Haldiram’s Beats Nestle To Become India’s Biggest Snack Maker

Haldiram was founded in Rajasthan in 1937.

Haldiram is now the second largest Indian food brand after Parle. (Photo: iStock)

Indian snacks manufacturer Haldiram’s has left behind several MNCs such as Hindustan Unilever, Domino’s and Nestle to emerge India’s biggest snack maker.

In the Financial Year-16, the company had a revenue of Rs 4,000 crore, a 13 percent growth, The Economic Times reported.

Haldiram’s is “now twice the size of Hindustan Unilever’s packaged food division or Nestle Maggi and larger than the India turnover of the two American fast food rivals Domino’s and McDonald’s put together,” the report stated.

“We have increased our reach and developed products in-house that ensure quality control. We also understand Indian palate well and that comes handy while launching new products,” Haldiram’s Kamal Agarwal told ET.

This also goes on to show that local savouries are still in demand in the country despite the presence of several varieties of snacks, the report added.

Founded in 1937 as a small retail sweet and namkeen shop in Bikaner, Rajasthan, by Shivkisan Agrawal, the company later shifted base to Nagpur in 1970.

It is today the second largest Indian food brand after Parle. When it comes to the traditional snack market, Haldiram's is also above five of its regional rivals – Balaji Wafers, Prataap Snacks, Bikanervala, Bikaji Foods and DFM Foods.