Balaji Wafers

Balaji Wafers is one of the largest snack food manufacturer and distributor in India. Founded in 1974, it produces and distributes a variety of potato chips and other grain-based snack foods.

Balaji Wafers Private Limited
Balaji Wafers
TypePrivate limited
IndustryFood products
Founded1974 (1974)
Founder
  • Chandubhai Virani
  • Kanubhai Virani
  • Bhikhubhai Virani
Headquarters
Rajkot, Gujarat, India
Key people
  • Chandubhai Virani
  • Bhikhubhai Virani
  • Keyur Virani
  • Mihir Virani
  • Pranay Virani
  • Shyam Virani
Products
Revenue₹5,000 crore (US$630 million) (2022)[1]
Number of employees
5000 [2]
Websitebalajiwafers.com

History

The company is owned by Chandubhai Virani who was born into a family of farmers in Gujarat. At age 15, Chandubhai and his brothers Bhikhubhai and Meghjibhai migrated to Dhundhoraji, a small village in Kalavad Taluka, Jamnagar district of Gujarat.[3] [4] Their father Popatbhai Virani was a farmer, who sold ancestral agricultural land and gave the brothers ₹20,000 (US$250) to venture into business.[4]

The Viranis invested in farm equipment but could not succeed and lost the money. The brothers then started a wafer business from a canteen of Astron Cinema in Rajkot in 1974.[5] Until 1989, the wafers were produced at the Viranis' house and distributed in and around Rajkot city.

In 1989, as the business grew, the brothers set up their potato wafer facility near Rajkot city at Aji GIDC (Industrial Zone, Rajkot). Balaji Wafers Private Limited was established in 1992 with four facilities spread across the nation.[4] Balaji Wafers then set up a fully automatic plant near Metoda G.I.D.C. which is in the area of the village Vajdi, outside the town of Rajkot.[6]

Market share

Balaji's share of the local potato and vegetable chips market[7] grew from 9.5% in 2008, to 13.7% in 2012, according to Euromonitor International. Balaji also dominates in the western market with a share of 71%. In its home state Gujarat, it has a share of 90%.[8] The Economic Times recognized Balaji Wafers as Sultan of Wafers.[9]

Balaji Wafers is also a member of the Federation of Sweets & Namkeen Manufacturers (FSNM).[10]

Products

[11]

Namkeen (23 products)

Yumstix, Punjabi Tadka, Sago Balls, Khatta Mitha Mix, Tikha Mitha Mix, Mitha Farali Chiwda, Farali Chevdo, Chana Jor Garam, Bhel Mix, Mung Dal, Chana Dal, Masala Peas, Shing Bhujia, Nimbu Shing Bhujia, Salted Peanuts, Masala Shing, Aloo Sev, Classic Sev, Bhujia Sev, Gathiya, Ratlami Sev, Sev Murmura, Masala Sev Murmura.

Wafers (12 products)

Stack Up Sizzling Chilli, Stack Up Salted, Wafers- Simply Salted, Wafers- Masala Masti, Wafers- Tomato Twist, Wafers- Chaat Chaska, Wafers- Cream & Onion, Peri Peri Wafers, Wafers- Pizzy Masala, Crunchex- Simply Salted, Crunchex- Chilli Tadka, Rumbles- Pudina Twist.

Western Snacks (12 products)

Gippi Noodles, Moon Crunchies- Masala, Flamin Hot Nachos, Tomato Salsa Nachos, Cheese Chilli Nachos, Funne- Spicy Punch, Scoopitos, Poprings- Yummy Cheese, Poprings Masala, Wheelos- Masala, Chataka Pataka- Flamin Hot, Chataka Pataka- Chinese Chaska.

References
  1. "Bikaneri Namkeen hits $1 billion sweet spot". Economic Times. Retrieved 8 April 2019.
  2. "Madison wins Balaji Wafers' media duties worth Rs 20 crore". The Economic Times. Retrieved 14 February 2019.
  3. "Meet school drop-out who built Rs 4000 crore empire selling chips". DNA India. Retrieved 29 August 2023.
  4. "Who is Chandubhai Virani? Meet the man who had nothing but now runs Rs 4000 crore company. How he started Balaji wafers and his journey". Financialexpress. 22 July 2023. Retrieved 29 August 2023.
  5. "Meet Chandubhai Virani, A Canteen Worker Who Built Rs 4,000-Crore Potato Wafers Brand". www.india.com. Retrieved 29 August 2023.
  6. "1". Share-pdf.com. Archived from the original on 19 April 2014. Retrieved 11 May 2014.
  7. "Balaji Wafers: Building A Rs 2,000 Crore-plus Brand With Stubbornness". Forbes India.
  8. "PepsiCo said to be exploring offer for Balaji Wafers". Mint. 20 August 2013. Retrieved 11 May 2014.
  9. Shramana Ganguly Mehta (23 December 2009). "Balaji Wafers a name to reckon with in Gujarat snacks market - Economic Times". The Economic Times. Retrieved 11 May 2014.
  10. "Balaji Wafers: Member of FSNM".
  11. "Products – Balaji Wafers Pvt. Ltd".
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