Homegrown FMCG giant Marico expects its packaged food business under Saffola to outgrow its edible oil vertical within the next three to four years, Managing Director and CEO Saugata Gupta said.
In FY25, the foods division crossed the Rs 900-crore milestone, contributing 11 per cent to Marico’s domestic sales, compared with 19 per cent from edible oils. While oils grew at low single digits, foods surged 33 per cent, driven by oats, honey, snacks and newer health-focused launches.
“Foods is more profitable than oils and carries a larger headroom for expansion. Saffola’s portfolio will continue to grow with higher distribution, improved penetration and consumer trials,” Gupta told PTI. The company is stepping up its presence in muesli, honey and healthy snacking through Saffola Crunchiez, while also betting on its digital-first brands True Elements and Plix in plant-based nutrition.
Marico closed FY25 with consolidated revenue above Rs 10,000 crore, including Rs 7,581 crore from its standalone India business. Chairman Harsh Mariwala had earlier set a target of Rs 20,000 crore topline by 2030, hinging on innovation, brand-led growth and operational efficiency.
Gupta said the company aims to double in five years, implying a 13 per cent compound annual growth rate. That requires high single-digit expansion in core businesses, 20 per cent-plus growth from foods and double-digit gains internationally.
The maker of Parachute and Livon is also scaling manufacturing capacity while investing in automation, AI and analytics to sharpen decision-making. “We are not capex heavy, but we are making judicious calls on technology and capability building,” Gupta noted.
Advertising and promotion will remain a priority, with spends tilted towards above-the-line campaigns and digital outreach. Gupta stressed that Marico has not cut back on brand investments despite cost pressures, calling A&P spend “critical” for the company’s diversification journey.
