DS Group to expand confectionary biz

Noida-based Dharampal Satyapal (DS) Group plans to invest Rs 150 crore to expand its confectionery business over the next two years, focussing on southern markets. “South India accounts for 26 per cent of Rs 9,000-crore confectionary market and we see lot of scope in expanding non-gum and non-chocolate (NG-NC) segment in this region,” Atanu Gangoly, Head of Confectionery and Powdered Beverages division, DS Group, told newspersons here on Wednesday. The company had already invested Rs 150 crore in manufacturing, R&D and marketing in the last year, he said. DS Group, which currently sells mini chewing gums under the brand ‘Pass Pass Chingles’ would also launch over 10 products in NG-NC segment, Gangoly said. The target was to take the revenue contribution of the south from 12 per cent to 20 per cent in the confectionary division of the company, he added. The division is expected to earn Rs 140 crore revenue in 2012-13 while the total group’s turnover is projected at Rs 3,000. The privately-held group has presence in food and beverages, hospitality, agro-forestry, tobacco and infrastructure, among others.