Wipro Consumer Care and Lighting Acquires Brahmins

KOCHI:
Wipro Consumer Care and Lighting announced the execution of a definitive agreement to acquire Brahmins, a traditional vegetarian, spice mix and ready-to-cook brand located in Kerala. Followed by its recent acquisition of Nirapara, the company is looking at becoming a sizable player in the packaged foods segment.

To expand and further consolidate its spices, breakfast and Ready to Cook category, Wipro has taken the route towards adding Brahmins, a homegrown legacy brand in Kerala, into its growing Food Business. Established in 1987, Brahmins is one of the most preferred brands in its home market (Kerala), with ethnic breakfast pre-mix powders, spice mixes, straight powders (spices), wheat products such as – pickles, dessert mixes, and others. The premium flagship products are Sambar Powder, and Puttu Podi which enjoy a market leadership position.

Commenting on the acquisition, Anil Chugh, President, Foods Business, Wipro Consumer Care, commented on the acquisition stating, “This is an exciting time for us at Wipro, as we witness the unprecedented expansion of our Foods Business. Spices and RTC are big categories that are poised to grow significantly. Adding Brahmins under the Wipro fold will further bolster our position in blended spices and ethnic breakfast (Puttu-podi, Appams and other Rice products) categories in Kerala and other markets such as the GCC countries, UK, US & Australia.”

Sreenath Vishnu, MD, Brahmins said, “I am elated that Brahmins is now a part of Wipro Consumer Care Foods Business. This will enable access to resources that will help the brand grow rapidly. We are jointly focused on developing the brand supported by local consumer insights as well as streamlining manufacturing. We are confident that with Wipro’s distribution strength, network, and marketing expertise we will significantly expand our geographical presence and scale Brahmins to newer heights.”

Sachin Bansal, CFO, Consumer Care & Lighting (India and South Asia) commented, “We are thrilled with the acquisition of Brahmins. This acquisition fits well into our strategy and strengthens our position in Foods in Kerela. Brahmins has very strong internal processes & systems which helps them execute efficient operations. This acquisition will give us critical mass in the market and accelerate profitable growth as we continue to build our Foods business.”

Brahmins were guided by its passion for good, healthy, vegetarian food. As a family-owned business, the company experimented with exotic Indian spices, pickles and packaged breakfast, and today it is the trusted brand in kitchens across India and abroad.

This acquisition, which will be our 14th so far for Wipro Consumer Care and Lighting and will be a mutually beneficial partnership that will accelerate the expansion of the Brahmins’ portfolio on one hand and embolden Wipro’s foundation into the food business. Kochi-based investment banking firm KAFCO BACKWATER advised Brahmins on this transaction.