AWL Agri Business Targets 30% Growth from Packaged Foods

AWL Agri Business is shifting focus toward its higher-margin packaged foods segment as it looks to reduce reliance on the volatile edible oil market. The company aims to grow the category’s share of total volume from 20% to 30% within five years, according to its newly appointed Managing Director and CEO, Shrikant Kanhere.

“Food remains a high focus for us because it offers a better margin profile than edible oil,” Kanhere said in an interview on Monday. The move aligns with industry peers like Marico, which has been expanding its Saffola brand into oats, muesli, and soya nuggets to capture the growing market for branded staples.

Also Read: India Shines as Key Growth Market for Nestle and Reckitt

Government data revealed that oils and fats inflation averaged between 18% and 21% in the September quarter — the highest among food and beverage categories — as prices remained elevated for nearly a year.

Kanhere, who took charge from Angshu Mallick on Tuesday, said the company expects its foods business to drive a stronger balance, helping cushion the impact of price swings in edible oils. The maker of Fortune products anticipates a 10% revenue growth in the second half of the fiscal year, supported by wider product availability and a stronger retail presence.

Currently reaching around 900,000 retail outlets, AWL Agri Business plans to expand that network to 1 million by next year. However, the forecast marks a slowdown from last year’s 35% surge, when soaring edible oil prices had lifted sales, while recent high prices have pushed some consumers toward cheaper options.