Brands
Yu-Gi-Oh! trades cards for cans with fizzy new flavour twist
MUMBAI: Yu-Gi-Oh!, the anime titan that launched a thousand trading cards (and schoolyard duels), is bubbling into a whole new game — sparkling water. In a move that’s both fizzy and fandom-fuelled, Taiwanese drinks maker YHB Biotech is teaming up with Konami Cross Media NY to release a line of anime-themed sparkling waters under its Ocean Bomb label.
The character-clad cans — starring fan favourites from Yu-Gi-Oh!’s legendary universe — will hit shelves in Q2 of 2025, with distribution slated across north and south America, the EU and the UK. The drinks are caffeine-free, kid-friendly and bursting with fruity flavours designed to quench thirst and nostalgia in equal measure.
“Just when Yu-Gi-Oh! fans think they’ve seen it all, we’re excited to open our phenomenal anime property to the specialty beverage product category for the first time,” quipped Konami Cross Media NY vice president of licensing and marketing Jennifer Coleman. “YHB’s Ocean Bomb canned sparkling flavored waters will be sold through specialty stores focused on the food and beverage category.”
Ocean Bomb isn’t new to the anime aisle. With previous pop-culture pours starring Sailor Moon and Dragon Ball Super, it’s a seasoned player in the kawaii drinks market.
YHB Biotech executive En En added: “Yu-Gi-Oh!’s dominance in the global marketplace for over 25 years will be a tremendous boost in bolstering consumer awareness and introducing the Ocean Bomb product line to new markets throughout the Americas, Europe and the UK. It’s a wonderful partnership and growth opportunity for both Ocean Bomb and Yu-Gi-Oh! “
Whether you’re duelling monsters or dodging deadlines, these cans promise to be the ultimate refreshment — no trap card required.
Brands
Hyundai India posts record April sales with 17-per cent growth
Domestic sales hit 51,902 units, exports stand at 13,708 units
MUMBAI: Hyundai is clearly shifting gears and April has put the pedal firmly to the metal. Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) has reported its highest-ever domestic sales for the month of April, clocking 51,902 units in April 2026, marking a 17 per cent year-on-year growth. The milestone sets a strong tone for the new financial year, signalling sustained demand momentum across its portfolio. Alongside domestic performance, the company recorded export volumes of 13,708 units for the month, underlining its continued strength in overseas markets.
The growth has been driven by a mix of refreshed models and special editions across segments. Recent launches and updates including the Exter, Verna, Ioniq 5, Creta Summer Edition, Grand i10 NIOS Vibe Edition and Venue Knight Edition have helped keep the line-up competitive in an increasingly crowded market.
A standout performer was the Venue, which recorded its highest-ever monthly domestic sales of 12,420 units. The model’s 5-Star Bharat NCAP safety rating, including for the VENUE N Line, appears to have bolstered consumer confidence, reflecting a broader industry shift where safety credentials are becoming a key purchase driver.
Tarun Garg, Managing Director and CEO, HMIL, said the company has carried forward recent momentum into the new financial year, with product interventions and safety-focused positioning playing a central role in driving growth.
The numbers suggest Hyundai’s strategy is ticking multiple boxes fresh product cycles, safety-led messaging and steady export performance. If April is any indication, the company isn’t just starting the year strong, it’s aiming to keep the engine running at full throttle.
