AgroTech opens first peanut butter manufacturing facility in India

It is being built at a cost of Rs 35 cr and will serve as an integrated multi-category grocery and snacks manufacturing hub for Indian market

AgroTech Foods Limited, an affiliate of Conagra Foods Inc. of the United States of America (USA), on Tuesday announced the opening of its manufacturing unit in Jhagadia in Bharuch in Gujarat to start local production of its Sundrop peanut butter for the first time in India, a statement issued by the company said.

The statement further said that the state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, being built at a cost of Rs 35 crore, would serve as an integrated multi-category grocery and snacks manufacturing hub for the Indian market.

Speaking on the occasion, Sachin Gopal, president and CEO, AgroTech Foods Limited said, “The commencement of local production of peanut butter at our new facility reinforces AgroTech Foods’ commitment to lead the development of the processed foods industry in India.”

Gopal further said, "The spreads category in India is still small and under-penetrated. The introduction of peanut butter will address the changing needs of the Indian consumer and also help in growing the spreads category."

About the contribution to growth in processed food industry across the country, "Our capability in building new categories and access to large number of products means we have an opportunity to contribute to the growth of the processed foods industry in India."

Regarding investments, he said, " The investments we have already made in manufacturing capacities in addition to those that we are in the process of doing will enable us to deliver increased value to all stakeholders."

The unit in Jhagadia, the statement said, will not only produce peanut butter for commercial sale but also for the company's 'Poshan' programme, which creates shared value with its communities through the use of peanut butter to address the problem of malnutrition.

Agro Tech Foods Ltd (ATFL), a public limited company engaged in the business of marketing food products, is affiliated to ConAgra Foods, Inc. of USA, one the world's largest food companies.