Nando’s launches with a new, revamped look

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Jun 29, 2013

By Ufaq Ashfaque

NEW ZEALAND, June 28 – World’s popular Mozambican food restaurant chain Nando’s has established its new food chain. Founded by Indian couple Kuldeep and Shiyani Arora, this is the third foundation for Nando’s. However, the restaurant is a fusion of exquisite fine dining, celebration of both Mexican and African cuisines and maintaining an atmosphere of exclusivity and modernity.

The Indian couple says that even though there appears of blend of eloquence and panache within the restaurant, actual menu of Nando’s have not been changed or molded due to the fusion. Mrs. Arora adds that while the previous two establishments launched in Hamilton, this restaurant was opened solely upon the requests of their friends and acquaintances living in the country.

The establishment has combined African and Portuguese menus and brought them under one roof is for customers and people to choose from a variety of food, flavors and spices. Among the most prominent features of the brand include waiters with IPad’s rather than the conventional notepad, tables laced with fine cutlery and the insides designed to appear as a lounge, contributing towards the exquisite ambiance and the memorable food experience.

K&N Launches Stok Chicken Cube Line

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Jun 29, 2013

By Ufaq Ashfaque

Pakistan’s largest readymade chicken meal specialists K&N Foods launched the first MSG (Monosodium Glutamate) free chicken cubes, providing ‘safe and healthy’ chicken cubes.

K&N Foods extensively promote this factor as its unique selling proposition in their advertisements and campaigns. Through this USP, K&N’s targets customers that are health conscious and take keen interest in taking care of their family members.

The brand promises health and taste with the current line of chicken cubes which are free of preservatives and additives that would otherwise harm the consumer.

Even though there are companies in the chicken cube industry that do tend to use MSG as an important component in producing chicken cubes. These companies usually discourage its use, considering the detrimental effects that it has on human beings.

The top management of the company said that Stok chicken cubes were developed after extensive research and development. For them, creating food items that are free of additives and harmful chemicals is the most important achievement that their brand could make.

New BMW i3 revealed its production version in Patent Drawings

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Jun 28, 2013

By Anum Saeed

June 28, 2013 – BMW revealed the look of its extended range of electric vehicle category in patent drawings. Bavarian carmaker will present it to the public before the end of the summer, ahead of its public premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

These drawings were the official patents of the production i3 previewed by the same name two years ago at the Frankfurt auto show in 2011. The i3 remained reasonably close to the drawing with a few visible changes like the concept of see-through door panels that were missing from the production model.

Another noticeable difference wass that of car doors as BMW designers placed the front door further back and designed the rear door much smaller. The production model i3 adopted a similar door configuration as the Mini Clubman.

The concept was to fix a full glass rear but BMW stuck to conventional windows. The rest of the exterior updates were minor and concerned the mirrors, lights and the design of the bumpers placed in the car.

BMW has a clean sheet design, and based the i3 around a lightweight CFRP (carbonfibre reinforced plastic) body structure, known as the ‘Life Module’, with the hatchback on a predominantly aluminium framework that houses the batteries a rear-mounted electric motor of 170bhp.

Final pricing hasn’t been announced yet, but according to BMW officials it may range from anywhere between €30,000 to €40,000 in Europe for the regular battery powered version, and a premium of around €3,000 for the range extender hybrid iteration. Sales of the i3 are anticipated to begin in October or November this year.

HP powers productivity with next-level systems

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Jun 28, 2013

HP powers productivity with next level systems

By Anum Saeed

Hewlett-Packard (HP) recently revealed its expanded portfolio of printing and personal systems products and solutions that are designed to help organizations save time and resources.

The all-new HP Pro and HP Elite series desktop PCs include space-saving commercial all-in-ones (AiOs) with rich multimedia and optional touch screens that act as the heart of enterprise productivity.

Moreover, cloud-based printing solutions and a mobile point-of-sale solution based on the HP ElitePad and HP’s first tablet built for business would serve as an important tool for growth and efficiency.

The latest offerings integrates flawlessly the existing enterprise environments and aids in advancing the speed of the organization by increasing and improving the efficiency in creating, evaluating and consuming the content.

“Organizations need every advantage they can get to stay competitive and continue growing and thriving,” said Salim Ziade, GM, printing and personal systems, HP Middle East.

He further added that Hp has helps its customers move ahead and seek modern solutions that address the ever changing demands of an active enterprise by delivering technology that brings efficiency, productivity and ultimately, saves cost.

Traditional PC and print industries need to grow as customers’ habits, business situations and lifestyles change with time. HP is leading the era of connections and gives the world an experience of portfolio that reflects the evolution of how customers engage with technology, offering movable capabilities, touch-screen access and cloud-powered solutions.

“The Comedy of Errors” – brought to you by Sprite Productions

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Jun 28, 2013

By Anum Saeed

JUNE 28, 2013 – Sprite has been an active sponsor for a variety of events. From collaborating with restaurants to supporting entertainment activities like sponsoring plays like Taming of the Shrew in 2013, As you like it in 2010 and Macbeth in 2011.

Being a global brand, the responsibility of Sprite doesn’t limit to one objective but to achieve excellence through various promotional tools like PR, publicity, advertising, sales promotion and so on. This is one reason that Sprite has managed to create a strong position in the industry.

Sprite Productions has been associated with Shakespeare’s “The Comedy of Errors” for almost nine years. The play is a hybrid between traditional and modern set up, capturing the attention of the audience belonging to different eras.

These plays, though small in number, have content, execution and characters which once seen are cemented in one’s memory.

This year’s production was done by Hester Evans-Ford and Charlotte Bennett who worked in collaboration with Sprite.

Critics and researchers claim that this year’s production was the best Sprite display ever. Even though Sprite faced criticism as well, recreation and leisure time well spent can never go wrong.

You think Sprite is succeeding in gaining a considerable market share from these activities? Is it improving our top-of-mid recall of sprite?

Rooh Afza: Mashroob-e-Mashriq

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Jun 28, 2013

By Saira Hussain

For most of the people in Pakistan, ‘sharbat’ means RoohAfza. It has become a generic name for the product category of ‘lal sharbats’.The drink was introduced as the ‘drink of the east’ and was formulated by Hakeem Abdul Majeed in India in 1906. Over the years, RoohAfza has gained more popularity and has become a part of any Pakistani’s grocery list.

RoohAfza is lot more than just a refreshing beverage. It is a blend of pure sparkling sugar, refined natural extracts of citrus flowers, fruits, vegetables and soothing herbal ingredients.The drink is known for enhancing the spirit and uplifting the soul just the fragrance and the color of RoohAfza makes you feel enthralled.

Many other drinks were introduced in the early 80s like Jam-e-Shireen, Naurus etc. They gave RoohAfza real competition but still the original mashroob managed to pull through.

The uses of this product are numerous, especially in the month of Ramadan people enjoy the festivities of iftaar with lemon RoohAfza, doodh RoohAfza (milkshake) and desserts drizzled with it. Sales of RoohAfza, during this particular month, increase fourfold. The red drink has a well-known connection with the month of Ramadan.

Some people suggest it is due to their marketing strategy whereas for others it is an inherited traditional requirement and the most desired liquid refreshment item during this month. From fancy restaurants to local roadside cafes, RoohAfza is served and enjoyed by all during the entire year.

Geo television making its name in Dhaka

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Jun 28, 2013

By Anum Saeed

Popularity of the Geo Television and specifically Geo News is increasing by leaps and bounds in Dhaka, Bangladesh, according to sources.

Pakistan’s number one Television channel has made its name at international level with its fame reaching to the people living in Bangladesh.

The TV channel is admired greatly by the residents of Dhaka due to its factual news and categorical comments on it.

Not only people who understand Urdu watch Geo Television but also the ones who understand Bengali only watch the channel. Specially the journalists who eagerly watch and hear the news and other programs on Geo Television.

The Editor of English newspaper “News Today” Riazuddin Ahmed who is the President of Safma Bangladesh Chapar also watches Geo News to improve his command over Urdua.

Another important person from Bengladeshi newspaper Samakal, Mr. Ghulam Sarwar, who is also expressed his preference for Geo News. It is difficult for him to understand the language, therefore, he suggests that Geo Television should be asked to present news in English language as well.

Honda Recalls 143,000 Cars for Potential Fire Hazard

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Jun 28, 2013

By Anum Saeed

June28 – The executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co. Inc., Dick Colliver, has unveiled the 2007 Honda Fit at the North American International Auto Show, Detroit.

Honda Motor’s U.S. subsidiary will recall over 143,000 subcompact cars to replace defective window switches that pose a potential fire risk, the Japanese automaker said on Friday.This is the second time Honda has launched a campaign for the 2007 and 2008 Honda Fit hatchback, which was recalled for the same problem in January 2010.

According to Honda, rain water or spilled liquids could cause damage to the master power window switch on the driver’s door, causing the switch to overheat, melt and cause a fire. Although there are no reports on crashes or injuries, as a result of the problem, Honda advises its customers to park affected Fit vehicles outside until the master switch has gone through inspection. After the first recall in 2010, Honda said that it is determined that a dealer repair procedure was not strong enough to ensure that all switches would be entirely sealed against all possible moisture intrusion.”

Honda reports that dealers will inspect and restore damaged switches and will soon begin notifying owners in the mid of July.

The rewarding Pepsi ‘Like’ Machine

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Jun 28, 2013

By Saira Hussain

Pepsi recently came up with a new ‘like’ machine that gives away free sample of ice-cold Pepsi to fans who like the brand on Facebook. This ‘Like’ machine is not an ordinary vending machine; it is linked with a social media and dispenses company’s soft-drinks.

The samples can easily be taken by just ‘liking’ the brand on Facebook , Smartphone users just stand by the machine, ‘like’ the Pepsi’s Facebook page, choose their favorite soda flavor and get a free can of Pepsi right away. Those without smartphones can use a large touch-screen built into the machine which allows the user to follow the same procedure for a free Pepsi can. A timer is also set that automatically logs users out of their accounts.

The Pepsi ‘Like’ Machine has brought a twist in the longstanding art of sampling. The usual way of giving away samples to anyone walking by was done in typical ways, but this time, Pepsi has come up with a specialized vending machine that hands out samples, on just ‘liking’ the brand before it coughs up the goods.

Pepsi had use its weapon of playing with social media vending machines two years ago, this is not the first time that the company came up with this fascinating campaign. A Social Vending System machine, with text and video messaging was introduced initially, which had a link with other machines in a network.

Disney Plans To Honor America Like Never Before

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Jun 28, 2013

Disney Plans To Honor America Like Never Before

By Shiza Aslam

Anahem, CA – Disneyland resorts have promised to entertain its guests with amusing red, blue and white extravaganza to celebrate USA independence week from July 1st to 7th at 9:30 pm.

The weeklong events will provide the guests with the luxury to pick and choose any day between 1st and 7th July to experience the flag-waving spirit of the holiday. This event is being presented by Limited Time Magic (LTM).

LTM has always been a forerunner in entertaining the guests of Disneyland resorts with experiences ranging from park-wide events to cherishable moments of surprises. Now, the visitors will have the facility to choose their entertainment after a detailed survey of offerings at http://www.limitedtimemagic.com.

Meanwhile, “Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky” entails spectacular fireworks that will decorate the sky every night above Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Park.

In these national fireworks, sparkling comets and glittering bursts will soar to a brand new musical. This musical is composed in a concert band style created to row a sense of dignity and delight in being an American while at the same time, attracting guests from across the globeto enjoy the celebrations.

Among other attractions, Mickey Mouse will greet the guests cloaked in glittering attire every evening in Town Square, with glowing Mouse Ears. There will be a patriotic pre-show to “World of Color”, delicious desserts in red, blue and white, apple pie pockets, amusing shopping arenas and strawberry shortcake.

The patriotic celebrations will amuse the guests with themed souvenirs such as USA shirts, trading pins, badges, radiating star necklaces and nationalistic costumes. Disney PhotoPass Servicewill enable the guests to enjoy their customized and framed photos.

This news has stirred excitement in joy seekers worldwide as ongoing online registrations gain pace.

Panasonic makes an addition to the Breakfast Collection

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Jun 27, 2013

Panasonic makes an addition to the Breakfast Collection

By Ufaq Ashfaque

JUNE 27, 2013 – Electronic appliance producer Panasonic makes yet another mark to its exclusive Breakfast Collection. The company launches the brand new Stainless Steel and Glass Toaster, packed with updated features and glistening appearance; this unique electronic appliance would add to the kitchen, helping a consumer and its members with a safe and technology-based appliance.

The Breakfast Collection launched by Panasonic is expected to add positively to the brand. In the world today, companies are investing in providing value products and services that not only would add to a consumer’s lifestyle but would also create a healthy, efficient household.

Panasonic has revitalized their position with this collection that not only would add to the company’s portfolio, but also give the brand to penetrate further into the market. With their Breakfast Collection, it would provide consumers the leverage of robust, efficient and reliable technology.

With its seven cooking levels along with its unique LED display, Panasonic makes its way to allure potential customers towards its product. It may not be a strategic move that would immediately capture the attention of people, but it has managed to produce of technology-laden electronic appliances that would earn customer attention for a long time.

H&M adopts unique strategy to boost sales

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Jun 27, 2013

H&M adopts unique strategy to boost sales

By Ufaq Ashfaque

Global fashion apparel H&M came up with a new strategy that put all other brands to shame. The clothing brand proposed to take old clothes from consumers and exchanging them with branded, latest, upbeat line of H&M clothing.

H&M clothing is designed to satisfy all senses of the customers purchasing the brand.

Recycling has been a phenomenon that not only brings nations together, but also instills social duties and responsibilities into adults. It was with the same motivation that H&M adopted recycling as a tool to attract customers.

With this basic, yet common strategy, not only has the footfall increased in their stores, but they are also being educated and trained regarding the importance of recycling.

H&M is the first in its product category to promote and initiate such campaign that not only builds rapport with potential customers but also attracts them towards the brand.

This simple initiative is sure to help consumers understand the importance of recycling.

Walls Cornetto’s: Cupidity Short Film Series

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Jun 27, 2013

Walls Cornetto Cupidity Short Film Series

By Saira Hussain

Walls Cornetto recently released Cupidity series, which includes four short films, on their exclusive YouTube Channel.

These short love stories focus mainly on the teen audience and discover the theme of teen love from different perceptions.

The films were created by Mofilm and RSA films and were named as: KismetDiner, beauty and the geek, Margot and X-phobia. Every love story was filmed in different parts of the world ranging from Hong Kong to New York to Los Angeles to Istanbul.

KismetDiner was released in the first week of May 2013 followed by the trailers of the rest. It tells the story of a young couple who fall in love at a diner.

It’s a very heartwarming short film, shot in Brooklyn New York, It’s about a young waitress who works at a casual diner and falls in love with a regular customer. Mark Nunneley, the director of KismetDiner has given this short story a very cinematic appeal.

Another story Margot, shot in Hong Kong, is about a girl who has fallen in love with a man photographed in magazines, she collects all his pictures and treasures them in a box until one day a random customer steals her most valued possession.

Each story has filled with hope and love, cupidity series is the most quality and sensational creation ever made by cornetto

Close-up set to break world record

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Jun 27, 2013

By Ufaq Ashfaque

The world’s popular oral care brand Close-up is gearing up for setting a new record for the most teeth brushed at one time. They took the initiative with the objective of promoting a culture of oral hygiene among people who are still new to the idea.

Close-up is set to launch this initiative in Nigeria. There, it will co-partner with government institutions and top companies to promote and establish the record. The most important contributors include the Lagos State Government, Nigerian Dental Association (NDA), HEIT Solutions, Vas2Net and Core Media.

Under this initiative, it is expected that Close Up would bring together an estimated 300,000 students, belonging to different schools and educational institutions. Previously, India was the first to set the record for 176,000 brushing students for the Oral Care Challenge.

Through the promotion and launch of this initiative, not only is the oral care brand developing itself in areas with opportunities, but at the same time is working zealously in order to establish itself as a common name in Nigeria.

Warid is up for sale

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Jun 27, 2013

By Ufaq Ashfaque

Pakistan’s popular mobile tariff service provider Warid Telecom will be put up for sale. The company is said to be working as nominal revenue generating business unit and has spiked the interest of China Mobile and Etisalat, which have global reputation and a strong position in the industry.

Telecommunication industry, along with Food, Energy and Pharma are amongst the top four industries of the world whose annual turnover accumulates to more than $1 trillion.

In Pakistan, Warid has a significant share in the mobile market, catering the average consumer of mobile service but low margins have given Warid market penetration and rigid competition.

With the company now put up on sale, it has become extremely difficult for Warid to continue operations in Pakistan. While majority sources confirm the complete sell-out, one particular source describes a partial settlement that will take place in future.

Warid Telecom belongs to the Abu Dhabi group, which are a conglomerate and a family business. The company has been operating in Pakistan in the year 2005, capturing the average Pakistani consumer and targeting them with the ‘more-for-less’ value proposition.

Even though the company managed to create a strong market position, targeting consumers with their low packages has given Warid instant success.

McDonald’s new variety in the ‘Quarter-Pounder Line’

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Jun 27, 2013

McDonalds new variety in the Quarter Pounder Line

By Anum Saeed

JUNE 27, 2013 – In the month of June, McDonald’s introduced three new varieties of its signature Quarter Pounder Burger, for the first time in 40 years, which includes Bacon & Cheese Quarter Pounder, the Bacon Habanero Ranch Quarter Pounder and the Deluxe.

This trio of new burgers replaces McDonald’s Third Pounder Angus Burgers, which were bigger in size and were offered at a bigger price, nudging some of the markets with $5. The new offerings include Bacon Habanero Ranch which is a Quarter Pounder Burger with white cheddar, new thick-cut Apple wood smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato and a spicy Habanero ranch sauce.

Its Quarter Pounder Deluxe is the burger with American cheese, tomato, lettuce, crinkle-cut pickle slices, red onion, mayonnaise and mustard; and the Bacon & Cheese Quarter Pounder Burger is prepared with new thick-cut Applewood smoked bacon, American cheese, crinkle cut pickle slices, red onion, ketchup and mustard.

McDonald’s customers will still be able to order the classic Quarter Pounder Burger along with these new varieties. The brand says that its new Quarter Pounders are “new tastes with personalities and are as unique as the ingredients that top them off.”

Engro Foods revamps Olpers

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Sami Iqbal

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Jun 26, 2013

By Ali Rizvi

Recently, Engro Foods revamped its milk brand, Olpers. Reports say that the change has given it a simpler and refined look than its previous design.

Engro Foods undertook the re-vamping of Olpers to implement differentiated marketing strategy based on innovation.

Through the new packing, they also want to show that this is their effort of further preserve the nutritional value of Olpers so that it provides maximum utility for consumers. The new look is synced with the revised communication strategy of the brand which will help it break through the clutter on the shelves in retail outlets and enhance its visibility.

Olpers was launched in 2006 by Engro foods and has steadily emerged as the leading dairy product in the market after gaining preference over other brands across Pakistan. It combines nutrition, value and taste to give the best consumer experience that it can.

The new packaging and the change in tactics across the board will help Engro in achieving its goals of becoming the number one milk brand in all households. The change in the communication strategy might also help in achieving that goal by improving the visibility of the product.

Microsoft Reveals Sales Date And Price For Xbox One

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Jun 26, 2013

By Saira Hussain

The new Xbox One gaming console will go on sale in November, announced Microsoft on June 10, 2013. The recommended retail price for the console is $499 in the US, £429 in the UK and 499 euros.

This price is considerably higher than Microsoft’s previous consoles’ launch price but it is also expected that Kinect 2.0 will be included in the console set.

This declaration was made during its significant opening event at the E3 games expo in Los Angeles. Microsoft’s main emphasis at the event was on the games that will be available at the launch or during the holiday season.

They are well aware of the fact that an exclusive game label can radically increase the attractiveness and sales of a new console.

Sony- the rival console company says that the Play Station 4 would be out during the holiday season this year, although no official date was set. It would be the first time that the two rivals will launch their consoles simultaneously, if both Xbox-One and PS4 go on sale in November.

Microsoft also publicized that it was working to set up five in-house development studios to create some special exclusive content.

During the event in Los Angeles, Microsoft also declared that the Xbox 360 will also be updated to look more like an Xbox One and is going to be smaller and sleeker than before.

Walt Disney’s Brand New Parade: Festival Of Fantasy

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Jun 26, 2013

By Saira Hussain

A new parade is on its way to the Disney World Resort’s Magic Kingdom Park called “Disney Festival Of Fantasy”. It was announced on April 26, 2013, and will be making its debut in spring 2014.

Disney promises that this parade will bring the magical stories of New Fantasyland to Main Street, USA.

It promises to bring a lot of sensational and exciting activities. These include original soundtrack that will feature songs from our favorite Disney films, vibrant costumes, brand new parade floats and even a parade theme song.

Magic Kingdom Park was opened in October 1971. It is generally known as Magic Kingdom and is one of the first four theme parks constructed at the Walt Disney World Resort.

This Park is dedicated to fairy tales and Disney characters.

The people who have already been to Disney World, know that the parades are definitely one of the major tourist attractions and ‘must dos’ while visiting this Magic Kingdom. Disney certainly has a long ritual of parades, which are mostly successful.

The parade will specifically highlight the following Disney and Pixar stories – Peter Pan, Brave, Dumbo, Pinocchio, The Little Mermaid, Tangled, Sleeping Beauty and many more!

H&M opening large College Green store soon

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Jun 26, 2013

By Anum Saeed.

The Swedish retailer H&M plans to rent landmark former bank building National Irish Bank branch on College Green at around €800,000 a year.

Dublin’s Grafton Street shopping zone is to get a major boost with the decision.

The new outlet is reported to be located just two doors away from the Aber- crombie & Fitch fashion shop which is trading outstandingly in another landmark building once it is occupied by the Bank of Ireland.

The world’s second largest fashion retailer has planned to agree upon a rent in the region of €800,000 for the spacious College Green block which is famous for its ornate exterior and sophisticated banking hall.

The company will have the opportunity of trading out of around 1,858sq m (20,000sq ft) on up to four levels, counting mezzanines over the ground and first floors. The building has a total floor area of 2,850sq m (30,676sq ft) across seven levels.

The property investors Paddy McKillen and Tony Leonard, bought the former bank building from Danske Bank for around €4.5 million, and are likely to seek planning permission to install a shop front into the rear of the building located opposite the Dublin tourist office on Andrew Street.

The Commercial agent Savills, who was responsible for the sale of the NIB building, also negotiated the letting to the fashion brand.

The Stockholm-based H&M currently operates a store at the Gaiety Centre on the pedestrianised South King Street where it shares the limelight with Zara, Warehouse and others.

H&M is giving away a base rent of €800,000 with a turnover that could go as high as €690,343 for 1,672sq.m (18,000sq ft) at ground and first floor levels.