Ruchi Soya Industries diversifies into tomato processing

The first processing unit will be set up in Maharashtra with an initial investment of Rs 44 cr and commercial production will begin by June 2014

Image
BS Reporter Mumbai
Last Updated : Apr 29 2013 | 9:32 PM IST
Ruchi Soya Industries, a fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) company focused on edible oil, soya products and margarine, plans to foray into tomato processing. The company has entered into a joint venture (JV) with Japanese tomato processing company Kagome Co Ltd and with Mitsui & Co Ltd, which has presence in trading, investment and services. The JV will be called Ruchi Kagome.

In the new JV, Ruchi Soya will have 40 per cent stake and 60 per cent will be held by a special purpose vehicle (SPV) created by Kagome and Mitsui, which own 66.7 per cent and 33.3 per cent share each in the SPC.

The first processing unit will be set up in Maharashtra with an initial investment of Rs 44 crore and commercial production will begin by June 2014. Land for the unit has been identified.

The JV plans to launch premium tomato purees, sauces, ketchups and other world-class products in India. Ruchi Kagome will work closely with Indian farmers. It will distribute higher yielding seeds and share global knowledge to educate local tomato producers, and set up local support centres.

Dinesh Shahra, founder and managing director of Ruchi Soya, said, "We are planning to launch a range of tomato products. These products will be marketed in both the business-to-business (food services) segment and the business-to-consumer (retail) segment."

The company will also educate farmers on choosing better crop suitable for processing and may also enter into buyback arrangements, subject to commercial viability.

*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Apr 29 2013 | 9:16 PM IST

Next Story