ITC Ltd has outlined plans to invest ₹20,000 crore over the medium term to expand its manufacturing base and accelerate growth across multiple business verticals, according to Chairman and Managing Director Sanjiv Puri.
Speaking at the company’s Annual General Meeting, Mr Puri highlighted that ITC has already deployed ₹4,500 crore to set up eight advanced manufacturing units, reflecting its confidence in India’s economic potential.
“The company is preparing for the next phase of growth and is committed to boosting capacity and building new business engines,” Mr Puri said. He indicated that the upcoming investments will align with ITC’s broader transformation blueprint and may include fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), eco-friendly packaging, and export-driven agriculture products.
Although a fixed timeline wasn’t shared, the investment push is part of ITC’s “Next” strategy aimed at building a modern, future-ready portfolio through a mix of internal expansion and strategic acquisitions. So far, ITC has built 40 high-tech manufacturing units, supporting a network of 250 factories and over 7,500 small and medium suppliers. More than 90% of the value addition takes place within India, Mr Puri noted, reinforcing the company’s deep local engagement.
One of the standout initiatives is ITC’s entry into the digital food services space, using its strengths in the food and hospitality sectors to tap into a rapidly growing market. Its cloud kitchen platform now operates 60 outlets across five cities, under brands such as ITC Master Chef Creations, Aashirvaad Soul Creations, Sunfeast Baked Creations, and Sansho.
The digital food business has grown at a compound annual rate of 108% since its launch three years ago, driven by strong demand, innovation, and tech-enabled delivery systems. On the international front, Mr Puri emphasized that ITC’s global expansion will be rooted in a solid domestic base. “We believe Indian brands should first create a legacy at home before making a mark globally,” he said.
Currently, ITC’s FMCG division generates over ₹34,000 crore in annual consumer spending, reaches 260 million Indian households, and is present in more than 70 global markets. The company has launched over 100 products in the past year in segments like wellness, hygiene, natural foods, and convenience. In response to shareholder questions, Mr Puri said ITC has introduced more than 300 products over the past three years, underscoring innovation as a critical focus area.
On the packaging and paperboards segment, he acknowledged existing challenges, including low-cost imports and rising wood prices. The industry has requested policy support to manage these structural pressures.
ITC Ltd is a diversified conglomerate with a strong presence in multiple sectors, including FMCG, hotels, paperboards and packaging, agribusiness, and information technology. Established in 1910, the company has grown into one of India’s leading corporations, known for its iconic brands across categories such as tobacco, food, personal care, and lifestyle.
ITC is recognized for its commitment to sustainability, with a focus on environmental conservation, rural development, and creating value for stakeholders. The company has also made significant strides in the hospitality industry with its luxury hotels and has been a major player in India’s paper and packaging sector. With a long-standing history of strong financial performance and a forward-looking approach, ITC continues to be a key player in India’s corporate landscape, driving innovation and economic growth.
