The Hindu Business Line : Wagh-Bakri Group to buy 4 tea plantations for Rs 50 cr

With the aim of expanding its market and increase its current turnover of Rs 260 crore to Rs 375 crore by 2010, the Wagh-Bakri Tea Group is planning to expand capacities and buy four tea plantations for nearly Rs 50 crore in the near future.

The third largest tea manufacturer in the country is also launching three varieties of ready-to-drink ice tea packs on lines of packed fruit juices, priced at around Rs 12 a pack, by mid-2008, Mr Piyush Desai, Chairman and Managing Director, Gujarat Tea Processors and Packers Ltd, which owns the Wagh-Bakri brands, told reporters here.

Whole night tea parlours

The century-old company is also launching a chain of 10 tea parlours, known as “Whole night tea parlours,” at select places in Ahmedabad to popularise and sell quality tea and biscuits for Rs 5 a cup from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m.

Currently, the Wagh-Bakri brand is sold mainly in Gujarat, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. It recently launched ‘Perfect,’ a premium brand, in Mumbai which would be sold in other parts of Maharashtra soon. “By the end of 2008, our brands will be available in more than 20 towns and cities of Maharashtra.”

At Wagha Border

Mr Desai said the company, which procures raw material from a number of sources and blends and packs them at their plant in Dholka, Ahmedabad district, is also toying with the idea to set up a national-level tea production unit at the Wagha Border to promote harmony between India and Pakistan.

To make tea sold by roadside stalls hygienic, Mr Desai said, Wagh-Bakri and tea other companies had suggested to the Centre to legally ensure that tea is sold in quality paper cups.

He said the Indian tea industry has grown 21 per cent during 2007. The company, having a production capacity of one lakh kg (10 lakh packets) per day, sells around 180 lakh kg annually. The company is planning to expand its production and round-the-year storage capacity also.

Wagh Bakri enjoys a 50 per cent market share in Gujarat, 20 per cent in Rajasthan and 10-15 per cent in Madhya Pradesh. The brand has a global presence in more than 32 countries, Mr Desai added.

More Stories on : Tea | Outlook | Brands

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page

Stories in this Section
Chana futures down on selling pressure

The cause and effects of wheat inflation

Aries Agro fixes IPO price band at Rs 120-130

Spot rubber stays steady

Wagh-Bakri Group to buy 4 tea plantations for Rs 50 cr

Industrial demand for gold seen rising

Gokul Refoils plans expansion; raising Rs 160 cr through IPO

Pepper futures market rules steady

STC floats tender to import 3.5 lt wheat