Tata Consumer Products (TCP), a leading player in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector, is set to introduce Ching’s instant soup as part of its business-to-business (B2B) vending machine offerings. This move comes on the heels of its acquisition of Capital Foods, the company behind popular brands like Ching’s Secret and Smith & Jones.
In addition to expanding its vending machine lineup with Ching’s products, TCP also plans to feature a variety of its tea offerings, including Organic India’s herbal tea, which was also part of its recent acquisitions, in the vending machine business.
TCP first ventured into the vending machine sector in 2023, focusing on coffee. Since then, the company has witnessed significant growth, surpassing 2,000 vending machines nationwide. The machines are currently deployed in businesses and corporations across India, catering to an evolving consumer demand for quick and convenient beverage solutions.
The vending business has become a strategic part of TCP’s operations, allowing the company to diversify its product portfolio and reach a broader customer base. Nidhi Verma, Head of the Vending Business at Tata Consumer Products, shared insights into the company’s future plans. “We are exploring a new branding strategy for our vending channels, starting with Ching’s instant soup, which will be available as a ₹10 SKU.
We aim to introduce this product to the market in the coming month,” Verma said in a conversation with Businessline. She further elaborated on TCP’s comprehensive product offerings in the vending sector, mentioning that the company is not only focusing on soup but also expanding its portfolio with other beverages.
“Through Tata My Bistro, we offer hot chocolate as well, creating a complete end-to-end solution for our vending customers. Our machine count has seen remarkable growth over the past year, and we’ve experienced revenue doubling nearly every quarter,” Verma added.
One of the major trends shaping the vending market in India is the shift towards bean-to-cup coffee machines. Over time, Indian consumers’ coffee preferences have evolved, and they are now more discerning and quality-conscious. Verma noted that TCP has adapted to these changes by integrating its supply chain to ensure a high-quality coffee experience for vending machine users.
This shift towards premium coffee options underscores TCP’s commitment to meeting the sophisticated tastes of modern consumers. During the company’s 61st Annual General Meeting (AGM), N Chandrasekaran, Chairperson of Tata Group, also emphasized the company’s ongoing efforts to expand its footprint in the food and beverage space.
Chandrasekaran highlighted TCP’s aggressive growth strategy, stating, “We are continuing to expand our beverage and food business and are exploring new categories. In particular, we are focused on forming strategic partnerships with corporations for our coffee products. We are also making significant strides in the vending machine business.”
The company has been highly proactive in launching new products, with 34 new offerings introduced in the previous fiscal year. By expanding its vending machine business and incorporating new categories like Ching’s instant soup, TCP aims to solidify its position in the rapidly growing FMCG and B2B vending sectors.
Tata Consumer Products (TCP) is a leading fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) company, part of the Tata Group. It operates globally, offering a diverse range of beverages and food products, including tea, coffee, water, snacks, and packaged foods. TCP’s portfolio includes popular brands like Tata Tea, Tetley, Eight O’Clock Coffee, and the recently acquired Organic India.
