MAM
Starcom bags media mandate for Vadilal Group
Mumbai: Ice cream brand Vadilal Group has awarded its media business to Publicis Groupe’s Starcom, a human experience company. The pitch process managed over five weeks was clinched by Starcom which demonstrated its advantage in proprietary multi-channel planning tools, rich analytics and tech capability, said the statement.
As part of the mandate, Starcom will manage Vadilal’s media, strategy, planning, buying, negotiation and implementation for TV, digital, influencer and content initiatives. “The scope of work is future-forward with Vadilal looking to strengthen its presence not only in general trade but also modern trade, e-commerce and on-demand delivery,” the company said.
“We are delighted to have the opportunity to collaborate with Vadilal Ice Creams (Vadilal Enterprises) a consumer favorite across generations due to their quality and range of flavours,” remarked Starcom India COO Niti Kumar.
“We are a planning focused agency with data and tech at the heart of our products. With our record in delivering efficient and impactful media actions, Starcom will contribute to Vadilal’s growth plans in a world of new consumer realities.”
“At Vadilal, we wanted to bring more accountability and scientific approach to media investments. Our just concluded pitch process demanded extensive detailing and process alignment. We selected Starcom as our media partner after evaluating all media agencies and their offering, in line with Vadilal’s business requirements,” commented Vadilal Ice-Creams brand director Aakanksha Gandhi. “Starcom is a renowned integrated media agency and one of the best in their field. It would be a pleasure to onboard them and looking forward to working with them with further new age media innovations and avenues,” she added.
Brands
Zelio E-Mobility ties up with Punjab Kings as official EV partner for 2026
Cricket debut partnership to boost brand reach and spotlight EV models
MUMBAI: Zelio E-Mobility has partnered with Punjab Kings as its official EV partner for the 2026 season, marking the brand’s first foray into cricket-led marketing as it looks to accelerate its national footprint.
The partnership will see Zelio leverage one of India’s most-watched sporting platforms through branding, digital integrations and in-stadia activations across the season. The company’s flagship models, XMen 2.0 and the newly launched XMen+, will be showcased by the franchise, placing them at the centre of fan engagement initiatives.
For Zelio, the tie-up is as much about visibility as it is about scale. With cricket cutting across regions and demographics, the brand is aiming to deepen its connect with consumers in Tier 2 and emerging markets, where demand for electric mobility is steadily rising.
Commenting on the association, Zelio E-Mobility managing director Kunal Arya said, “Cricket continues to be one of the most powerful platforms to connect with audiences across India. Our association with Punjab Kings allows us to engage with a wide consumer base while strengthening Zelio’s brand presence in a culturally relevant environment.” He added that such partnerships help align brand visibility with the company’s growth momentum.
Echoing the sentiment, Punjab Kings chief commercial officer Saurabh Arora said, “We are delighted to welcome Zelio Electric Scooters as our official EV partner. This partnership reflects the growing synergy between sport and sustainable innovation.” He noted that the collaboration aims to drive meaningful fan engagement while supporting the broader shift towards clean mobility.
The partnership comes on the back of Zelio’s recent public market debut, where it raised Rs 78.34 crore through its IPO, with participation from both institutional and retail investors.
With a dealer network spanning over 350 outlets across more than 20 states and union territories, Zelio serves a growing base of electric mobility users across two- and three-wheeler segments.
As the EV race gathers pace in India, Zelio’s cricket pitch debut signals a clear play for mindshare, blending sport, sustainability and scale to power its next phase of growth.
