Millennials make up a big portion of the workforce and are key players in any organization.

Organizations that can utilize the set skills that Millennials bring to any workplace have a great chance in succeeding as skills beget advancement. Great Place to Work has announced the top 30 Best Workplaces for Millennials in the GCC. These 30 organizations have given the power to Millennials.

What do Millennials look for in an organization?

The top companies that have made it to the Millennials list shared common practices that are of high value for Millennials. These best practices manifest cultural diversity and making a difference, two values that are held highly by Millennials.

Millennials are on the lookout for work-life balance as they believe there is more to life than having a 9 to 5 job. During the COVID pandemic, Millennials got their way as companies had to work from home and adhere to flexible working hours due to the pandemic. It is then that companies began exploring the hybrid model more, resonating with what Millennials have been standing up for.

There is a stereotype existing regarding millennials, claiming that they are entitled and have excessive demands. However, requesting to have a life outside of work is not entitlement and will not affect work performance. Employees tend to exert more effort at work once they are rested rather than stressed from working long hours. Millennials have been perceived as being disloyal to employers. However, that is a misconception as millennials tend to leave their jobs for better opportunities that provide the demands, they constantly advocate for such as flexibility, work-life balance and sense of purpose.

Technology is a gamechanger and Millennials gravitate towards companies that embrace technology. Millennials are known for being team players not to each his own. Hence, this teamwork trait can be draw on by organizations for their benefit. Technology advancement causes organizations to up their game in order to be ahead, Millennials play a key role in this process. Being tech-savvy and on top of all technology updates can give companies the needed edge to be part of the technology world. The technological skills of this age group are valuable resource that companies can utilize for their advantage.

Best Practices of our Top 30 Companies

1. Sense of Purpose

The companies that have proudly made it to the Millennials list had several common practices which landed them on the Best Workplaces for Millennials list. Playing a part in the community is a purpose Millennials perceive as a priority. Companies have given a sense of pride to their employees by ensuing that through their work, they are contributing to the community. Millennials advocate for always having a purpose and doing valuable work supports that purpose. These companies have proven that by the

service and products they offer, that they still play a key role in their communities. Millennials are the bridge between making a difference while getting the job done.

2. One Team One Goal

Employees seek management that put their trust in them and values their skills to get the job done. Hence, Millennials emphasize the importance of having managers that trust them with valuable work and exert effort in making them feel welcomed. Feeling welcomed and part of the team builds up the confidence of all employees not only new joiners.

3. Fair Treatment for All

Discrimination is a topic tackled in any organization that is willing to put the effort in making their workplace culture-friendly. Discrimination is always a struggle in any given environment, millennials stand by rights and are against discrimination in the workplace whether based on age, race or any other factor. The companies that made it to the list ranked highly when it came to their impact on the community and stances against discrimination.

Organizations tend to resort to the need-to-know basis tactic when it comes to sharing information with employees, a tactic unwelcomed by Millennials. Millennials believe that their involvement in decisions made by management is of high significance. Employers refrain from hiring millennials as they believe they seek more than a steady paycheck, instead they seek a seat on the table due to them requesting to be part of decisions. Transparency is another requirement for Millennials and this has increased and strengthened the communication between management and employees. Moreover, collaboration between employees fosters teamwork and work commitment. Constant appetite for learning is what builds the mentality of Millennials of taking full advantage of any opportunity and collaborating with others gives Millennials the space to expand their knowledge.

Co-Founder of legendary South African agency TBWA\Hunt\Lascaris to be recognized for a career of world-class creative excellence and contributions to society

John Hunt, Global Creative Chair at TBWA\Worldwide, co-founder of the internationally recognized South African agency TBWA\Hunt\Lascaris, and award-winning author and playwright, will be inducted into The One Club for Creativity's Creative Hall of Fame on October 27th in New York.

The Creative Hall of Fame has a rich heritage of honoring the lifetime achievements of creative luminaries in all forms of advertising and design, beginning with the induction of Leo Burnett in 1961 and TBWA\Media Arts Lab's Lee Clow in 1997. Hunt's fellow inductees in the class of 2022 are Nancy Vonk, Janet Kestin, Carol H. Williams, Joe Duffy and Cheryl D. Miller. The black-tie Creative Hall of Fame induction ceremony, which is a fundraising gala to support The One Club's many global DE&I programs, will take place at Tisch Skylights at The Shed, Hudson Yards in New York.

"John Hunt is most deserving of this honor," said Kevin Swanepoel, CEO, The One Club. "He has been a champion of creativity for Africa and has used creativity to build iconic brands while advancing democracy, human rights, and human welfare. He is the very definition of a creative giant. John joins a group of inductees who have influenced culture, uplifted underrepresented groups, and inspired the next generation of creative thinkers and doers. We are honored to celebrate him alongside our other inductees in October."

In 1983, Hunt and his partner Reg Lascaris founded Hunt\Lascaris, with the ambition to be the first world-class agency out of Africa. With the mantra "Life's too short to be mediocre," they created bold and breakthrough work that could only be from Africa, but routinely gained worldwide attention and recognition. Clients included BMW, Nando's, South African Airways, and The Zimbabwean's "Trillion Dollar Campaign," which raised awareness of the newspaper and the corruption within the Mugabe regime around the world, and became the most awarded campaign of all time, after sweeping the awards at The One Show, Cannes Lions, The Clio Awards, ADC and D&AD.

Shortly after its founding, Hunt\Lascaris sought an international partner to accelerate its growth. TBWA was the ideal match, with its high creative standards, entrepreneurial spirit and founder culture, and a decades long partnership was born.

The agency has continued to create bold, award-winning work, including "Breaking Ballet" for the Joburg Ballet, which brought the art form to an entirely new generation of fans, and earned a Gold Lion and South Africa's first-ever Data Lion at Cannes; and "Blame No More" which won five Cannes Lions in 2020, including a Gold and South Africa's first-ever Glass Lion.

Proof that advertising can make the world a better place, Hunt was intimately involved in Nelson Mandela's first ANC election campaign in 1993. Although harrowing at the time, this unique moment in history ushered South Africa into the light of democracy. He was also involved in creating iconic work for the First HIV AIDS campaign in South Africa. TBWA\Hunt\Lascaris was named Agency of the Century in 2000, and Agency of the Decade in 2010, the same year that work for The Zimbabwean Newspaper gained worldwide recognition.

"I'm deeply honored to receive this recognition from The One Show," said Hunt. "In truth, though, it's a team award. It belongs just as much to all the co-workers, clients and organizations I've worked with over the years. Ultimately, it's their trust that turned seemingly impossible ideas into reality. No doubt, creativity can make the world a better place. But it's so much more powerful when played as a team sport."

Troy Ruhanen, CEO, TBWA\Worldwide, added, "I have such tremendous respect for John, not just for what he has achieved, but more importantly, how he has gone about it. He inspires us, continues to be our creative north star, and has given so much to our company, industry and society. John's integrity, generosity and talent are matched only by his enormous heart. We are immensely proud to see him join the Creative Hall of Fame."

In 2003, Hunt moved to TBWA's New York headquarters to assume the role of Worldwide Creative Director, becoming a creative compass for the agency collective, helping to reshape the TBWA collective to think less about ads and more about ideas. Upon arriving in New York, Hunt founded the TBWA Young Bloods creative residency program, and a year later began the "SWAT" initiative, a program that ensures a global answer to the creative questions often asked by worldwide clients. In 2021, TBWA re-introduced the Young Bloods program with a focus on promising talent from historically underrepresented groups. Hunt returned to South Africa in 2006 to continue his Worldwide role from Johannesburg.

In 1996 he was inducted into the South African Advertising Hall of Fame and, a year later, received the Financial Mail's Long Term Achievement Award. Hunt has served as juror across every major industry awards show, including as President of the Cannes Film, Press & Outdoor Advertising Festival in 2005. He has also found time to write a number of television and theatre plays and books. He was named South African Playwright of the Year for Vid Alex, a play that condemned censorship during the apartheid years, and has also published a book, The Art of the Idea: And How It Can Change Your Life.

Black-tie fundraiser induction ceremony to support the club’s DEI programs on October 27, 2022 at Tisch Skylights at The Shed, Hudson Yards in New York

The One Club for Creativity, the world’s foremost nonprofit organization whose mission is to support and celebrate the global creative community, today announced the first group of advertising, design, marketing, and education innovators who will be inducted in the Creative Hall of Fame in October.

Additional inductees will be announced shortly.

The Creative Hall of Fame has a rich heritage of honoring the lifetime achievements of creative luminaries in all forms of advertising and design, starting with the induction of Leo Burnett in 1961.

The first group of new inductees are:

Joe Duffy, branding and design innovator, Founder, Chairman, Duffy & Partners;

John Hunt, Co-founder of internationally recognized South African agency TBWA\Hunt\Lascaris, Global Creative Chair, TBWA\Worldwide

Cheryl D. Miller, graphic designer, writer, artist, theologian, and decolonizing historian known for her contributions to racial and gender equality in the graphic design field.

Nancy Vonk and Janet Kestin, former co-Chief Creative Officers at Ogilvy Toronto, Co-founders of the Swim leadership lab;

Carol H. Williams, President, CEO, Chief Creative Officer and owner, Carol H. Williams Advertising, the longest-running US independent multicultural agency.

Educators Hall of Fame

Ron and Pippa Seichrist, Cofounders, Miami Ad School

The black-tie Creative Hall of Fame induction ceremony, which is a fundraising gala to support The One Club’s many global DEI programs, will take place on the evening of October 27, 2022, at Tisch Skylights at The Shed, Hudson Yards in New York.

Inductees are nominated and voted on by The One Club Board of Directors. Criteria for being considered is three-fold:

Impact — Those who have a celebrated body of work. This includes work that has been recognized as the best in the industry over multiple years for multiple brands, can be considered truly innovative and original in thinking and execution, and has an undeniable lasting impact.

Influence — Those who have used their creativity and leveraged their resources to advance the industry and serve the greater good.

Inspiration — Those who have had a measurable, positive effect on the next generation of creative leaders, and are known industry-wide as mentors, door-openers, and opportunity-creators.

“The Creative Hall of Fame is the ultimate recognition of a storied career of a visionary creative professional,” said Kevin Swanepoel, CEO, The One Club. “This first group of 2022 inductees has transformed the industry, uplifted underrepresented groups, and continues to inspire the next generation of creative thinkers and doers.”

Additional inductees will be announced shortly. Event and ticket details, as well as bio information on this year’s inductees, is available here.

NYF Health Opens in October with Support from Ogilvy Health, Reimaged Competition Categories that Reflect Emerging Trends, and the Debut of a New Trophy

The New York Festivals Global Awards will officially relaunch as NYF Health and open for entries on October 17th, 2022.

After a multi-year Covid-induced hiatus, New York Festivals will shine the spotlight once again on Healthcare, Wellness, and Pharmaceutical advertising. The newly updated competition, NYF Health will celebrate excellence within the Healthcare and Pharmaceutical industry.

Ogilvy Health New York's creative team, led by CCO Adam Hessel, recognized that New York Festivals has been celebrating creative Healthcare campaigns for a long, long time. Their creativity and support during the rebranding process, led to their humorous relaunch campaign for NYF Health. The print campaign, "We were into Health when New York wasn't", encapsulates the longevity of New York Festivals and its relationship with Healthcare advertising and marketing. You can view the print campaign HERE.

The soon-to-be- launched NYF competition will continue the Global Awards previous mission of awarding ground-breaking campaigns for Healthcare and Pharmaceutical brands that creatively and successfully engage consumers, patients, and HCPs.

NYF's Advertising Awards Executive Director, Scott Rose is at the helm of this newly rebranded competition.

"NYF Health will honor creative and inspired Healthcare and Pharma work from around the globe. With the relaunch of our healthcare competition NYF will once again provide entrants with a platform to celebrate those campaigns of distinction within the healthcare sphere." Scott Rose, Executive Director, NYF Health.

In the forefront of supporting the relaunch of NYF's Healthcare competition is Ogilvy Health New York's Chief Creative Officer Adam Hessel. His stellar reputation and industry perspective have provided NYF with a critical 360-degree view of healthcare from a creative/strategic marketer's point of view.

"One of the first awards shows I was exposed to while coming up in the business was the NYF's, so committing time to support the NYF Health Show relaunch was an easy choice. Truly great creative work should always be celebrated. Supporting the really wonderful Healthcare & Pharma work out there means more great creative work to come in the future and NYF is a part of that," said Adam Hessel, Chief Creative Officer of Ogilvy Health.

As the Executive Jury President for the 2023 NYF Health competition Adam will champion the competition and ensure that the NYF Health Jury is populated with the innovators within the Healthcare industry.

"My goal and responsibility is to make sure we have the best and most qualified jurors from the past, present and future judging the work. This will ensure we maintain the highest standards and celebrate not just the best of the best work today but will also set the bar for how future creative work will be evaluated," said Adam.

David Sable, host of NYF's Creativity from the Other Side recently interviewed NYF Health Executive Jury President, Adam Hessel, CCO, Ogilvy Health, visit HERE to view this new episode.

Skyscanner trends study reveals the how, why and where travellers will be holidaying this year including the heightened appeal of holiday relaxation and trending destinations with wellbeing in mind* 

Taking relaxation to a new level 

The need to relax and reset has perhaps never been greater.  The latest trends research from Skyscanner can reveal that 41% of global travellers are dreaming the most about ‘ultimate relaxation’ trips in 2022 with over a quarter (27%) dreaming of ‘wellness holidays.’  When asked what would be top of the agenda for travel in 2022, almost half of respondents (48%) said that relaxation was key, followed by food (35%) and cultural exploration (31%).  Just under half of respondents (47%) use holidays to disconnect from day-to-day life. 

The art of travelling mindfully 

The pandemic has made us all want to be better tourists with 83% of respondents agreeing that travel broadens our understanding of other cultures and demographics.  Travel also brings a host of wellbeing benefits with 51% of respondents sharing that travel has a positive impact on both their mental and emotional wellbeing. 

Rest and relaxation begin before take-off! 

Getting to the airport can feel stressful.  But R&R doesn’t have to wait until you get to your destination as more and more airports around the world are helping travellers find their zen before even departing. Singapore Changi Airport is home to an indoor rainforest, with rooftop pool and jacuzzi, Amsterdam’s Schipol airport has a green oasis with loungers to chill and read a book and San Francisco International has a calm yoga centre terminal side.

Trending wellbeing destinations for UAE travellers** 

Skyscanner can reveal the most relaxing destinations trending above pre-pandemic levels: 

Mexico +388% 

For seemingly endless sunshine, pristine beaches and Mayan ruins, Mexico offers a relaxing escape.  Alongside well-known coastal destinations like Cancún and Cabo, Mexico also offers miles of virgin coastline.  The ultimate spot to get away from it all. 

Malta +273%

Malta is the perfect place to restore and rejuvenate your mind and body with indulgent spas and serene spots for outdoor yoga including Buskett Woodlands and Dingli Cliffs.  For the more adventurous, SUP (stand up paddleboarding) meditation has taken off around the islands.

Austria + 166%

Famous for its natural hot springs, fresh Alpine air and relaxing spas, Austria is one of the ultimate European wellness destinations.  For a truly modern spa experience, head to Therme Wien, just south of Vienna and for a taste of tradition, Burgenland boasts a host of thermal spas with healing spring waters.

Mauritius + 45%

With its white sand beaches and turquoise lagoons, alongside world-class wellness retreats, Mauritius offers visitors a slice of paradise.  For restorative activities, try forest bathing at Biosphere Nature Reserve or a hike or swim at the canyon at Domaine de Chazal.

Trending wellbeing destinations for KSA travellers***:

Thailand +200%

From holistic health resorts to yoga retreats, Thailand has long been considered a top wellness destination.  With a winning combination of warm weather, luscious landscapes, delicious food and wonderful Thai hospitality, Thailand offers the perfect environment to properly relax.

Albania + 113%

Delight in the paradise beaches in Ksamil and unique historical sites in Gjirokastra and feel like you’re getting away from it all.  If in Saranda, a trip to the Blue Eye, a natural spring over 50 metres dip, is well worth a visit.

Maldives + 50%

With its private beaches and indulgent wellness resorts, the Maldives offers maximum relaxation, and with ocean view massage treatments, hydrotherapy facilities and sunrise yoga on offer, let these islands restore both mind and body.

Portugal +50%

Portugal’s sunny Algarve is home to a host of wellness retreats offering yoga, mindfulness and surfing.  With a flourishing veggie and vegan food scene in Lisbon and Porto and stunning natural parks and reserves- try Peneda-Gerês for rugged mountains and wild Garrano horses or Arrábida for green hills and the turquoise ocean- Portugal is the perfect destination to relax and unwind.

Skyscanner’s VP Strategy and Global Travel Expert Naomi Hahn comments: “It’s clear that the pandemic, and its associated lockdowns, continue to have a ripple effect on how travellers want to spend their holidays with relaxation the activity highest on the agenda for 41% of global travellers.   

“The holistic benefits of travel are well documented with over half of global travellers (51%) sharing that travel had a positive impact on both their mental and emotional wellbeing.  The destinations trending for UAE travellers in 2022, including Mexico, Malta and Austria, and Thailand and the Maldives for KSA travellers, reflect that heightened demand for destinations with relaxation at heart. 

“Travelling responsibly is key to travelling mindfully and Skyscanner’s ‘Greener Choices’ flight label allows travellers to filter and search for flights on Skyscanner that emit less C02 compared to the average for their chosen route.  It’s one of the ways we’re helping travellers make informed decisions.  Building on this, Skyscanner has recently launched a new electric and hybrid car hire search feature to meet growing traveller demand for environmentally friendly car hire options. 

“Travellers also have the ability to carbon offset flights booked on Skyscanner via a partnership with CHOOOSE. When travellers book a flight with Skyscanner, they’ll see the option to carbon offset for a small cost. Their contributions help to balance out the impact of their flight’s emissions by funding carbon-reducing projects. CHOOOSE ensures the money goes directly to climate-protecting initiatives around the world.” 

* Survey data from Skyscanner and OnePoll survey of over 4000 global respondents conducted in April 2022 

**% increase in year-to-date bookings on Skyscanner, 9 August 2022 versus 9 August 2019 

***% increase in year-to-date bookings on Skyscanner, 9 August 2022 versus 9 August 2019

Cisco today announced the appointment of Abdelilah Nejjari as the new Managing Director for the Gulf region. Based in Dubai, he will oversee all the company’s operations across the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Yemen, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.

Abdelilah will be responsible for driving Cisco’s business growth and strategy, focusing on accelerating digital transformation for customers across the Gulf region, and working closely with Cisco's partner ecosystem.

Abdelilah brings over two decades of diverse experience in ICT and executive leadership to the role, including more than fifteen years with Cisco.

Most recently, he held the position of Cisco’s Partner Lead and Chief Operating Officer for Middle East and Africa, overseeing planning and executing Cisco’s operational policies, go-to-market strategies, and priorities in the region. He was also responsible for strengthening and nurturing Cisco’s relationship with its growing partner ecosystem.

Reem Asaad, Vice-President of Cisco Middle East and Africa said: “Cisco is deeply rooted in the Gulf countries and our commitment to support the region’s digital transformation has never been stronger. I am confident that Abdelilah’s expertise coupled with his leadership abilities will tremendously contribute to bolstering innovation in the region and bringing great value to our teams, customers, and partners.”

In his new role, Abdelilah will support Cisco’s customers in their digital journeys, focusing on business agility, unified IT, hybrid work and pivoting to cloud software and services, all underpinned with seamless customer experience and end-to-end cybersecurity.

Commenting on his appointment, Abdelilah said: “I am honored to be trusted with the opportunity to lead Cisco in the fast-growing Gulf region where governments are taking leading steps to drive the development of knowledge-based economies. I look forward to extending Cisco’s momentum across the region and supporting our customers and partners to seize the full potential of technology and accelerate their digital transformation.”

Exhibitor numbers, booked floor space, and participating countries all see substantial growth compared to last year’s event 

Running from October 31 to November 2, fully booked show will also see industry innovators attend ‘Next in Beauty’ Conference

Beautyworld Middle East – the region’s largest trade fair for beauty products, hair, fragrances, and wellbeing – will return in 2022 with double-digit year-on-year growth, as increased exhibitor participation sets the course for one of its most successful editions yet.

Taking place at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from October 31 to November 2, this year’s show – the 26th in Messe Frankfurt’s annual series – is more than 90 percent fully booked, with exhibitor numbers expected to top 1,200, compared to last year’s total of 891. 

While 60 countries are expected to exhibit at this year’s Beautyworld Middle East, it is also set to feature 25 country pavilions, including the return of Singapore, China, Taiwan, Morocco, and Tunisia, after absences in 2021.  Korea will also feature three new organisers in the Gyeonggido Business & Science Accelerator, IBITA-KBITA, and the Korea Exhibition Company. 

Pavilion space is also on the rise with both Thailand and the USA doubling their space compared to last year and Germany increasing its participation by 65 per cent as the show takes on a larger, more prominent presence on the global beauty industry calendar.

“With a 22 per cent increase in exhibiting countries, a 34 per cent increase in exhibiting companies, and a 42 per cent increase in net floor space taken, we are seeing incredible growth figures across the show this year,” said Flyn Roberts, show director at Beautyworld Middle East.

“Demand for advanced beauty technology that is also sustainable is transforming the industry, which holds huge promise for this year’s show and we’re on track to top last year’s turnout of 31,000 industry visitors.”

Technology and sustainability developments are providing a 21st Century make-over for the beauty industry and further enhancing prospects for the Middle East and Africa’s beauty and personal care market, which Euromonitor International already estimates will grow to a combined value of $58.3 billion over the next three years. 

This year’s show, spread across 14 halls rather than 11, will see the return of the ‘Beauty Tech’ section, providing a dedicated area focused on new business opportunities for players ready to embrace game-changing technology.

Beauty Tech joins six other major product sections to be featured in this year’s show, namely: Cosmetics and skincare; personal care and hygiene; hair, nails and salon supplies; machinery, packaging, raw materials, contract manufacturing; fragrance compounds and finished fragrances; as well as natural and organic make-up.

And as the industry undergoes massive transformation, the show’s probing, three-day ‘Next in Beauty’ conference will examine the innovation, retail solutions, sustainability, market trends, and futuristic products that will lead to improved business performance and enable brands to better connect with customers.

“This year’s conference speaker line-up is a truly multi-national gathering of industry innovators from e-commerce leaders to sustainability consultants, brand developers to sector commentators and product innovators,” added Roberts. “Delegates will leave with informed views on where their sectors are going and how they will reach their optimum potential.”

In addition to the exciting Front Row line-up of daily beauty showcases and demonstrations by the UAE-headquartered multinational The Nazih Group, the show will again host Quintessence – its exclusive platform where the world’s ‘creme de la crème’ of niche perfume brands will showcase their creations in a luxurious and contemporary environment.

The show will also host the industry’s much-anticipated ‘Beautyworld Middle East Awards’, which celebrate sector excellence across 12 categories with the winners to be announced at a glittering honours ceremony at the Address Skyview on the 31st October.  

Publicis Groupe achieved the highest scores in both Current Offering and Strategy categories

Only partner with top scores in Vision and Market Approach criteria

Publicis Groupe announced that it has been named a leader in “The Forrester Wave™: Global Marketing Services Report, Q3 2022” by Forrester Research, Inc. Publicis Groupe was the highest ranked company in both Current Offering and Strategy categories and earned the highest score possible for media management services, customer data strategy & activation services, digital experience services, privacy thought leadership, workforce strategy, vision and market approach.

“Publicis Groupe champions integration with a connected tech and services approach,” notes the report. Furthermore, the report noted that it “has some of the strongest marketing capabilities in the evaluation, especially for media and data. The company uses a growth approach to media, benefits from its proprietary CORE ID product, and effectively leverages Publicis Sapient’s business consulting and experience development. Epsilon’s strong data privacy features make the Groupe a privacy thought leader.”

“The strength of our truly differentiated model continues to stand apart from the industry,” said Publicis Groupe Chairman and CEO Arthur Sadoun. “We are proud to be named a leader, not only for our vision, but in recognition for us that with future-proofing acquisitions like Epsilon and Sapient, integrated with our media and creative operations, we have unique capabilities to help our clients transform their marketing, optimize their spend and grow their business in these dynamic times.”

This latest ranking makes Publicis Groupe a Leader in four Forrester Waves in 2022, including: The Forrester Wave™: Customer Data Strategy and Activation Services Report, Q2 2022, The Forrester Wave™: Global Digital Experience Services, Q2 2022, The Forrester Wave™: Global Media Management Services, Q3 2022 and, now The Forrester Wave™: Global Marketing Services, Q3 2022

Announcement made by Bollywood star Sonali Bendre

Sonali Bendre recently made her OTT debut with The Broken News, now streaming on ZEE5 Global

ZEE5 Global,  the world's largest platform for South Asian content, recently announced its partnership with the Patel Brothers, a US-based Indian Grocery chain, to facilitate connecting with diaspora audiences on the occasion of the 75th year of Independence.

The Patel Brothers store on Oak Tree Road Edison, New Jersey, was inaugurated by popular Bollywood actor Sonali Bendre. Sonali, who recently made her comeback and successful debut on ZEE5 Global with The Broken News, spoke about the partnership and how this will benefit the Indians in the US.

ZEE5 Global also hosted a contest at the store where the participants had to answer questions related to the platform and Patel Brothers. The winner was given an opportunity to shop grocery items worth $200 for free with none other than Sonali as a part of the ‘Shop with the Stars’ contest. The platform also distributed its branded shopping bags to the customers.  

Commenting on the partnership, actor Sonali Bendre said, “I’m very happy to be here to kick off this partnership between two deeply rooted South Asian brands, The Patel Brothers and ZEE5 Global.  As the leading South Asian streaming service, ZEE5 Global has stepped out of screens and is making an effort to bring together the diaspora audiences across the US through multiple community initiatives. Together with the Patel Brothers who are America’s oldest, largest and best-loved Indian chain in the US, we can expect many wonderful initiatives and experiences from this partnership.”

Speaking of the collaboration, Archana Anand, Chief Business Officer, ZEE5 Global, said, “We’ve seen exponential growth in the U.S. in our first year of launch, and we are happy to have been able to delight our audiences here with our rich content library. There’s no better way now to cement our leadership position in this market than with this partnership with the Patel Brothers, another iconic and much-loved South Asian brand, and we look forward to a long, wonderful relationship with them”

Kaushik bhai Patel from Patel Brothers said, “We’re always looking for ways to cater to the needs of NRIs and South Asians in the U.S. hungry for their home culture. We are very happy to partner with ZEE5 Global that shares this ethos.”

Launched on June 22 in the US, 2021, ZEE5 Global is the only dedicated streaming platform in the country for South Asian content. Home to the biggest blockbusters, latest originals and web series across languages and genres, the platform offers an unparalleled 200,000 hours of content with 100+ hours of new content added daily.  ZEE5 Global further houses one of the biggest South Indian content libraries with hits like RRR, Valimai, Bangarraju etc., much loved TV shows across languages and more.

Nestlé retains position as world’s most valuable food brand, valued at US$20.8 billion dollars

Yili and Lays increase in brand value (top 3)

Hershey’s is the world’s strongest food brand

Belvita is the world’s fastest growing food brand (just ahead of a few others)

New entrant Haitian breaks into top 10 brands in ranking top 10

According to the world’s leading brand valuation consultancy, Brand Finance, Nestlé remains on top by a significant margin, with its brand value worth almost twice as much as the second most valuable brand in the ranking, Yili (brand value up 10% to US$10.6 billion).

Every year, leading brand valuation consultancy Brand Finance puts 5,000 of the world’s biggest brands to the test, and publishes around 100 reports, ranking brands across all sectors and countries. The world’s top 100 most valuable and strongest food brands are included in the annual Brand Finance Food 100 ranking.

Despite new supply chain pressures and the continued impact of COVID-19, Nestle continues to consistently pursue its long-term brand strategy by innovating new products and moving forward in its digital transformation. Nestlé credits their decentralized structure as the reason for its agility in responding to changes in consumer needs, customer demands and supply chain challenges, which is correlated with its brand value growth.

Nestlé has invested in developing solutions that meet changing consumer preferences by anticipating growing trends, rapidly testing new ideas and bringing products to market and believes that investment in research and development enables its growth. Nestlé’s long-term strategy is centred around respect for the future.

Savio D’Souza, Valuation Director, Brand Finance commented: “People are returning to the brands they love, they are hungry for Nestlé, Yili and Lay’s! Food brand values are back above pre-pandemic levels.”

Yili and Lay's increase in brand value (top 3)

Chinese dairy brand Yili achieved a brand value increase of 10% to US$10.6 billion and continues to stand out as the market leader in milk and other dairy products in China. Yili reported that high-growth categories including cheese, powdered milk and bottled water have all experienced sustained rapid growth as Chinese consumers perceive immunity building benefits, along with nutritional and health benefits associated with high-status dairy products.

Lay's increased in brand value by 31% to US$8.6 billion. COVID-19 brought about a shift in customer snacking preferences and that continued into 2021 as consumer social events were curtailed and heavily restricted. Lay's, which embraced a more digital presence throughout the pandemic with the promotion of its products on various online shops such as Amazon in particular, continued to achieve large sales volumes as a result.

Hershey's is the world’s strongest food brand

In addition to calculating brand value, Brand Finance also determines the relative strength of brands through a balanced scorecard of metrics evaluating marketing investment, stakeholder equity, and business performance. Compliant with ISO 20671, Brand Finance’s assessment of stakeholder equity incorporates original market research data from over 100,000 respondents in more than 35 countries and across nearly 30 sectors.

Hershey’s is the world’s strongest food brand, moving up from second place last year to the top spot this year with a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 89.8 and a corresponding AAA+ brand rating. This year, Hershey’s delivered a record year of production and subsequent sales and earnings growth. The mass-market American chocolate brand has proven that despite challenging conditions and disruptions worldwide, it is more than able to respond to these with confidence and it has delivered another year of very strong performance.

Belvita is fastest growing food brand in the world - Belvita’s brand value grew by 62% to US$1.6 billion

The world’s fastest growing food brand is Belvita (brand value up 62% to US$1.6 billion). Belvita biscuits were developed for those people around the world that skip breakfast due to their busy schedules and every year over 9 billion are made. The brand’s ’Snacking Made Right Report details what efforts were made to create a more sustainable snacking company. Its desire to lead is evident, particularly in areas where it can assist in delivering a more positive impact with initiatives such as the creation of a thriving cocoa sector and also in reducing its environmental footprint by reducing packaging waste.

New entrant to top 10

Another brand that achieved substantial brand value growth was that of Chinese brand Haitian. The brand is currently valued at US$5.8 billion and is sitting at the 8th spot, moving up four positions from last year and now sitting in the Top 10.