Colombo, Sri Lanka — Nestlé Lanka's iconic malted food drink brand, NESTOMALT, has achieved a landmark milestone in the world of digital marketing and creative advertising. Together with its creative partner Ogilvy Digital, NESTOMALT has clinched a prestigious Gold award at the Dragons of Asia Awards 2026 for its culturally resonant campaign, 'NESTOMALT Powering Avurudu.' This recognition not only celebrates outstanding creative excellence but also underscores the power of purpose-driven marketing that connects deeply with local traditions and consumer values across the Asian region.
A Campaign Rooted in Culture and Community
The 'NESTOMALT Powering Avurudu' campaign was conceived as a heartfelt tribute to Sri Lanka's most beloved cultural celebration — the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, commonly known as Avurudu. Celebrated annually in April, Avurudu is a time of joyful family gatherings, traditional games, festive foods, and community bonding. For NESTOMALT, a brand that has long been associated with energy, nourishment, and everyday vitality for Sri Lankan families, the festival presented a natural and authentic opportunity to tell a compelling brand story.
The campaign was designed to highlight how NESTOMALT fuels the energy and enthusiasm that Sri Lankans bring to their Avurudu festivities. From children participating in traditional games to families sharing moments of warmth and togetherness, the creative narrative positioned NESTOMALT as more than just a beverage — it became a symbol of cultural pride and shared national identity. The campaign successfully tapped into the emotional heartstrings of Sri Lankan consumers while reinforcing the brand's core message of providing wholesome nourishment.
About the Dragons of Asia Awards
The Dragons of Asia Awards is one of the most respected and competitive advertising and digital marketing award platforms in the Asia-Pacific region. The awards recognize exceptional campaigns that demonstrate innovation, creativity, strategic effectiveness, and cultural relevance across various digital and traditional media platforms. Winning a Gold award at this prestigious event is considered a significant achievement for any brand or agency, as entries are judged by a distinguished panel of industry experts and marketing professionals from across Asia.
Earning Gold in this competitive arena places NESTOMALT and Ogilvy Digital among the region's finest creative minds, validating the campaign's ability to break through the noise and deliver a message that truly resonated with audiences both locally and regionally.
Ogilvy Digital's Creative Vision
Ogilvy Digital, the agency behind the campaign's conceptualization and execution, brought a sharp strategic lens and deep creative expertise to the project. Known for crafting campaigns that blend data-driven insights with emotionally compelling storytelling, Ogilvy Digital developed a multi-platform approach that ensured the 'NESTOMALT Powering Avurudu' message reached consumers at the right moments, through the right channels.
The agency leveraged a combination of digital video content, social media engagement, influencer collaborations, and interactive activations to amplify the campaign's reach and impact. The result was a seamlessly integrated campaign that felt both authentically Sri Lankan and strategically sophisticated — a balance that ultimately captured the attention of the Dragons of Asia judging panel and earned the coveted Gold recognition.
NESTOMALT's Legacy in Sri Lanka
NESTOMALT has been a trusted household name in Sri Lanka for decades, cherished by generations of families for its rich malt flavor and nutritional benefits. As Nestlé Lanka's flagship malted food drink, NESTOMALT is deeply embedded in the daily lives of Sri Lankan consumers, from energizing children before school to providing adults with a nourishing start to their day. The brand's commitment to quality and its understanding of local consumer needs have consistently made it a market leader in its category.
This Gold win at the Dragons of Asia Awards 2026 further strengthens NESTOMALT's brand equity and demonstrates the brand's ability to evolve and innovate in its marketing approach while staying true to its core values. It is a testament to Nestlé Lanka's ongoing investment in creative excellence and meaningful consumer engagement.
A Proud Moment for Sri Lankan Advertising
The Gold win is not just a victory for NESTOMALT and Ogilvy Digital — it is a proud moment for Sri Lanka's advertising and marketing industry as a whole. Regional recognition at platforms like the Dragons of Asia Awards helps put Sri Lankan creative talent on the global map, inspiring a new generation of marketers, storytellers, and brand strategists to pursue excellence and innovation.
As NESTOMALT continues to power the everyday lives of Sri Lankan families, this award serves as a powerful reminder that the most impactful campaigns are those that honor culture, celebrate community, and speak authentically to the people they serve. The 'NESTOMALT Powering Avurudu' campaign has set a high benchmark for culturally driven marketing in the region, and its Gold recognition at the Dragons of Asia Awards 2026 is a well-deserved tribute to the creativity, passion, and strategic brilliance of everyone involved.