We all are aware of the recent completion of the acquisition of soft drink brand Campa now Reliance Retail is looking to add more fast-moving consumer goods brands to its portfolio. This deal is expected to go live with the signing of a joint venture agreement with AJE India, the maker of carbonated beverage brand Big Cola and besides that they are also going to acquire Indore-based Aakash Namkeen Pvt. Ltd. These investments will help Reliance Retail build an even bigger brand value for themselves and will help them build a dominating brand presence. With the pace that Reliance Retail has been investing, if in future they acquire even more brands it won’t be that big of a surprise.
According to all the rumors that are doing rounds it’s estimated that it is actively in talks with several regional and local brands to help them expand their operations across modern and general trade in India and spread the roots at a rapid pace in the coming years. AJE Group is a Peru-based company which operates its India business from Pune, and deals with beverages which includes Big Cola, Big Orange, energy drink Volt and beverage brand Cfruit. Reliance with investment in AJE Group is looking to work out an active joint venture with AJE Group to capitalize on the existing manufacturing and distribution capacities.
The old Aakash Namkeen founded back in 1936 is also one of the ventures which Reliance Retails is in talks with for investment. Aakash Namkeen is one of the biggest manufactures of namkeens which include delicacies such as Ratlami Sev, Chivda and Bhel, and packaged traditional sweets including Besan Ladoo, Gulab Jamun and Sohan Papdi.
Reliance Retail during its Annual General Meeting poured emphasis on building one the largest FMCG business by growing its existing private labels and by acquiring new brands throughout the next few years. This is what Isha Ambani, Director, RRVL said “I’m excited to announce that this year we will launch our fast-moving consumer goods business. The objective of this business is to develop and deliver products that solve every Indian’s daily needs, with high quality products at affordable pricing.”
With the recent acquisitions done by Reliance Retail the focus seems to be on foods and beverages, the company could be possibly also looking at personal and home care brands. Meanwhile, it has been actively deploying distributors for scaling up its private labels, and is launching pack sizes specific to general trade outlets.
