Brands
McDonald’s India launches multi-millet bun with Chef Sanjeev Kapoor
Mumbai: McDonald’s India (West & South), operated by Westlife Foodworld has introduced its first multi-millet bun in collaboration with CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) during national nutrition week. McDonald’s also partnered with Chef Sanjeev Kapoor to highlight the brand’s focus on nutritious menu options.
The multi-millet bun, made with Bajra, Ragi, Jowar, Proso, and Kodo, allows customers to enjoy their favorite burgers like McAloo Tikki and McSpicy Paneer with added nutritional value. These millets, sourced from states across India, reinforce McDonald’s commitment to local and sustainable sourcing.
The launch is supported by a brand film, conceptualised by DDB Mudra, featuring Chef Sanjeev Kapoor, an advocate of millet-based cuisine. The film features Chef Sanjeev Kapoor surprising customers by suggesting improvements to their burgers. He introduces the multi-millet bun, highlighting its benefits and the collaboration with CSIR-CFTRI, supported by the ministry of science and technology. Kapoor’s advocacy for millets further strengthens the campaign’s message of healthier eating.
Chef Sanjeev Kapoor said, “I am excited to be a part of this unique and thoughtful initiative by McDonald’s India to launch the Multi-Millet Bun. As someone who has been passionate about promoting the goodness of millets, I was captivated to see McDonald’s India embarked on a journey to provide more nutritional and mindful eating choices to its customers.”
McDonald’s India (W&S) CMO Arvind R.P. said, “The introduction of the Multi-Millet Bun, developed in collaboration with the esteemed CSIR-CFTRI, is a testament to our constant endeavour towards offering mindful choices through various menu innovations. We are also pleased to extend our collaboration with Chef Sanjeev Kapoor, whose trusted culinary expertise and unwavering advocacy for millets in India make him the perfect fit to endorse our new Multi-Millet Bun. This strategic combination of traditional superfoods with modern food sciences results in a delicious and nutritious addition to our customers’ favourite burgers. We believe that our fans will relish and appreciate this innovative menu item.”
DDB Mudra Group group creative directors Gagandeep Bindra and Rahul Arcot said, “Millet buns is one of McDonald’s tastiest and most nutritious addition to an ever-growing menu packed with goodness. But something about Millet Buns doesn’t scream excitement for Gen-Z. Because most of them don’t even realize that they’ve been devouring Millets in various forms for years. Thanks to a certain Mr. Kapoor, who besides being one of India’s most trusted culinary voices, also runs an entire channel dedicated to creating wholesome Millet Cuisines with MilletKhazana. We believe he’s the perfect spokesperson for our latest offering, connecting with our audience across India in his inimitable style.”
The new multi-millet bun offers essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber while maintaining McDonald’s signature taste and quality. Customers can now enjoy these nutritious buns at McDonald’s outlets in West and South India, through Drive-Thru, or via the McDelivery App.
Brands
Summercool signs 10-episode Teen Taal podcast deal as presenting sponsor
Brand taps content-led marketing with seamless integrations on Aaj Tak show
NEW DELHI: Summercool Coolers has partnered with Teen Taal as the presenting sponsor for a 10-episode podcast series, marking its push into content-led marketing as brands increasingly look beyond traditional advertising formats.
The collaboration with Aaj Tak, part of the India Today Group, aims to tap into the growing influence of podcasts as high-attention platforms where audiences engage more deeply with content.
Instead of standard ad slots, the partnership leans on a content-first approach, with Summercool integrated directly into the show’s environment through studio branding, contextual mentions and visual cues. The idea is simple: be part of the conversation, not a break from it.
Early signs suggest the strategy is working. In the opening episode, the brand is woven into the discussion without interrupting the flow, offering a more natural recall compared to conventional advertising bursts.
Summercool Coolers director finance Abhishek Gupta said, “This partnership reflects our belief in engaging audiences where they are most attentive. By integrating naturally within a compelling storytelling format like Teen Taal, we are able to create authentic connections and drive organic engagement.”
Echoing this, India Today Group Digital CEO Salil Kumar said, “Podcasts today are not just content formats, they are high-attention environments. With Teen Taal, we’ve created a space where brands can participate in conversations, not interrupt them.”
Hosted by Kamlesh Singh, Kuldeep Mishra and Asif Khan, Teen Taal has built a loyal following for its mix of humour, satire and sharp takes on current affairs and everyday culture. That easy, conversational tone makes it a natural fit for brands seeking relevance without being overly intrusive.
With the first episode already live across platforms such as YouTube, Spotify and JioSaavn, the series offers a glimpse into how storytelling and subtle branding can go hand in hand. For Summercool, it is less about cooling the air and more about warming up to a new way of reaching audiences.
