ITC Limited, one of India’s most diversified conglomerates, has unveiled a significant ₹20,000 crore investment plan aimed at strengthening its footprint across multiple high-growth sectors, including FMCG, sustainable packaging, and foodtech. The announcement was made by Chairman Sanjiv Puri during the company’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Kolkata on July 25, 2025.

Addressing shareholders, Puri underscored the importance of transformative growth in the face of a global landscape marked by uncertainty, volatility, and disruption. He described the current business environment as a “pivotal inflection point” and emphasized the need for novel, value-centric strategies that align with India’s broader economic vision.

₹20,000 Crore Investment Blueprint

According to Puri, the ₹20,000 crore capital infusion will be deployed in the medium term to support capacity expansion, technological innovation, and the launch of new brands that enhance value accretion. ITC has already built 40 manufacturing units across the country, with 8 new sites added recently, reinforcing its commitment to the Make in India initiative.

The investments are designed to accelerate growth in strategic verticals and enable ITC to diversify further into export-oriented, value-added product lines. Puri remarked that these initiatives would not only bolster domestic operations but also improve India's global competitiveness.

Redefining Growth and Capitalism

Puri stressed the need to redefine the growth paradigm, advocating for what he termed as “compassionate capitalism.” This involves creating inclusive business models that balance profitability with societal and environmental responsibilities.

“We are navigating a landscape shaped by turbulence, uncertainty, and rapid transformation. It is imperative to redefine growth and adopt a new model grounded in inclusive development,” said Puri.

He also pointed to structural challenges including a weak external trade environment, import dumping, and inflationary pressures that have led to demand softening in various sectors. Yet, he remains optimistic that policy reforms, domestic resilience, and business agility will support long-term growth.

Surging FMCG Revenues and Brand Diversification

One of the key highlights of Puri’s speech was the performance of ITC’s FMCG segment, which has grown from ₹14,700 crore in FY21 to approximately ₹22,000 crore in FY25. Currently, 65% of the company's revenues are contributed by non-cigarette businesses, underlining a deliberate strategic pivot.

New product lines and brand launches across health, nutrition, and personal care are being positioned to meet evolving consumer preferences. These brands aim to enhance ITC’s market share in fast-moving consumer goods, while also supporting the goal of value accretion across supply chains.

Cloud Kitchens and Foodtech Expansion

ITC’s foodtech vertical is emerging as a core growth lever, having delivered a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 108% over the last three years. The company has built a full-stack digital foodtech platform that now operates 60 cloud kitchens in five major cities.

According to Puri, this business model will be progressively scaled across India, offering tech-driven culinary experiences and enabling the company to capture new-age consumer demand.

Focus on Supply Chains and Value Addition

In his AGM address, Puri emphasized the importance of strategic supply chain management and increased value addition. These efforts, he said, will be crucial to strengthen India’s economic base and help businesses better withstand global headwinds.

He also warned about inflationary trends and the risks posed by dumped imports, which necessitate continuous innovation, cost optimization, and market adaptation.

Future Outlook and Results Ahead

While acknowledging the external challenges that impacted the past financial year, Puri maintained a positive outlook for the future. He noted that the Indian economy remains resilient, supported by reforms and consumer demand, and that ITC is well-positioned to leverage these trends.

The company is scheduled to announce its Q1 FY26 results on August 1, 2025, which will provide further insights into the effectiveness of its recent strategic moves and investments.

Conclusion

With its ₹20,000 crore investment blueprint, ITC is making a decisive bet on India’s long-term economic potential. By focusing on diversification, value creation, and digital transformation, the company is setting the stage for a new phase of growth that is both inclusive and sustainable. Under Sanjiv Puri’s leadership, ITC is not only expanding its business horizons but also shaping a modern, resilient, and responsible corporate model.

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