Orkla India, maker of MTR Foods, is positioning itself to become one of India's fastest-growing multi-category food companies over the next five years. According to reports from PTI, the company, part of Norwegian conglomerate Orkla ASA, operates brands including MTR, Rasoi Magic and Eastern. Managing Director and CEO Sanjay Sharma outlined the company's strategy to achieve this growth through premiumisation, health and wellness offerings, rapid expansion of quick commerce, and potential acquisitions. The company has flagged its interest in consolidating the spices industry in its draft red herring prospectus ahead of its listing on 6 November 2025.
As reported by PTI, Orkla India is actively looking to consolidate the fragmented Indian spices industry through further acquisitions while remaining open to partnerships in the convenience foods space. The company, which is among the largest exporters of branded spices, currently earns around 21% of its revenue from exports and is encouraged by upcoming free trade agreements with key markets, which could improve market access over the next 6-12 months. Only 40% of India's spices market is currently branded, against a total addressable market of around ₹80,000 crore, leaving "huge headroom to grow," according to Sharma.
According to PTI reports, Orkla India has launched protein-enriched poha, upma, dosa and idli as part of an expanding health and wellness portfolio, with more concepts in the pipeline. Sharma pointed to premiumisation and shifting preferences, particularly among Gen Z consumers, as creating fresh growth opportunities, with demand rising for fresher products with fewer preservatives. The company is capitalising on evolving consumer preferences towards healthier food options.
As reported by PTI, quick commerce is emerging as a key growth driver, with e-commerce contributing about 8.9% of sales and growing at 38%, against an industry average of 11.5%. Industry projections peg quick commerce growth at 18-20% over the next three to five years. As quick commerce surges beyond organic growth, Orkla India is evaluating acquisitions to strengthen its domestic scale. The company is also open to partnerships and acquisitions in the convenience foods space.
According to PTI reports, while declining to share specific revenue or profitability projections, Sharma expressed confidence the company could sustain its historical double-digit growth as consumer preferences evolve. The company's strategy focuses on leveraging premiumisation trends, expanding health and wellness offerings, and capitalising on the rapid growth in quick commerce to achieve its ambitious growth targets over the next five years. Sharma ruled out the ready-to-drink beverages segment as a strategic priority, noting Orkla's presence there came through an acquisition rather than deliberate entry.
