FMCG major Dharampal Satyapal Group has formally exited its exclusive India partnership with Swiss premium chocolate maker Läderach, bringing an end to a collaboration that began less than two years ago. The decision follows an internal strategic review and reflects a reassessment of the alignment between the two companies’ long-term priorities, the group said.
In a statement confirming the development, DS Group said the partnership no longer fits with its core values and broader vision. The company added that it remains committed to building associations that are consistent with its principles and strategic direction as it sharpens focus across its consumer-facing portfolio.
The partnership was announced in August 2023, marking Läderach’s official entry into the Indian market. As part of the agreement, DS Group had taken on the responsibility of importing, repackaging and distributing the Swiss brand’s products locally. The collaboration led to the launch of Läderach’s first exclusive retail store in India at DLF Emporio in New Delhi, positioning the brand in the country’s premium chocolate segment.
At the time, the move was seen as part of DS Group’s push to strengthen its presence in high-end food and confectionery categories, complementing its established businesses spanning tobacco alternatives, packaged foods, beverages, mouth fresheners and hospitality.
Läderach, founded in 1962, is a family-owned chocolate company headquartered in the canton of Glarus, Switzerland. Known for its vertically integrated model, the brand controls the entire chocolate-making process from cocoa sourcing to finished products, with manufacturing carried out exclusively in Switzerland. The company employs more than 1,700 people across over 50 nationalities and operates boutiques in several international markets.
While neither company disclosed commercial details related to the exit, the development highlights the evolving strategies of Indian conglomerates as they reassess international partnerships amid changing market dynamics and consumer expectations in the premium food space.
