iWorld
Netflix adds 10.1 mn subscribers in Q2; warns of slow Q3 growth
KOLKATA: It’s not a surprise that Netflix has added 10.1 million paid subscribers in the second quarter of 2020. With the massive shelter-at-home mandate brought in by the Covid2019 pandemic leading to another phase of digital acceleration, the streaming services have emerged as beneficiaries. Although it has beaten the expectations for this quarter, the third quarter subscriber addition guidance is low as the world is gradually adjusting to the pandemic effect and may not jump onto new subscriptions to fight social distancing.
It forecasts 2.5 million paid net adds for the third quarter compared to 6.8 million in the prior-year quarter. “As we indicated in our Q1’20 letter, we’re expecting paid net adds will be down year over year in the second half as our strong first-half performance likely pulled forward some demand from the second half of the year,” Netflix said in a statement.
Netflix has added 26 million paid memberships in the first half of 2020 while it achieved 28 million in the year 2019. However, it has mentioned that the growth is slowing as consumers get through the initial shock of Covid2019 and social restrictions.
The streaming giant has reported $6.15 billion revenue, 25 per cent growth year over year, while quarterly operating income exceeded $1 billion. Average streaming paid memberships in Q2 rose 25 per cent year over year while streaming ARPU increased 0.4 per cent year over year. Netflix has given a third-quarter estimation of $6.33 billion.
“Since our content production lead time is long, our 2020 plans for launching original shows and films continue to be largely intact. For 2021, based on our current plan, we expect the paused productions will lead to a more second-half weighted content slate in terms of our big titles, although we anticipate the total number of originals for the full year will still be higher than 2020,” it said on the pandemic impact on the content slate.
It also spoke of competitors like WarnerMedia, Disney along with mentioning that Apple, Amazon have been growing their investment in premium content while also regarding TikTok as a competitor given its 'astounding' growth. However, it mentioned that Netflix continues to improve content and service at a faster pace compared to others.
e-commerce
ITC Sunfeast, Zepto host mango-themed experiential ‘Paglu Party’
Event blends Alphonso desserts, DIY sessions and interactive formats
MUMBAI: When mango season peaks, some savour it others go full ‘paglu’. ITC Sunfeast Baked Creations, in collaboration with Zepto, turned summer indulgence into an immersive brand experience with its ‘Mango Paglu Party’, a high-energy, mango-themed event designed to blur the line between dessert and discovery. Built around the brand’s ‘Mad Over Mangoes’ universe, the space leaned into a sensory overload bright, playful and unapologetically mango-drenched. From curated installations to social-first corners, every element was designed to be as shareable as it was experiential.
At the centre of the celebration was the fruit itself, elevated into a menu crafted using fresh, carbide-free Alphonso mangoes sourced by Zepto. The spread ranged from a flaky Mango Pista Kouign Aman to Mango Coconut Serradura Pudding and a Mango Mascarpone Cake, balancing indulgence with seasonal freshness.
But this was not a passive tasting affair. Guests were drawn into the experience through interactive formats, including a DIY dessert session led by the brand’s chef, where attendees created classics like Mango Tres Leches. Zepto chief business officer Chandan Mehndiratta also joined the session, adding a touch of brand personality to the proceedings.
A quirky highlight came in the form of the ‘Aam Paglu Prescription’, a playful, doctor-themed concept that positioned mango indulgence as the only “treatment” worth taking, turning a simple insight into a memorable activation.
The event built up to a theatrical finale, with the crowning of the ‘Aam Paglu of the Day’ followed by the cutting of an oversized mango-shaped Mango Mascarpone Cake, closing the experience on a high note.
More than just a seasonal showcase, the Mango Paglu Party reflects a broader shift in brand storytelling, where products are no longer just consumed, but experienced. For ITC Sunfeast Baked Creations and Zepto, mango season was not just about flavour, it was about creating a moment that audiences could step into, engage with and, quite literally, devour.
