ITC | One of the first FMCG companies of India

ITC is one of the Private sector companies based in India. The company is headquartered in Kolkata, West Bengal, India. ITC has its business diversified in 13 firms in 5 segments. ITC also has a significant presence in Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), Hotels, packaging, software, Agriculture, and more.

History

ITC Limited initially named Imperial Tobacco Company of India Limited. The company was based on Agricultural resources so it partnered with farmers from south India for sourcing leaf tobacco. The first cigarette factory of the company was set up in 1913 in Bangalore. The company acquired the Carreras Tobacco Company factory in Kidderpore, Kolkata. The company was converted into a Public Limited Company on 27 October 1954. During the 1960s the company focused on cigarette machinery and filter-rod manufacturing facilities aimed at achieving self-sufficiency in cigarette-making. ITC’s shareholding grew by 40% when they entered the hospitality sector, create tourism infrastructure and generate large-scale direct and indirect employment.

FMCG Portfolio

Foods

ITC’s popularity and dominance in the food business are not unknown to anyone. They started with the Kitchens of India which was ready-to-eat Indian gourmet dishes. That same year they also entered the confectionery and staples segments which include mint-o and candyman in confectionery and also Aashirvaad atta. ITC then introduced the biscuit segment with the brand Sunfeast and the snack category by Bingo! In 2007. In 2010, ITC launched Sunfeast Yippee! to enter the Indian instant noodles market. The Company also entered the Fruit-based juices and beverages market with the launch of B Natural Fruit beverages in the year 2015. The brand also has its products in dairy segments, Gourmet coffee, spices, fresh fruits and vegetables. Recently in 2020, they launched their Company’s first venture into the frozen snacks segment.

Education and stationery

In 2002 ITC launched a range of notebooks under the brand Papercraft. This was to reach a wider student population they launched another brand classmate stationery brand In 2003. Classmate over the years has grown to become India’s largest notebook brand. In the year 2007, they launched a variety of products like Practical Books, Drawing Books, Geometry Boxes, Pens and Pencils under the ‘Classmate’ brand.

Safety matches and agarbattis

In the year 2002, they launched Agarbattis & Safety Matches, ITC now markets popular safety matches brands like iKno, Mangaldeep and Aim. Mangaldeep is a national brand and is available across a range of fragrances like Rose, Jasmine, Bouquet, Sandalwood and ‘Fragrance of Temple’.

Personal care

ITC launched its personal care business in 2005. Some of the famous brands are ‘Essenza Di Wills’, ‘Fiama’, ‘Vivel’ ‘Superia’. These brands are popular nationally and also received a great response from the customers. Later they also launched Engage deodorants, Charmis, and Nimyle and recently in 2021 they launched Nimwash a dishwasher gel Nimeasy.

Cigaratte

ITC’s presence and dominance in the Cigarette business is from the British times in India. ITC is also the leader of cigarette market in India. More than one hundred years of expertise in developing products to match the evolving taste of consumers. Some of famous brands include Classic, Gold Flake, Wills Navy Cut, Silk Cut, Flake and many more. ITC’s cigarettes are manufactured in state like Bengaluru, Munger, Saharanpur, Kolkata and Pune.

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