Key Points:
- Historic merger finalized: Delhi and Nagpur units unite to form Haldiram Snacks Food Private Ltd (HSFPL), creating a single FMCG powerhouse.
- Valued at $10 billion: Strategic investments from Temasek, Alpha Wave Global, and IHC mark the largest deal in India’s packaged food industry.
- Global expansion plans: Focus on international markets, especially the US and Middle East, driven by demand from the Indian diaspora.
- Legacy meets innovation: Combining heritage and bold ideas to redefine the future of Indian snacks and sweets.
New Delhi: Haldiram’s, India’s iconic snack and sweets brand, has completed a historic merger between its Delhi and Nagpur units, forming a unified entity named Haldiram Snacks Food Private Ltd (HSFPL). This monumental move not only consolidates its FMCG operations but also positions Haldiram’s as India’s largest snacking company, valued at an impressive $10 billion (₹85,000 crore).
A Landmark Merger
The merger process was finalized after receiving approvals from key regulatory bodies—the Competition Commission of India (CCI) in April 2023 and the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) in September 2023. Under the new structure:
- The Delhi unit holds a 56% stake in HSFPL.
- The Nagpur unit owns the remaining 44%.
This consolidation brings together Haldiram Snacks Private Ltd (Delhi) and Haldiram Foods International Pvt Ltd (Nagpur), combining their FMCG businesses to scale operations, enhance collaboration, and unlock new growth opportunities.
Strategic Investments and Global Expansion
The merger coincides with significant foreign investments aimed at global expansion. Singapore-based Temasek, Alpha Wave Global from the US, and UAE-based International Holding Company (IHC) have collectively acquired minority stakes in HSFPL. These investments are expected to drive Haldiram’s presence in international markets, particularly the US and Middle East.
CEO Krishna Kumar Chutani expressed enthusiasm for the merger, stating, “From Indian kitchens to global shelves, we’re expanding our reach while staying true to everything that makes Haldiram’s special.”
Heritage Meets Bold Innovation
Founded by Ganga Bishan Agarwal in 1937 as a small sweet shop in Bikaner, Rajasthan, Haldiram’s has grown into a global brand with products sold in over 80 countries. The merger symbolizes a fresh start for the company—a blend of legacy and innovation aimed at redefining the future of Indian snacks.
Chutani described the merger as “more than just scale,” emphasizing its significance as a meaningful union of passion and vision. The combined entity plans to leverage its heritage while embracing modern technologies like generative AI for product innovation.
Implications for the Industry
The merger is expected to reshape India’s ₹47,000 crore snack food market:
- Market leadership: Strengthens Haldiram’s position against competitors like PepsiCo, ITC, and Balaji Snacks.
- Global reach: Expands distribution networks to cater to international markets with high demand for authentic Indian snacks.
- Innovation-driven growth: Focus on new product lines and advanced manufacturing techniques.
Looking Ahead
With this merger, Haldiram’s embarks on an exciting new chapter that promises growth on a global scale while preserving its rich legacy. As it charts new territories in international markets and explores innovative product offerings, the brand continues to inspire entrepreneurs with its story of tradition meeting transformation.
From humble beginnings in Bikaner to becoming India’s largest snack empire, Haldiram’s journey is a testament to resilience, vision, and unwavering commitment to quality—a legacy that now looks set to conquer the world.
