Brands
Kingfisher Smooth flows into Karnataka’s strong beer market
MUMBAI: Strong beer is getting a softer edge. United Breweries Limited has rolled out Kingfisher Smooth in Karnataka, signalling a calculated push to widen Kingfisher’s footprint in India’s mainstream strong beer segment.
The launch targets one of the country’s largest and most influential beer markets. Karnataka, led by Bengaluru’s urban consumption and well-entrenched beer culture, offers the scale and visibility needed for a brand looking to grow beyond a single-state success. The move follows encouraging early consumer response to Kingfisher Smooth in Rajasthan.
Positioned for younger legal-age drinkers, Kingfisher Smooth is designed to bridge a familiar gap in the category: strength without the harshness. Brewed with imported hops and no added sugar, the beer aims to deliver a cleaner, smoother profile while retaining the punch expected by strong beer consumers.
United Breweries sees the variant as a strategic addition rather than a replacement. Kingfisher Strong continues as the flagship full-bodied offering, while Smooth expands choice within the brand’s core portfolio, reflecting changing consumer preferences and drinking occasions.
In Karnataka, Kingfisher Smooth will be available across leading retail outlets. Pricing has been set at Rs 100 for a 330 ml can, Rs 120 for a 330 ml bottle, Rs 155 for a 500 ml can, and Rs 200 for a 650 ml bottle.
With this rollout, UBL is betting that in a market long dominated by bold flavours, a smoother strong beer can still make enough noise to be noticed.
Brands
Malaika Arora launches Maejoy accessories brand with Myntra partnership
New label debuts with 250 plus handbags and lab grown diamond jewellery.
MUMBAI: When style meets sparkle, a new brand is ready to take centre stage. Actor and entrepreneur Malaika Arora has launched a lifestyle accessories label called Maejoy, developed in collaboration with Exceed Entertainment and Myntra Jabong India Private Limited (MJIPL), the B2B wholesale arm of Myntra. The brand enters the market with a debut collection of more than 250 styles spanning handbags and lab grown diamond jewellery, two categories that continue to define everyday personal style for modern consumers.
The handbag lineup includes crossbody bags, structured shoulder bags, bucket bags, totes, backpacks, clutches and workwear inspired designs. The pieces are crafted using materials such as synthetic leather, raffia, braids, satin, rhinestones and metallic finishes.
Alongside the bags, Maejoy has introduced a jewellery range featuring lab grown diamond rings, earrings, pendants, bracelets and tennis bracelets. The pieces are set in 925 sterling silver bases with gold, silver and rose gold tones, and include diamonds certified by IGI and GCI.
Positioned as a premium yet accessible accessories label, Maejoy is built around the philosophy “The Joy of Being Me”, aiming to blend aspirational fashion with everyday usability. The brand’s positioning centres on three pillars: authenticity, empowerment and accessibility.
Arora described the venture as a natural extension of her long association with fashion and personal style.
“Maejoy is a labour of love. Throughout my career, whether on screen, in business or through personal style, I have always believed fashion should feel empowering yet effortless. The Joy of Being Me celebrates individuality while making global fashion trends more accessible,” she said.
MJIPL, CXO and head of house of brands Suman Saha said the brand brings together Arora’s style perspective with a strong opportunity in the accessible premium accessories segment.
“Maejoy combines Malaika Arora’s distinctive style sensibility with fashion forward designs that we believe will resonate strongly with consumers looking for elevated yet wearable accessories,” he said.
Exceed Entertainment CEO Afsar Zaidi added that building celebrity led brands requires balancing authenticity with market viability.
“Malaika commands respect both as a fashion icon and a businesswoman. Bringing her creative vision together with Myntra’s brand building expertise creates a strong foundation for Maejoy,” he said.
The collection is available exclusively on Myntra through its website and mobile app, making the brand accessible to millions of shoppers across India as it steps into the competitive lifestyle accessories space.
