Beyond bakery

The Wadia Group owned biscuits and bakery major, Britannia Industries Limited (BIL) has plans to venture into the ready-to-eat foods market, reported Daily News and Analysis (DNA) on August 9, 2016. "Our objective is to become a total food company and not just a biscuit maker,” Varun Berry, managing director of the company informed the newspaper. A decision is expected to be taken by the year end, said the report.
Explaining that the company was evaluating what other categories they could enter, Berry detailed that they have set up a research and development center in Bangalore. Products being tested include croissants, among others. Ninety-five percent of the Rs 8,500 crore turnover of (BIL) comes from its bakery division. Diversification into non-bakery products would help the company fight inflation which "has been putting pressure on its business,” according to the report.

Nusli Wadia, right: Varun Berry

The company is looking at reviving operations at its oldest factory in Taratala, south Calcutta. "We are working to improve its productivity,” Nusli Wadia, chairman of the group was quoted. He also revealed that a greenfield (new) plant was being considered in West Bengal, but details were yet to be finalized.
For the quarter ended June 30, 2016, the company reported a revenue growth of eight percent at Rs 2,162 crores. Net profit grew 13% to Rs 219 crores, stated the report.