bride a metaverse version of Fabelle Trinity Truffles Extraordinaire. The brand further integrated a metaverse version of the Fabelle Chocolates cart, where guests could choose from an array of luxurious chocolates that would be delivered to their doorstep for a delightful experience even after the wedding. The elements of brand integration were conceptualised and deployed in association with Wavemaker India, agency partner of ITC.
“Metaverse is sure to elevate the bar of virtual gathering and meetings in the next few years, and we were one of the first off the block to transition to this platform. We are delighted to make our debut into the metaverse universe, and stand by our promise of delivering unparalleled experiences,” said ITC chocolates, confectionery, coffee, and new categories – food division chief operating officer Anuj Rustagi.
The couple- Abhijeet and Sansrati tied the knot on 5 February on a Made in India platform called Yug Metaverse. The digital avatars of the couple had their ceremony hosted on a scenic beachside venue where the guests also joined in via their digital avatars. The wedding on Saturday coincided with the physical event held in Bhopal.
“Marketing on Metaverse platform is the next wave in digital marketing,” said Wavemaker CEO- South Asia Ajay Gupte. “We have built an in-house team of experts to help our clients navigate better in this domain and find the right fit to associate with metaverse events. Metaverse is still at its nascent stage and offers us a huge opportunity to shape the platform that we really believe in. This is the future of consumer experience and we are all excited to ride this wave.”
Wavemaker India also crafted partnerships with Matrimony.com for the wedding. Talking about the 3D wedding, Matrimony.com chief marketing officer Arjun Bhatia said, “We feel excited about collaborating in a virtual world wedding experiment that opens up immense possibilities of engagement and immersion at YUG metaverse.”
Metaverse is a kind of virtual world where people can enter the digital world through virtual identity. In this virtual space, people also get a chance to hang out, shop, and meet friends. “Metaverse is a new concept and its adoption is still at an early stage worldwide. The team is excited to explore the possibilities that emerging technologies like metaverse, blockchain & cryptocurrency will open up in the future,” said Yug Metavers creator Utkarsh Shukla.
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.
