History and Evolution

ITC was incorporated on August 24, 1910 under the name Imperial Tobacco Company of India Limited.

As the Company's ownership progressively Indianised, the name of the Company was changed from

Imperial Tobacco Company of India Limited to India Tobacco Company Limited in 1970 and

then to I.T.C. Limited in 1974. In recognition of the Company's multi-business portfolio

encompassing a wide range of businesses - Cigarettes & Tobacco, Hotels, Information Technology,

Packaging, Paperboards & Specialty Papers, Agri-business, Foods, Lifestyle Retailing, Education &

Stationery and Personal Care - the full stops in the Company's name were removed effective

September 18, 2001. The Company now stands rechristened 'ITC Limited'.

The Company’s beginnings were humble. A leased office on Radha Bazar Lane, Kolkata, was the centre

of the Company's existence. The Company celebrated its 16th birthday on August 24, 1926, by

purchasing the plot of land situated at 37, Chowringhee, (now renamed J.L. Nehru Road) Kolkata, for

the sum of Rs 310,000. This decision of the Company was historic in more ways than one. It was to

mark the beginning of a long and eventful journey into India's future. The Company's headquarter

building, 'Virginia House', which came up on that plot of land two years later, would go on to become

one of Kolkata's most venerated landmarks.

Though the first six decades of the Company's existence were primarily devoted to the growth and

consolidation of the Cigarettes and Leaf Tobacco businesses, the Seventies witnessed the

beginnings of a corporate transformation that would usher in momentous changes in the life of the

Company.

ITC's Packaging & Printing Business was set up in 1925 as a strategic backward integration for

ITC's Cigarettes business. It is today India's most sophisticated packaging house.

In 1975 the Company launched its Hotels business with the acquisition of a hotel in Chennai which

was rechristened 'ITC-Welcomgroup Hotel Chola'. The objective of ITC's entry into the hotels

business was rooted in the concept of creating value for the nation. ITC chose the hotels business for

its potential to earn high levels of foreign exchange, create tourism infrastructure and generate large

scale direct and indirect employment. Since then ITC's Hotels business has grown to occupy a position

of leadership, with over 100 owned and managed properties spread across India.

In 1979, ITC entered the Paperboards business by promoting ITC Bhadrachalam Paperboards

Limited, which today has become the market leader in India. Bhadrachalam Paperboards amalgamated

with the Company effective March 13, 2002 and became a Division of the Company, Bhadrachalam

Paperboards Division. In November 2002, this division merged with the Company's Tribeni Tissues

Division to form the Paperboards & Specialty Papers Division. ITC's paperboards' technology,

productivity, quality and manufacturing processes are comparable to the best in the world. It has also

made an immense contribution to the development of Sarapaka, an economically backward area in the

state of Andhra Pradesh. It is directly involved in education, environmental protection and community

development. In 2004, ITC acquired the paperboard manufacturing facility of BILT Industrial Packaging

Co. Ltd (BIPCO), near Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. The Kovai Unit allows ITC to improve customer service

with reduced lead time and a wider product range.

In 1985, ITC set up Surya Tobacco Co. in Nepal as an Indo-Nepal and British joint venture. Since

inception, its shares have been held by ITC, British American Tobacco and various independent

shareholders in Nepal. In August 2002, Surya Tobacco became a subsidiary of ITC Limited and its name

was changed to Surya Nepal Private Limited (Surya Nepal).

In 1990, ITC acquired Tribeni Tissues Limited, a Specialty paper manufacturing company and a major

supplier of tissue paper to the cigarette industry. The merged entity was named the Tribeni Tissues

Division (TTD). To harness strategic and operational synergies, TTD was merged with the

Bhadrachalam Paperboards Division to form the Paperboards & Specialty Papers Division in

November 2002.

Also in 1990, leveraging its agri-sourcing competency, ITC set up the Agri Business Division for

export of agri-commodities. The Division is today one of India's largest exporters. ITC's unique and now

widely acknowledged e-Choupal initiative began in 2000 with soya farmers in Madhya Pradesh. Now it

extends to 10 states covering over 4 million farmers. ITC's first rural mall, christened 'Choupal Saagar'

was inaugurated in August 2004 at Sehore. On the rural retail front, 24 'Choupal Saagars' are now

operational in the 3 states of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh.

In 2000, ITC forayed into the Greeting, Gifting and Stationery products business with the launch of

Expressions range of greeting cards. A line of premium range of notebooks under brand “Paperkraft”

was launched in 2002. To augment its offering and to reach a wider student population, the popular

range of notebooks was launched under brand “Classmate” in 2003. “Classmate” over the years

has grown to become India’s largest notebook brand and has also increased its portfolio to occupy

a greater share of the school bag. Years 2007- 2009 saw the launch of Children Books, Slam Books,

Geometry Boxes, Pens and Pencils under the “Classmate” brand. In 2008, ITC repositioned the

business as the Education and Stationery Products Business and launched India's first environment

friendly premium business paper under the “Paperkraft” Brand. “Paperkraft” offers a diverse

portfolio in the premium executive stationery and office consumables segment. Paperkraft entered

new categories in the office consumable segment with the launch of Textliners, Permanent Ink Markers

and White Board Markers in 2009.

ITC also entered the Lifestyle Retailing business with the Wills Sport range of international quality

relaxed wear for men and women in 2000. The Wills Lifestyle chain of exclusive stores later expanded

its range to include Wills Classic formal wear (2002) and Wills Clublife evening wear (2003). ITC

also initiated a foray into the popular segment with its men's wear brand, John Players, in 2002. In

2006, Wills Lifestyle became title partner of the country's most premier fashion event - Wills Lifestyle

India Fashion Week - that has gained recognition from buyers and retailers as the single largest B-2-

B platform for the Fashion Design industry. To mark the occasion, ITC launched a special 'Celebration

Series', taking the event forward to consumers.

In 2000, ITC spun off its information technology business into a wholly owned subsidiary, ITC Infotech

India Limited, to more aggressively pursue emerging opportunities in this area. Today ITC Infotech is

one of India’s fastest growing global IT and IT-enabled services companies and has established itself as

a key player in offshore outsourcing, providing outsourced IT solutions and services to leading global

customers across key focus verticals - Manufacturing, BFSI (Banking, Financial Services & Insurance),

CPG&R (Consumer Packaged Goods & Retail), THT (Travel, Hospitality and Transportation) and Media &

Entertainment.

ITC's foray into the Foods business is an outstanding example of successfully blending multiple internal

competencies to create a new driver of business growth. It began in August 2001 with the introduction

of 'Kitchens of India' ready-to-eat Indian gourmet dishes. In 2002, ITC entered the confectionery and

staples segments with the launch of the brands mint-o and Candyman confectionery and

Aashirvaad atta (wheat flour). 2003 witnessed the introduction of Sunfeast as the Company entered

the biscuits segment. ITC's entered the fast growing branded snacks category with Bingo! in 2007. In

eight years, the Foods business has grown to a significant size with over 200 differentiated products

under six distinctive brands, with an enviable distribution reach, a rapidly growing market share and a

solid market standing.

In 2002, ITC's philosophy of contributing to enhancing the competitiveness of the entire value chain

found yet another expression in the Safety Matches initiative. ITC now markets popular safety

matches brands like iKno, Mangaldeep, Aim, Aim Mega and Aim Metro.

ITC's foray into the marketing of Agarbattis (incense sticks) in 2003 marked the manifestation of its

partnership with the cottage sector. ITC's popular agarbattis brands include Spriha and Mangaldeep

across a range of fragrances like Rose, Jasmine, Bouquet, Sandalwood, Madhur, Sambrani and

Nagchampa.

ITC introduced Essenza Di Wills, an exclusive range of fine fragrances and bath & body care products

for men and women in July 2005. Inizio, the signature range under Essenza Di Wills provides a

comprehensive grooming regimen with distinct lines for men (Inizio Homme) and women (Inizio

Femme). Continuing with its tradition of bringing world class products to Indian consumers the

Company launched 'Fiama Di Wills', a premium range of Shampoos, Shower Gels and Soaps in

September, October and December 2007 respectively. The Company also launched the 'Superia'

range of Soaps and Shampoos in the mass-market segment at select markets in October 2007 and

Vivel De Wills & Vivel range of soaps in February and Vivel range of shampoos in June 2008.

Core Values

ITC's Core Values are aimed at developing a customer-focused, high-performance organisation which

creates value for all its stakeholders:

Trusteeship

As professional managers, we are conscious that ITC has been given to us in "trust" by all our

stakeholders. We will actualise stakeholder value and interest on a long term sustainable basis.

Customer Focus

We are always customer focused and will deliver what the customer needs in terms of value, quality

and satisfaction.

Respect For People

We are result oriented, setting high performance standards for ourselves as individuals and teams.

We will simultaneously respect and value people and uphold humanness and human dignity.

We acknowledge that every individual brings different perspectives and capabilities to the team and

that a strong team is founded on a variety of perspectives.

We want individuals to dream, value differences, create and experiment in pursuit of opportunities and

achieve leadership through teamwork.

Excellence

We do what is right, do it well and win. We will strive for excellence in whatever we do.

Innovation

We will constantly pursue newer and better processes, products, services and management practices.

Nation Orientation

We are aware of our responsibility to generate economic value for the Nation. In pursuit of our goals,

we will make no compromise in complying with applicable laws and regulations at all levels.

The ITC Vision & Mission

Sustain ITC's position as one of

India's most valuable corporations

through world class performance,

creating growing value for the Indian

economy and the Company’s

stakeholders

To enhance the wealth generating

capability of the enterprise in a

globalising environment,

delivering superior and sustainable

stakeholder value   

   

Code of Conduct

Applicable to all directors, senior management and employees of the Company

Preamble

ITC’s Code of Conduct was circulated to the employees more than five years back and is posted on the

Company’s corporate website. This Code has now been re-drafted for better presentation. This Code is

derived from three interlinked fundamental principles, viz. good corporate governance, good corporate

citizenship and exemplary personal conduct.

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Philosophy

ITC is a professionally managed organisation and the core value underlying our corporate philosophy is

"trusteeship". We believe this organisation has been handed to us by the various stakeholders in

"trust" and we as professionals are the "trustees" of these stakeholders. It is therefore our

responsibility to ensure that the organisation is managed in a manner that protects and furthers the

interests of our stakeholders. We recognise society as an important stakeholder in this enterprise and

therefore it is part of our responsibility to practise good corporate citizenship.

It is also our belief that in order to serve the interests of our stakeholders in perpetuity, we must build

ITC into an institution whose dynamism and vitality are anchored in its core values.

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Corporate Governance Policy

The Corporate Governance Policy is the apex level instrument guiding conduct of the affairs of the

Company and clearly delineates the roles, responsibilities and authorities of the key entities in the

governance structure of the Company. This Code forms an integral part of the Company’s Governance

Policy. The directors, senior management and employees must adhere to the Corporate Governance

Policy of the Company.

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Good Corporate Citizenship

In the conduct of the Company’s business, the practice of good corporate citizenship is a prerequisite

and embraces the following:

Dealing with People in the Organisation

In dealing with each other, directors, senior management and employees shall uphold the values which

are at the core of our HR Philosophy - trust, teamwork, mutuality and collaboration, meritocracy,

objectivity, self respect and human dignity. Indeed, these values form the basis of our HR

management systems and processes. In selection and recruitment, while meritocracy will be a prime

criterion, managers will scrupulously consider all factors that go towards securing the interests of the

Company. ITC will focus on meritocracy, equity and upholding of Company values in all people

processes including performance management systems, appraisals, remuneration and rewards.

A Gender Friendly Workplace

As a good corporate citizen, ITC is committed to a gender friendly workplace. It seeks to enhance equal

opportunities for men and women, prevent/stop/redress sexual harassment at the workplace and

institute good employment practices.

Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexually determined behaviour such as: unwelcome physical

contact; a demand or request for sexual favours; sexually coloured remarks; showing pornography and

any other unwelcome physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct of a sexual nature.

ITC maintains an open door for reportees; encourages employees to report any harassment concerns

and is responsive to employee complaints about harassment or other unwelcome and offensive

conduct. A Grievance Committee on Gender Issues has been constituted to enquire into complaints and to

recommend appropriate action, wherever required.

ITC demands, demonstrates and promotes professional behaviour and respectful treatment of all

employees.

Relationships with Suppliers and Customers

All directors, senior management and employees shall ensure that in their dealings with suppliers and

customers, the Company’s interests are never compromised. Accepting gifts and presents of more

than a nominal value, gratuity payments and other payments from suppliers or customers will be

viewed as serious breach of discipline as this could lead to compromising the Company’s interests.

Legal Compliance

It is the Company’s policy to comply fully with all applicable laws and regulations. Ensuring legal and

regulatory compliance is the responsibility of the Chief Executives of the Businesses and the Divisional

Management Committees. The Company cannot accept practices which are unlawful or may be

damaging to its reputation. Divisional Management Committees must satisfy themselves that sound

and adequate arrangements exist to ensure that they comply with the legal and regulatory

requirements impacting each business and identify and respond to developments in the regulatory

environment in which they operate. In the event the implication of any law is not clear, the Company’s

Legal Department shall be consulted for advice.

Health and Safety

The Company attaches great importance to a healthy and safe work environment. ITC is committed to

provide good physical working conditions and encourages high standards of hygiene and

housekeeping. Particular attention should be paid to training of employees to increase safety

awareness and adoption of safe working methods, particularly designed to prevent serious or fatal

accidents.

Environment Policies

The Company believes that commitment to sustainable development is a key component of

responsible corporate citizenship and therefore deserves to be accorded the highest priority.

Accordingly, the Company is committed to Best Practices in environmental matters arising out of its

business activities and expects each business to fully demonstrate this commitment.

In addition to complying with applicable laws and regulations, Businesses must establish procedures

for assessing the environmental effects of their present and future activities. They should adopt Best

Practices in their environmental policies and procedures.

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Personal Conduct

All directors, senior management and employees have the obligation to conduct themselves in an

honest and ethical manner and act in the best interest of the Company at all times. They are expected

to demonstrate exemplary personal conduct through adherence to the following:

Avoidance of Conflict of Interest

The ITC Leadership

Flowing from the concept and principles of Corporate Governance adopted by the Company, leadership

within ITC is exercised at three levels. The Board of Directors at the apex, as trustee of shareholders,

carries the responsibility for strategic supervision of the Company. The strategic management of the

Company rests with the Corporate Management Committee comprising the wholetime Directors and

members drawn from senior management. The executive management of each business division is

vested with the Divisional Management Committee (DMC), headed by the Chief Executive. Each DMC is

responsible for and totally focused on the management of its assigned business. This three-tiered

interlinked leadership process creates a wholesome balance between the need for focus and executive

freedom, and the need for supervision and control.

 

Board of Directors

Audit Committee

CompensationCommittee

NominationsCommittee

Investor ServiceCommittee

Sustainability Committee

Corporate Management Committee

Divisional/ Strategic Business Unit (SBU) Management Committees, each headed by a

divisional/ SBU Chief Executive Business includes: FMCG, Hotels, Paperboards,

Specialty Papers & Packaging, Agri Business and

Information Technology

Corporate Functions, each headed by a HOD Corporate Functions include: Planning and

Treasury, Accounting, Taxation, Risk Management, Legal, Secretarial, EHS, Human

Resources, Corporate Communications, Corporate Affairs, Internal Audit and Research

& Development

All directors, senior management and employees must avoid situations in which their personal interest

could conflict with the interest of the Company. This is an area in which it is impossible to provide

comprehensive guidance but the guiding principle is that conflict, if any, or potential conflict must be

disclosed to higher management for guidance and action as appropriate.

Transparency and Auditability

All directors, senior management and employees shall ensure that their actions in the conduct of

business are totally transparent except where the needs of business security dictate otherwise. Such

transparency shall be brought about through appropriate policies, systems and processes, including as

appropriate, segregation of duties, tiered approval mechanism and involvement of more than one

manager in key decisions and maintaining supporting records. It shall be necessary to voluntarily

ensure that areas of operation are open to audit and the conduct of activities is totally auditable.

Protection of Confidential Information

No director, senior management and employee shall disclose or use any confidential information

gained in the course of employment/ association with the Company for personal gain or for the

advantage of any other person. No information either formally or informally shall be provided to the

press, other publicity media or any other external agency except within approved policies.

Company Facilities

No director, senior management and employee shall misuse Company facilities. In the use of Company

facilities, care shall be exercised to ensure that costs are reasonable and there is no wastage.

Leading by Example

The organisation’s directors and senior management set the professional tone for the Company.

Through both their words and their actions, the organisation’s leadership conveys what is acceptable

and unacceptable behaviour. ITC’s directors, senior management and employees must constantly

reinforce through their actions and behaviour that ITC’s stated beliefs of responsible corporate

citizenship are rooted in individual conviction and personal integrity.

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Waivers

Any waiver of any provision of this Code of Conduct for a director, senior management or employee

must be placed for approval before the Company’s Board of Directors/ Corporate Management

Committee, as appropriate.

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Non Adherence

Any instance of non-adherence to the Code of Conduct / any other observed unethical behaviour on

the part of those covered under this Code should be brought to the attention of the immediate

reporting authority, who shall in turn report the same to the Head of Corporate Human Resources.

* Senior management for the purpose of this Code would mean the following:- Managers at Grade ‘A’ & its equivalent, and above- Divisional & SBU Chief Executives- Corporate HODs* This Code of Conduct, as adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company on 26th March, 2005,    was amended on 29th March, 2006.

The ITC Leadership

Flowing from the concept and principles of Corporate Governance adopted by the Company, leadership

within ITC is exercised at three levels. The Board of Directors at the apex, as trustee of shareholders,

carries the responsibility for strategic supervision of the Company. The strategic management of the

Company rests with the Corporate Management Committee comprising the wholetime Directors and

members drawn from senior management. The executive management of each business division is

vested with the Divisional Management Committee (DMC), headed by the Chief Executive. Each DMC is

responsible for and totally focused on the management of its assigned business. This three-tiered

interlinked leadership process creates a wholesome balance between the need for focus and executive

freedom, and the need for supervision and control.

 

Board of Directors

Audit Committee

CompensationCommittee

NominationsCommittee

Investor ServiceCommittee

Sustainability Committee

Corporate Management Committee

Divisional/ Strategic Business Unit (SBU) Management Committees, each headed by a

divisional/ SBU Chief Executive Business includes: FMCG, Hotels, Paperboards,

Specialty Papers & Packaging, Agri Business and

Information Technology

Corporate Functions, each headed by a HOD Corporate Functions include: Planning and

Treasury, Accounting, Taxation, Risk Management, Legal, Secretarial, EHS, Human

Resources, Corporate Communications, Corporate Affairs, Internal Audit and Research

& Development

The ITC Way

ITC is a board-managed professional company, committed to creating enduring value for the

shareholder and for the nation. It has a rich organisational culture rooted in its core values of respect

for people and belief in empowerment. Its philosophy of all-round value creation is backed by strong

corporate governance policies and systems.

ITC’s corporate strategies are :

Create multiple drivers of growth by developing a portfolio of world class businesses

that best matches organisational capability with opportunities in domestic and export

markets.

Continue to focus on the chosen portfolio of FMCG, Hotels, Paper, Paperboards &

Packaging, Agri Business and Information Technology.

Benchmark the health of each business comprehensively across the criteria of Market

Standing, Profitability and Internal Vitality.

Ensure that each of its businesses is world class and internationally competitive.

Enhance the competitive power of the portfolio through synergies derived by blending

the diverse skills and capabilities residing in ITC’s various businesses.

Create distributed leadership within the organisation by nurturing talented and focused

top management teams for each of the businesses.

Continuously strengthen and refine Corporate Governance processes and systems to

catalyse the entrepreneurial energies of management by striking the golden balance

between executive freedom and the need for effective control and accountability.

Cigarettes          

Armenteros Handrolled Cigars

ITC is the market leader in cigarettes in India. With its wide range of invaluable brands, it has a

leadership position in every segment of the market. It's highly popular portfolio of brands includes

Insignia, India Kings, Lucky Strike, Classic, Gold Flake, Navy Cut, Players, Scissors,

Capstan, Berkeley, Bristol and Flake, Silk Cut and Duke.

The Company has been able to build on its leadership position

because of its single minded focus on value creation for the consumer through significant investments

in product design, innovation, manufacturing technology, quality, marketing and distribution.

All initiatives are therefore worked upon with the intent to fortify market standing in the long term.

This in turns aids in designing products which are contemporary and relevant to the changing attitudes

and evolving socio economic profile of the country. This strategic focus on the consumer has paid ITC

handsome dividends.

ITC's pursuit of international competitiveness is reflected in its initiatives in the overseas markets. In

the extremely competitive US market, ITC offers high-quality, value-priced cigarettes and Roll-your-

own solutions. In West Asia, ITC has become a key player in the GCC markets through growing

volumes of its brands.

ITC's cigarettes are produced in its state-of-the-art factories at Bengaluru, Munger, Saharanpur,

Kolkata and Pune. These factories are known for their high levels of quality, contemporary technology

and work environment.

 

Awards

ITC's Cigarettes business has been winning numerous awards for its quality, environmental

management systems and product excellence:

'Best Manufacturer of Cigarettes' for the year 2008 & 2007 and Best Exporter

of Cigarettes for 2008 by the Tobacco Board based on previous three years'

performance.

Occupational Health and Safety Award 2007 for Excellence in Safety Management

to the Bengaluru, Saharanpur and Kolkata factories from the Royal Society for

Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA), U.K.

5 Star Health and Safety Rating in 2007 from the British Safety Council to the

Bengaluru, Munger, Kolkata and Saharanpur factories and the "Sword of Honour" for

Bengaluru & Saharanpur factories in 2006.

Greentech Gold Award for excellence in Safety Management for the year 2007 to

the Bengaluru, Kolkata and Saharanpur cigarette factories for the high level of

performance that the units have achieved in Environment Health and Safety (EHS).

Saharanpur along with Kolkata and Munger factories were honoured with the Gold

award and the Bengaluru Factory with the Platinum Award in 2006.

Greentech Gold Award for Excellence in Environment Management 2007 to the

Bengaluru, Kolkata and Munger factories.

Safety Innovation Award for 2007 and 2006 for Innovative Safety Management

System to the Bengaluru Factory from the Institution of Engineers and also the

Unnatha Suraksha Puraskara Award 2006 from NSC Karnataka Chapter.

Golden Peacock Award for Occupational Health and Safety from the Institute of

Directors, New Delhi; Award for Outstanding Performance in Environment Health

and Safety from the CII and the Suraksha Puraskar Award from the National Safety

Council, Mumbai to the Kolkata factory in 2007 and the "1st National Security

Today Award" in the category of Best Maintained Fire Safety System in 2005.

Occupational Health and Safety Gold Award from the ROSPA, UK; the Winners

Trophy - Safety Health and Environment Award from the CII Eastern region;

National Award for Excellence in Water Management and Innovative Project

Award Initiatives for Energy Conservation from the CII to the Munger factory in

2007 and also the Excellence in Water Management Award from CII-GBC for 2006.

All the four factories are certified by Det Norske Veritas (DNV) for ISO 14001, for their

Environment Management Systems, OHSAS 18001 for their Occupational Health and

Safety Management Systems (OHSMS) and the ISO 9000-2000 for Quality Management

Systems. The Kolkata factory is the first cigarette factory in India to be awarded the

SA 8000 Certificate for Social Accountability by Det Norske Veritas (DNV) in June

2004.

ITC's R&D Centre at Peenya, Bengaluru has the distinction of being the first

independent R&D centre in India to get ISO 9001 accreditation and certified

with ISO 14001 for Environment Management Systems by DNV. The R&D Centre is

also certified for the standard ISO/IEC17025:2005, by National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL).  This certification is  awarded for "General requirement for the competence of Testing & Calibration Laboratories" 

Links to Press Reports :-

Increase in tax to impact cigarette volume: ITCMoney Control

Nov 16, 2009

'Disparity in tax rates spurs contraband cigarette sales’Economic Times

Sep 19, 2009

Mixing business with respect Business Standard

Oct 28, 2008

ITC launches new cigarette brandHindu Business Line

Sep 15, 2008

Puffing ProfitsFinancial Express

Nov 08, 2007

Smokers can opt for Rock, Jazz or Blueseconomictimes.com

Jun 06, 2007

Cigarette VAT will burn ITC badly, warns DeveshwarIndian Express

Mar 23, 2007

Gold Flake bags gold in FMCG brand raceThe Economic Times

Dec 18, 2002

Reading the smoke signalsThe Economic Times

May 24, 2002

Govt urged to drop cigarettes from free import listDeccan Herald

Nov 29, 2001

EXCISE ON CIGARETTES - Real bad for Big SmokeBusiness India

Nov 26, 2001

ITC seeks reformed legal regime for tobacco sectorThe Hindu Business Line

Jul 02, 2001

Beating the odds!The Economic Times

Jun 01, 2001

Foods

ITC made its entry into the branded & packaged Foods business in August 2001 with the launch of the

Kitchens of India brand. A more broad-based entry has been made since June 2002 with brand

launches in the Confectionery, Staples and Snack Foods segments.

The packaged foods business is an ideal avenue to leverage ITC's proven strengths in the areas of

hospitality and branded cuisine, contemporary packaging and sourcing of agricultural commodities.

ITC's world famous restaurants like the Bukhara and the Dum Pukht, nurtured by the Company's

Hotels business, demonstrate that ITC has a deep understanding of the Indian palate and the expertise

required to translate this knowledge into delightful dining experiences for the consumer. ITC has stood

for quality products for over 100 years to the Indian consumer and several of its brands are today

internationally benchmarked for quality.

The Foods business carries forward this proud tradition to deliver quality food products to the

consumer. All products of ITC's Foods business available in the market today have been crafted based

on consumer insights developed through extensive market research. Apart from the current portfolio

of products, several new and innovative products are under development in ITC's state-of-the-art

Product Development facility located at Bengaluru.

Leadership in the Foods business requires a keen understanding of the supply chain for agricultural

produce. ITC has over the last 100 years established a very close business relationship with the

farming community in India and is currently in the process of enhancing the Indian farmer's ability to

link to global markets, through the e-Choupal initiative, and produce the quality demanded by its

customers. This long-standing relationship is being leveraged in sourcing best quality agricultural

produce for ITC's Foods business.

The Foods business is today represented in 4 categories in the market. These are:

Ready To Eat Foods

Staples

Confectionery

Snack Foods

In order to assure consumers of the highest standards of food safety and hygiene, ITC is engaged in assisting  outsourced  manufacturers   in   implementing  world-class  hygiene   standards   through  HACCP certification. The unwavering commitment to internationally benchmarked quality standards enabled ITC to rapidly gain market standing in all its 6 brands:

:: New Launches

There are several new products under advanced stages of development, which will be launched over

the next few months. Please await the announcements on this site.

For trade enquiries or institutional, bulk and gifting requirements

please write to: kitchensofindia@itc.in 

Links to Press Releases :-

Sunfeast World 10K on May 31st '09 Mar 25, 2009

Sunfeast World 10K - Bangalore a huge success!! May 18, 2008

Sunfeast launches special edition of the Sunfeast Sachin Fit Kit range Sep 18, 2007

Aashirvaad launches "Organic Spices" Jul 17, 2007

ITC Foods expands Mint-O Fresh portfolio Jul 16, 2007

ITC launches Bingo Mar 14, 2007

Sunfeast Launches Sachin's Fit Kit Mar 08, 2007

Sunfeast forges a Great Partnership for a Great Innings with Sachin Tendulkar

Nov 10, 2006

ITC not to increase price of its 'Aashirvaad' Atta Sep 06, 2006

ITC Limited - Foods Business to bring "Sunfeast Open" to Kolkata for 4 years May 03, 2006

Sunfeast breaks Guinness World Record for simultaneous plantation Sep 05, 2005

Shah Rukh Khan is Sunfeast Brand Ambassador Apr 20, 2005

ITC launches "Sunfeast" range of biscuits Jul 30, 2003

 

Links to Press Reports :-

Bingo! ITC turns around foods businessFinancial Chronicle

May 01, 2011

Not a two-minute warBusiness Standard

Jan 17, 2011

ITC launches noodles under SunfeastThe Times of India

Sep 27, 2010

Fast-moving food businessBusiness Standard

May 03, 2010

There’s space for all to grow Economic Times

Feb 01, 2010

From fumes to foamsFinancial Express

Jan 12, 2010

Bingo: More for lessBusiness Standard

Oct 19, 2009

BISCUITS, AND MORE BISCUITS FROM ITCEconomic Times

May 06, 2009

We will not enter a segment just to expand our portfolioLive mint

Mar 04, 2008

Racks to richesBusiness Standard

Jan 08, 2008

Mint-O Fresh overtakes ChlormintEconomic Times

Nov 07, 2007

ITC plans launches in food businessEconomic Times

Sep 19, 2007

Sunfeast, Kitchens of India keep ITC healthyeconomictimes.com

Aug 17, 2007

Bingo! ITC sets sights on domestic frozen food marketEconomic Times

Aug 01, 2008

Atta is emotional subject with Indianseconomictimes.com

Aug 01, 2007

ITC, Pepsico battle it out in wafers market Business Standard

Jun 06, 2007

The crackle of ITC's snacky foray Hindustan Times

Mar 28, 2007

Size of ready to eat market Rs 700 m.Indiantelevision.com

Mar 10, 2007

ITC feast for children Statesman

Oct 30, 2006

ITC seeks to export more Kitchens of India products The Hindu Business Line

Aug 30, 2006

Snack Preview: Surya to make Sunfeast shineThe Economic Times

Apr 03, 2006

ITC Foods plans own facility to make biscuitsThe Hindu Business Line

Mar 27, 2006

Shah Rukh to launch ITC’s Sunfeast in US The Financial Express

Mar 22, 2006

ITC Foods forays into instant mix segment, dishes out 5 productsThe Hindu Business Line

Feb 21, 2006

ITC eyes buyouts in foods thrustBusiness Standard

Dec 05, 2005

ITC Foods forays into cookies segmentsSify.com

Aug 11, 2005

ITC signs Shah Rukh Khan for SunfeastThe Hindu Business Line

Apr 20, 2005

ITC Foods slugs it out for market pieThe Times of India

Apr 04, 2005

ITC eyes small FMCG firmsBusiness Standard

Apr 04, 2005

Jam 'n' spice: the new nichetimesofindia.com

Dec 05, 2004

ITC Foods extends Mint-O brand to hard-boiled candyexchange4media.com

Oct 07, 2004

ITC Foods open to tie-ups for adding capacities in biscuitsThe Hindu Business Line

Sep 27, 2004

'Foods can't afford large overheads'The Economic Times

Jul 29, 2004

ITC Foods Goes For Soft Launch Of Cooking PastesThe Financial Express

Mar 22, 2004

Feast For The SensesThe Telegraph

Nov 09, 2003

Slew of domestic launches planned - ITC Foods to tickle overseas palatesThe Hindu Business Line

Oct 02, 2003

Getting on a gravy train Business Standard

Sep 20, 2003

Cookie combatBusiness Standard

Sep 18, 2003

Lifestyle Retailing

ITC's Lifestyle Retailing Business Division has established a nationwide retailing presence through its

Wills Lifestyle chain of exclusive specialty stores. Wills Lifestyle, the fashion destination, offers a

tempting choice of Wills Classic work wear, Wills Sport relaxed wear, Wills Clublife evening wear,

fashion accessories and Essenza Di Wills - an exclusive range of fine fragrances and bath & body

care products and Fiama Di Wills - a range of premium shampoos and shower gels. Wills Lifestyle

has also introduced Wills Signature designer wear, designed by the leading designers of the country.

With a distinctive presence across segments at the premium end, ITC has also established John

Players as a brand that offers a complete fashion wardrobe to the male youth of today. With its brands, ITC  is committed to build a dominant presence  in the apparel  market through a robust portfolio of offerings.

 

 

Awards

ITC's Lifestyle Retailing Business has won numerous awards for its quality, marketing and

product excellence:

LRBD has won several Images Fashion Awards over the years:

2009: Most admired Fashion Brand of the year - Fashion Forward - Wills Lifestyle

2007: Most Admired Fashion Campaign - John Players

2005: Most Admired Shirt Brand of the Year - John Players

2004: Rising Star Brand of the Year - John Players

2003: Most Admired Exclusive Brand Retail Chain of the Year - Wills Lifestyle

2002: Most Admired Women's Wear Brand of the Year - Wills Sport

2001: The Most Admired Brand Launch of the Year - Wills Sport

The Most Admired Exclusive Brand Retail Chain of the Year - Wills Lifestyle.

"Retailer of the Year (Fashion and Lifestyle)"

Award at Reid & Taylor Awards for Retail Excellence in 2011

"Best Retail Marketing Campaign of the Year" Award at Reid & Taylor Awards for

Retail Excellence in 2011

Award for Customer and Brand Loyalty in Retail Sector category at the 4th Loyalty

Summit, 2011

Retailer of the Year Award to Wills Lifestyle in Fashion & Lifestyle category at Asia

Retail Congress 2008.

Wills Lifestyle rated amongst the top 5 Luxury brands in the country in a Global

Luxury Survey conducted by TIME Magazine.

Front runner Award - 2007 to Wills Lifestyle in the Retail category by Real Estate

Observer & Trammel Crow Meghraj.

Superbrand 2006 awarded to Wills Lifestyle by the Superbrands Council of India.

The "Best Supply Chain Practices Award 2006" for time-effective and cost-efficient

Logistics management in Organized Retail. The awards were organized by Retailers

Association of India (RAI) in association with ITW Signode - the International leaders in

packaging solutions.

The Division's Product & Quality Testing facilities were awarded the prestigious

accreditation by the National Accreditation Board of Laboratories of the

Department of Science and Technology, GOI (affiliated to the International

Laboratories Accreditation Cooperation - Geneva) in 2006. This accreditation is awarded

after rigorous procedures confirmed that LRBD's Testing facilities truly conform to

international standards in terms of quality and technical competence. The Division also

obtained ISO 9001:2000 certification in the area of Receipt, Storage & Distribution of

Merchandise / Finished Goods by Det Norske Veritas, Netherlands.

NID Awards for Design Excellence for Best Packaging Design In The FMCG

Category for John Players.

Award for Customer and Brand Loyalty in Retail Sector category at the 2nd

Loyalty Summit.

 

Links to Press Releases :-

Wills Lifestyle Grand Finale collection preview by Sabyasachi Apr 04, 2011

ITC's John Players embarks on a new journey with Ranbir Kapoor Mar 18, 2010

Fiama Di Wills is Associate Sponsor of the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week Mar 17, 2010

John Players dons a fresh look with the new face of cool! Jan 11, 2010

Wills Lifestyle presents an enthralling Grand Finale Oct 28, 2009

Gul Panag is the Twitter 'Face' for WIFW SS'10 Oct 16, 2009

Wills Lifestyle Grand Finale designer is Rohit Bal Oct 06, 2009

J J Valaya presents 'Kingdom of love' at the Wills Lifestyle Grand Finale Mar 22, 2009

Fiama Di Wills is Associate Sponsor of the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week Mar 21, 2009

ITC Personal Care launches the Di Wills Series Book - Essence of Hair Mar 21, 2009

Wills Lifestyle presents the emerging young talent Mar 12, 2009

Wills Lifestyle Grand Finale designer is JJ Valaya Mar 05, 2009

Wills lifestyle presents new range in winter 2008 collection Dec 12, 2008

Perfect black dress for this party season Dec 01 , 2008

Futuristic and Flamboyant designer Manish Arora enchants audiences at the Wills Lifestyle Grand Finale

Oct 19, 2008

Wills Lifestyle Grand Finale designer is Manish Arora Oct 11, 2008

Wills Lifestyle presents a truly Grand Finale Mar 16, 2008

Wills Lifestyle announces Rohit Bal as the Grand Finale Designer Aug 22, 2007

Wills Lifestyle Grand Finale Designer is Manish Malhotra Aug 08, 2006

 

Links to Press Reports :-

Power dressing for Wills LifestyleThe Economic Times

Jul 13, 2011

"My work takes me closer to the consumer" - Atul Chand , Divisional Chief Executive, Lifestyle Retailing, ITCThe Financial Express

May 31, 2011

ITC tries out new formats, plans 25 new storesFinancial Chronicle

Apr 11, 2011

ITC tries new lifestyle retail formats, to open 25 new storesMINT

Apr 11, 2011

Sabyasachi to design exclusive clothes for Wills Lifestyle Apr 06, 2011

The Economic Times

The art of customisationThe Financial Express

Mar 29, 2011

Moolah Route: It's party time for fashion brands this winterFinancial Chronicle

Dec 29, 2010

Online sales growing rapidlyFinancial Chronicle

Apr 29, 2010

'We try to make fashion more accessible'Economic Times

Apr 21, 2010

'This year the focus shifts back to profitable expansion'thehindubusinessline.com

Apr 01, 2010

Designer plansBusiness Standard

Oct 27, 2009

Wills Lifestyle Targets 50 StoresEconomic Times

Oct 22, 2009

ITC lifestyle products make inroads into international markets despite slowdownThe Hindu

Jun 28, 2009

Haute MarketingPitch

Apr, 2009

"Consumer engagement is the key"Financial Express

Mar 31, 2009

A style statement with an eye on the futureDeccan Herald

Mar 18, 2009

Wills Lifestyle reworking strategyBusiness Standard

Mar 13, 2009

ITC eyes 20% growth for Wills Lifestyle Economic Times

Mar 10, 2009

It's Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week againHindustan Times

Jan 19, 2009

Wills Lifestyle to open 50 new storesEconomic Times

Oct 07, 2008

This was long due: Manish AroraTimes of India

Sep 27, 2008

Wills Lifestyle's rejig bears fruitBusiness Standard

Jul 23, 2008

Local luxury brands still rule the roost Hindustan Times

Sep 24, 2007

ITC puts spotlight on lifestyle retail Economic Times

Aug 23, 2007

Wills Lifestyle to double number of stores Business Line

Aug 22, 2006

2nd edition of Wills Lifestyle '06 from August 30-September 3, 2006BharatTextile.com

Apr 28, 2006

Fashion week finale outfits at Wills Lifestyle stores Newkerala.com

Apr 10, 2006

ITC plans more Wills Lifestyle stores in northBusiness Standard

Mar 24, 2006

Celebrating the spirit of fashionThe Times of India

May 18, 2004

Festive offer from John PlayersBusiness Standard

Sep 16, 2003

Clublife From Wills LifestyleThe Financial Express

Jun 29, 2003

 

Please visit our sites : www.willslifestyle.comwww.johnplayers.com

Education and Stationery

ITC made its entry to the education and stationery business with its Paperkraft brand in the premium

segment in 2002; and later expanded into the popular segment with its Classmate brand in 2003. By

2007, Classmate became the largest Notebook brand in the country. Together, Classmate and

Paperkraft offer a range of products in the Education & Stationery space to the discerning consumer,

providing unrivalled value in terms of product & price.

Classmate and Paperkraft have become a natural extension of the consumer. Meticulous

understanding of consumer needs helped creating a relevant and comprehensive portfolio satisfying

the needs of different sets of consumers.

ITC is the manufacturer of India's first Ozone treated environment friendly Elemental Chlorine Free

(ECF) pulp, paper and paperboard. It blends its knowledge of image processing, printing and

conversion garnered from Packaging & Printing Business with its brand building and trade marketing &

distribution strengths resident in its FMCG business to offer superior value products to consumers.

Paperkraft Business paper and the papers used in Classmate and Paperkraft notebooks are superior in quality and environment-friendly. Other offerings available in education and Stationery range are safe and certified non-toxic.

 

For any queries, please write to:   classmate@itc.in   or   paperkraft@itc.in

 For New Business Opportunities, please write to  Nripendranath.Thakur@itc.in, Chand.Das@itc.in

 

 

Links to Press Releases :-

Top honours for ITC's Classmate Ideas for India Challenge at the WOW Event and Experiential Marketing Awards

Apr 29, 2011

Yuvraj Singh applauds winners of 1st round of ITC's Classmate Ideas for India Challenge

Oct 27, 2010

ITC's Classmate announces Classmate Ideas for India Challenge Aug 23, 2010

ITC's Classmate signs Yuvraj & Soha as brand ambassadors Jan 11, 2010

ITC launches eco-friendly "Paperkraft Premium Business Paper" Dec 18, 2008

Classmate Young Author and Artist Contest 2006 Nov 03, 2006

 

Links to Press Reports :-

Manisha Raj to represent city in ITC 'Classmate Ideas' contestThe Hindu

Nov 17, 2010

Classmate ideas for India challengeThe Times of India

Aug 24, 2010

Our thrust is on building brands at home: Chand Das, ITC CEO (Education and Stationery)Economic Times

Apr 30, 2010

ITC targets the schoolbagBusiness Standard

Jan 18, 2010

Now, ITC steps into pens businessTimes of India

Aug 14, 2009

ITC to grow office stationery business on green plankHindu Businessline

Aug 07, 2009

ITC to take stationery brands abroadDNA

Jan 20, 2009

ITC's paper trail The Hindu Businessline

Jul 31, 2008

ITC launches new greeting cards range Business Standard

Oct 13, 2006

Writing between linesBusiness Standard

Apr 11, 2006

ITC goes to school with 'classmate'The Economic Times

Apr 10, 2006

An expression of faith The Hindu Business Line

Aug 25, 2005

'Conventional greeting card will survive' sify.com

Oct 21, 2004

Mr Chand Das' interview on Indiainfolineindiainfoline.com

Oct 07, 2004

ITC Unveils New Expressions RangeThe Financial Express

Dec 24, 2003

ITC cards eyes Rs 100 cr turnoverBusiness Standard

Dec 10, 2003

ITC In Tie-up With DTDC To Deliver Expressions Cards Free The Financial Express

Oct 17, 2003

ITC cards for Teachers' DayBusiness Standard

Aug 26, 2003

ITCThe Telegraph

Aug 25, 2003

Classmate Notebooks From ITCThe Financial Express

Aug 24, 2003

ITC Targets Gulf, Saarc For Greeting Cards ExportsThe Financial Express

Jul 30, 2003

ITC sees greeting cards biz rise to Rs 100 cr in '05-06The Times of India

Jul 28, 2003

Lighting a New Venture With Stationery ProductsThe Financial Express

Feb 21, 2003

 

Personal Care

In line with ITC's aspiration to be India's premier FMCG company, recognised for its world-class quality

and enduring consumer trust, ITC forayed into the Personal Care business in July 2005. In the short

period since its entry, ITC has already launched an array of brands, each of which offers a unique and

superior value proposition to discerning consumers. Anchored on extensive consumer research and

product development, ITC's personal care portfolio brings world-class products with clearly

differentiated benefits to quality-seeking consumers.

ITC's Personal Care portfolio under the 'Essenza Di Wills', 'Fiama Di Wills', 'Vivel UltraPro',

'Vivel' and 'Superia' brands has received encouraging consumer response and is being progressively

extended nationally.

ITC's state-of-the-art manufacturing facility meets stringent requirements of hygiene and benchmarked

manufacturing practices. Contemporary technology and the latest manufacturing processes have

combined to produce distinctly superior products which rank high on quality and consumer appeal.

Extensive insights gained by ITC through its numerous consumer engagements have provided the

platform for its R&D and Product Development teams to develop superior, differentiated products that

meet the consumer's stated and innate needs. The product formulations use internationally recognised

safe ingredients, subjected to the highest standards of safety and performance.

 

 

Links to Press Releases :-

ITC's Fiama Di Wills unveils the new Anti Hair Fall Shampoo Sep 29, 2010

ITC Forays into the Fairness Creams Segment Jun 11, 2010

Vivel Launches Deo Spirit to turn the heat on! May 10, 2010

Fiama Di Wills is Associate Sponsor of the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week Mar 17, 2010

Fiama Di Wills expands Range with Transparent Gel Bathing Bars Oct 09, 2009

Fiama Di Wills is Associate Sponsor of the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week Oct 09, 2009

ITC launches Vivel Ultra Pro anti-dandruff shampoo in Kolkata Apr 15, 2009

Fiama Di Wills is Associate Sponsor of the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week Mar 21, 2009

ITC Personal Care launches the Di Wills Series Book- Essence of Hair Mar 21, 2009

ITC - Essenza Di Wills launches Mikkel - A Men's Prestige Fragrance Mar 19, 2009

Fiama Di Wills announces winner of the Fiama Di Wills Beautiful Face 2008 Hunt

Oct 16, 2008

Fiama Di Wills launches the Fiama Di Wills Beautiful Face Hunt '08 Sep 12, 2008

ITC expands Personal Care portfolio with Vivel shampoos Jun 25, 2008

Fiama Di Wills is the associate sponsor of the WLIFW Mar 03, 2008

ITC expands Personal Care product range Feb 14, 2008

ITC launches Fiama Di Wills Soaps Dec 20, 2007

ITC launches new range of Personal Care products Oct 15, 2007

ITC launches Fiama Di Wills range of shampoos Sep 15, 2007

ITC launches Essenza Di Wills line of prestige fragrances and personal care products

Oct 22, 2005

Links to Press Reports :-

The soap operaPitch

May 31, 2011

Segment and growBusiness Standard - The Strategist

May 23, 2010

The fairness formulaBusiness Standard

Jun 28, 2010

Now, ITC to enter fairness cream martTimes of India

Jun 11, 2010

'FMCG cos need to understand NewGen'Economic Times

Jan 18, 2010

From fumes to foamsFinancial Express

Jan 12, 2010

Haute MarketingPitch

Apr, 2009

Deepika, hair & nowTimes of india

Apr 05, 2009

ITC mulls expansion of its range of personal care brands Mint

Jan 09, 2009

ITC mulls anti-dandruff category forayTimes of India

Jan 01, 2009

ITC to expand personal care portfolio Financial Chronicle

Sep 29, 2008

ITC to launch a host of new personal care products soonmoneycontrol.com

Feb 23, 2008

 

Please visit our sites : www.essenzadiwills.comwww.fiamadiwills.comwww.aquapulse.inwww.vivelultrapro.in

Safety Matches

As part of its strategic initiative to create multiple drivers of growth in the FMCG sector, ITC

commenced marketing safety matches sourced from the small-scale sector. The Matches business

leverages the core strengths of ITC in marketing and distribution, brand building, supply chain

management and paperboard & packaging to offer Indian consumers high quality safety matches.

ITC's range of Safety matches include popular brands like i Kno, Mangaldeep, Stylites, Aim and

Aim Mega. With differentiated product features and innovative value additions, these brands

effectively address the needs of different consumer segments. Aim is the largest selling brand of

Safety Matches in India. ITC also exports regular and premium safety matches brands to markets such

as Middle East, Africa and the USA. The successful acquisition of Wimco Ltd. by Russell Credit Ltd., a

wholly owned subsidiary of ITC has consolidated the market standing of the Company's Matches

business through synergy benefits derived through combined portfolio of offerings, improved servicing

of proximal markets and freight optimization. Through its participation, ITC aims to enhance the

competitiveness of the small and medium scale sectors through its complementary R&D based product

development and marketing strengths, especially the breadth and depth of the Company's trade

marketing and distribution.

For export enquiries, please write to: R.Ramamurthy@itc.in

 

Links to Press Reports :-

ITC boards Wimco's ShipThe Financial Express

Jul 02, 2005

ITC to expand safety match businessThe Times of India

Mar 29, 2004

ITC plans to make a match of itThe Hindu Business Line

Feb 27, 2003

 

Safety Matches

As part of its strategic initiative to create multiple drivers of growth in the FMCG sector, ITC

commenced marketing safety matches sourced from the small-scale sector. The Matches business

leverages the core strengths of ITC in marketing and distribution, brand building, supply chain

management and paperboard & packaging to offer Indian consumers high quality safety matches.

ITC's range of Safety matches include popular brands like i Kno, Mangaldeep, Stylites, Aim and

Aim Mega. With differentiated product features and innovative value additions, these brands

effectively address the needs of different consumer segments. Aim is the largest selling brand of

Safety Matches in India. ITC also exports regular and premium safety matches brands to markets such

as Middle East, Africa and the USA. The successful acquisition of Wimco Ltd. by Russell Credit Ltd., a

wholly owned subsidiary of ITC has consolidated the market standing of the Company's Matches

business through synergy benefits derived through combined portfolio of offerings, improved servicing

of proximal markets and freight optimization. Through its participation, ITC aims to enhance the

competitiveness of the small and medium scale sectors through its complementary R&D based product

development and marketing strengths, especially the breadth and depth of the Company's trade

marketing and distribution.

For export enquiries, please write to: R.Ramamurthy@itc.in

 

Links to Press Reports :-

ITC boards Wimco's ShipThe Financial Express

Jul 02, 2005

ITC to expand safety match businessThe Times of India

Mar 29, 2004

ITC plans to make a match of itThe Hindu Business Line

Feb 27, 2003

 

Safety Matches

As part of its strategic initiative to create multiple drivers of growth in the FMCG sector, ITC

commenced marketing safety matches sourced from the small-scale sector. The Matches business

leverages the core strengths of ITC in marketing and distribution, brand building, supply chain

management and paperboard & packaging to offer Indian consumers high quality safety matches.

ITC's range of Safety matches include popular brands like i Kno, Mangaldeep, Stylites, Aim and

Aim Mega. With differentiated product features and innovative value additions, these brands

effectively address the needs of different consumer segments. Aim is the largest selling brand of

Safety Matches in India. ITC also exports regular and premium safety matches brands to markets such

as Middle East, Africa and the USA. The successful acquisition of Wimco Ltd. by Russell Credit Ltd., a

wholly owned subsidiary of ITC has consolidated the market standing of the Company's Matches

business through synergy benefits derived through combined portfolio of offerings, improved servicing

of proximal markets and freight optimization. Through its participation, ITC aims to enhance the

competitiveness of the small and medium scale sectors through its complementary R&D based product

development and marketing strengths, especially the breadth and depth of the Company's trade

marketing and distribution.

For export enquiries, please write to: R.Ramamurthy@itc.in

 

Links to Press Reports :-

ITC boards Wimco's ShipThe Financial Express

Jul 02, 2005

ITC to expand safety match businessThe Times of India

Mar 29, 2004

ITC plans to make a match of itThe Hindu Business Line

Feb 27, 2003

 

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Agarbattis

As part of ITC's business strategy of creating multiple drivers of

growth in the FMCG sector, the Company commenced marketing

Agarbattis (Incense Sticks) sourced from small-scale and cottage

units in 2003. This Business leverages the core strengths of ITC in

nation-wide distribution and marketing, brand building, supply chain

management, manufacture of high quality paperboards and the

creation of innovative packaging solutions to offer Indian consumers

high quality Agarbattis. With its participation in the business, ITC aims

to enhance the competitiveness of the small and medium scale

sectors through its complementary R&D based product development and strengths in trade marketing

and distribution.

Mangaldeep Agarbattis are available in a wide range of fragrances like Rose, Jasmine, Bouquet,

Sandalwood, Madhur, Durbar, Tarangini, Anushri, Ananth and Mogra.

Durbar Gold is a new offering from Mangaldeep launched in

Andhra Pradesh and has received wide consumer acceptance.

The premium range from ITC, Mangaldeep Spriha has two offerings,

Pratiti and Sarvatra and are specially hand rolled by Cottage

Industries, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Puducherry. Cottage Industries,

Puducherry, has been accredited with IFAT certification, which is an

internationally recognized benchmark for fair trade practices.

Mangaldeep is also available in 3-in-1 and 5-in-1 packs giving the

consumer a choice of multiple fragrances in a single pack. Mangaldeep

appeals to a cross-section of consumers with offerings at various price

points. These agarbattis are available in innovative 'Fragrance-Locked'

packaging. 'Fragrance locking' is a unique concept of packaging which

retains the fragrance for a longer period and helps in "Completing the

Purity of Prayer". Mangaldeep is fast emerging as the only national brand

in an industry dominated by multiple local brands.

 

Mangaldeep Dhoop, made with Natural Ingredients, is available in specific markets and is fast

emerging as a key player in North India.

Recently, Mangaldeep launched the Premium range of Sarvatra Flora

agarbattis. Sarvatra flora agarbattis are a wet type of agarbattis,

different from the normal agarbattis. These agarbattis have a natural

base, are brownish in colour and offer a wholesome and differentiated

fragrance experience to the consumer. Sarvatra Flora Agarbattis are

now available in select markets.

The Business is currently working on various exciting new offerings to the consumers and is planning

to launch them in the near future.

In line with ITC's Triple Bottom Line philosophy of every business contributing to the nation's economic,

environmental and social capital, Mangaldeep agarbattis are manufactured by small scale and cottage

units, providing livelihood opportunities for more than 12,000 people. Six out of 11 Mangaldeep

Agarbatti manufacturing units are ISO 9000 certified. Mangaldeep ASHA (Assistance in Social

Habilitation through Agarbattis) is an ITC initiative to improve the quality of raw agarbatti production

and provide better value realization for women rollers. Under the project, ITC has extended support to

NGOs in states and like Bihar, Tripura, Tamil Nadu, who are setting up agarbatti units, training village

women in rolling agarbattis and employing them in these units. In the latest initiative, ITC signed a

MoU with Orissa Government run Orissa Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS) for

marketing raw incense sticks in the state- a move that is expected to provide employment

opportunities to over 3000 rural women.

For trade enquiries, please write to: VM.Rajasekharan@itc.in

 

Links to Press Releases :-

ITC to support agarbatti manufacture in Tripura May 20, 2005

ITC Launches MANGAL DEEP IN 'FRAGRANCE - LOCKED' packaging Dec 15, 2003

 

Links to Press Reports :-

ITC lights up rural women thru MangaldeepThe New Indian Express

Apr 20, 2011

ITC to light up NE with homegrown agarbattisEconomic Times

Jan 09, 2010

ITC signs MoU with ORMAS for marketing raw agarbattis Economic Times

Oct 14, 2009

ITC plans to enter perfumed candles segment The Hindu

Mar 17, 2009

ITC smells more growth for its incense businessBusiness Standard

Mar 08, 2009

ITC adds new fragrance to agarbatti industryFinancial Express

Oct 07, 2007

ITC agarbattis to find new markets through 'Fair Trade'The Hindu Business Line

Aug 17, 2007

ITC plans agarbatti exports to BangladeshHindustan Times

Apr 10, 2006

'We'll dominate agarbattis industry soon' Sify.com

Sep 30, 2004

ITC launches special incense gift packsThe Hindu Business Line

Jun 27, 2004

ITC Spreads Incense Stick OpsThe Financial Express

Jun 03, 2004

ITC Launches New Incense Sticks BrandThe Financial Express

Dec 16, 2003

ITC agarbathi divn to focus on brand-buildingThe Hindu Business Line

Nov 19, 2003

Aroma MagicSwagat

Oct 14, 2003

ITC, Ashram join hands for 'fragrance mapping'The Hindu Business Line

Aug 15, 2003

Vikas Kendra, ITC join hands to help youthDeccan Herald

Jun 26, 2003

Making the fragrance stickThe Hindu Business Line

Jun 05, 2003

ITC Lights An Aggressive Export Plan For Agarbathis The Financial Express

Jun 02, 2003

ITC forays into incense stick marketThe Economic Times

Feb 22, 2003

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Agri Commodities & Rural Services

To know more about ITC's unique e-Choupal initiative click here.

 

ITC's pre-eminent position as one of India's leading corporates in the agricultural sector is based on

strong and enduring farmer partnerships that has revolutionized and transformed the rural agricultural

sector. A unique rural digital infrastructure network, coupled with deep understanding of agricultural

practices and intensive research, has built a competitive and efficient supply chain that creates and

delivers immense value across the agricultural value chain. One of the largest exporters of agri

products from the country, ITC sources the finest of Indian Feed Ingredients, Food Grains, Edible Nuts,

Marine Products, Processed Fruits, Coffee & Spices.

ITC's Agri Business Division is the country's second largest exporter of agri-products with exports

of over Rs. 1000 Crores (Rs. 10 billion). Its domestic sales of agri-products are in excess of Rs.

1500 Crores (Rs. 15 billion). It currently focuses on exports and domestic trading of:

Feed Ingredients - Soyameal

Food Grains - Rice (Basmati & Non Basmati), Wheat, Pulses

Edible Nuts - Sesame Seeds, HPS Groundnuts, Castor oil

Marine Products - Shrimps and Prawns

Processed Fruits - Fruit Purees/Concentrates, IQF/Frozen Fruits, Organic Fruit

Products, Fresh Fruits

Coffee & Spices - Coffee, Black Pepper, Chilly, Turmeric, Ginger, Celery and other Seed

Spices

Farmer empowerment through e-Choupals

ITC's unique strength in this business is the extensive

backward linkages it has established with the farmers. This networking with the farming community

has enabled ITC to build a highly cost effective procurement system. ITC has made significant

investments in web-enabling the Indian farmer. Christened 'e-Choupal', ITC's empowerment plan for

the farmer centres around providing Internet kiosks in villages. Farmers use this technology

infrastructure to access on-line information from ITC's farmer-friendly website www.echoupal.com.

Data accessed by the farmers relate to the weather, crop conditions, best practices in farming, ruling

international prices and a host of other relevant information.

e-Choupal today is the world's largest rural digital infrastructure.

The unique e-Choupal model creates a significant two-way multi-dimensional channel which can

efficiently carry products and services into and out of rural India, while recovering the associated costs

through agri-sourcing led efficiencies. This initiative now comprises about 6500 installations

covering nearly 40,000 villages and serving over 4 million farmers. Currently, the 'e-Choupal'

website provides information to farmers across the 10 States of Madhya Pradesh, Haryana,

Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Tamil

Nadu. Over the next 5 years it is ITC's Vision to create a network of 20,000 e-Choupals, thereby

extending coverage to 100,000 villages representing one sixth of rural India.

Supporting the e-Choupal network are ITC's procurement teams, handling agents and contemporary

warehousing facilities across India, enabling its Agri Business to source identity-preserved

merchandise even at short notice. ITC's processors are handpicked, reliable high quality outfits who

ensure hygienic processing and modern packaging. Strict quality control is exercised at each stage to

preserve the natural flavour, taste and aroma of the various agri products.

 

Choupal Saagar

Following the success of the e-Choupal, the Company

launched Choupal Saagar, a physical infrastructure hub that comprises collection and storage

facilities and a unique rural hypermarket that offers multiple services under one roof. This landmark

infrastructure, which has set new benchmarks for rural consumers also incorporates farmer facilitation

centres with services such as sourcing, training, soil testing, health clinic, cafeteria, banking,

investment services, fuel station etc. 24 'Choupal Saagars' have commenced operations in the

states of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh. ITC is engaged in scaling up the rural

retailing initiative to establish a chain of 100 Choupal Saagars in the near future.

Choupal Fresh

Choupal Fresh, ITC's fresh food wholesale and retail initiative,

leverages its extensive backward linkages with farmers and supply chain efficiencies. It focuses on

stocking fresh horticulture produce like fresh fruits and vegetables. Five Choupal Fresh retail

stores are currently operational at Hyderabad. The company has also set up a complete cold chain for

ensuring the availability of fresh products in the market, besides directly sourcing farm fresh produce

from the farmers.

 

 

Choupal Pradarshan Khet

In line with its mission of improving the quality of life

in rural India, ITC's Agri Business has launched a flagship extension programme called 'Choupal

Pradarshan Khet' (CPK) or demonstration plots to help farmers enhance farm productivity by

adopting agricultural best practices. Started in 2005-06, the crop portfolio includes soya, paddy,

cotton, maize, bajra, wheat, gram, mustard, sunflower and potato. This initiative, has covered over

70,000 hectares and has a multiplier impact and reaches out to 1.6 million farmers.

 

Processed Fruits

In line with its strategy of achieving a higher order of value capture, the business also focuses on the

value added segment, steadily enhancing its basket of offerings with several new products. These

include frozen foods, IQF (individually quick frozen) fruits, niche products like baby-food

quality purees and high brix pulp and organic purees. ITC seeks to focus on this segment and

exploit the market opportunity for tropical fruits and fruit products, where India has a natural

advantage of growing the complete range, including exotic varieties. In Processed Fruits category, ITC

exports from HACCP certified plants to Western Europe, North Africa, West Asia, Japan and North

America, a wide range of Processed Fruit products made from Mango (Alphonso, Kesar & Totapuri),

Guava, Papaya and Pomegranate. ITC is the leading Indian exporter of Organic Fruit Products certified

to European (EC 2092/91) and US (NOP) Standards.

Fresh Table Grapes & Pomegranates are sourced from ITC's EUREPGAP certified farmer groups &

retailed through prominent supermarkets like Sainsbury's and Albert Heijn in Europe and Daiei in

Japan.

 

Marine Products

ITC has been a significant exporter of seafood from India since 1971. It exports frozen as well as

cooked shrimps and other seafood products to Japan, USA and Europe. Its well-known brands

include Gold Ribbon, Blue Ribbon, Aqua Kings, Aqua Bay, Aqua Feast and Peninsular.

 

A Customer Centric Approach

ITC's Agri Business Division continues to use innovation as its core strategy to retain its position as the

one-stop shop for sourcing agri-commodities from India. Besides setting benchmarks in quality,

reliability and value-added services, ITC is a trendsetter in customer care particularly in commodity

trading. Major customers include Cargill, Marubeni, Toepfer, among others, who source agriculture

commodities and food products from India. Customers can log onto www.itcabd.com, and readily

access information on crop production and forecast, market updates, the latest shipment status and

the prevailing foreign exchange rates.

Sourcing for ITC

ITC's Agri business is progressively aligning its commodity portfolio with the sourcing needs of the

Company's Foods business to generate higher order value from its agri procurement infrastructure.

The business has commenced procurement of chipstock potatoes, one of the critical raw materials in

the manufacture of the Company's 'Bingo!' brand of potato chips. The acquisition of Technico, an

Australian company with technology leadership in the production of early generation seed potatoes,

helped the business access a ready pipeline of new high-yielding varieties of chipstock potato seeds.

 

Awards

ITC's Agri Business Division has won numerous awards:

United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) Award at the

international conference on Sharing Innovative Agribusiness Solutions 2008 at

Cairo for ITC's exemplary initiatives in agri business through the e-Choupal.

The Ashoka - Changemakers 'Health For All' Award 2006 for the Rural Health

Services model for delivery of health services through the e-Choupals.

The Stockholm Challenge 2006 for the e-Choupal initiative. This award is for using

information technology for the economic development of rural communities.

Innovation for India Award 2006 for ITC e-Choupal in the Social Innovations

category for business organizations. The first of its kind in India, based on

parameters of number of lives impacted, degree of impact on organization and

environment, uniqueness, leverage of resources and whether it was scalable and

sustainable, e-Choupal was declared as one of 'India's Best Innovations'.

The Development Gateway Award 2005 (previously known as the Petersberg Prize)

for its trailblazing e-Choupal initiative. ITC is the first Indian company and the

second in the world to win this prestigious award.

The 'Golden Peacock Global Award for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in

Emerging Economies for 2005'. The Company received this award for its e-Choupal

and social and farm forestry initiatives that are impactfully transforming lives and

landscapes in rural India.

The Corporate Social Responsibility Award 2004 from The Energy and

Resources Institute(TERI) for its e-Choupal initiative. The Award provides impetus to

sustainable development and encourages ongoing social responsibility processes within

the corporate sector.

The inaugural 'World Business Award', instituted jointly by the International

Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the HRH Prince of Wales International Business

Leaders Forum (IBLF) and the United Nations Development Programme

(UNDP) for the e-Choupal intervention. This award recognises companies who have

made significant efforts to create sustainable livelihood opportunities and enduring

wealth in developing countries.

The 'Enterprise Business Transformation Award' for Asia Pacific (Apac),

instituted by Infosys Technologies and Wharton School of the University of

Pennsylvania, for e-Choupal.

PC Quest's IT Implementation Award in the 'Best Project' category, for the e-

Choupal initiative.

The Golden Peacock Innovation Award 2004 for e-Choupal.

The coveted "Golden Star Trading House" status by the Government of India.

The NASSCOM award for 'Best IT User in FMCG' in 2003. The Award is a recognition

of ITC's successful integration of its IT usage with its business processes, specially the e-

Choupal initiative.

The Seagate Intelligent Enterprise of the Year 2003 Award, for the most

innovative usage of Information Technology. This award recognises ITC's pathbreaking

e-Choupal initiative.

 

Links to Press Releases :-

ITC wins Top UNIDO Award for e-Choupal Dec 01, 2008

ITC's e-Choupal expands to Tamil Nadu Jul 31, 2008

 

Links to Press Reports :-

ITC arm, ICAR bid to promote sorghum consumptionThe Hindu Business Line

Jun 25, 2010

How innovation really worksBusiness Today

May 12, 2010

ITC e-Choupal to quintuple reachEconomic Times

Apr 12, 2010

Ecosystem Marketing - The New Equation Brand Equity, Economic Times

Mar 24, 2010

Worth a hill of soyabeansThe Economist

Jan 07, 2010

Reform to Re-farm Apr 05, 2009

Business Today

ITC plans to up rural market penetration Economic Times

Aug 25, 2007

ITC aids farmers in new techniques Business Standard

Aug 06, 2007

e-Choupal lauded by President of India Jun 05, 2007

Internet brings prosperity for farmers CNN-IBN

Feb 23, 2007

Gaon goes global Hindustan Times

Jan 20, 2007

Marubeni, ITC tie up for foods business Financial Express

Dec 26, 2006

Extending the franchiseFinancial Express

Dec 16, 2006

ITC plans 7500 farm demo plots Business Standard

Nov 22, 2006

ITC starts farm extension servicesThe Hindu Business Line

Aug 14, 2006

ITC-IBD to set up e-choupals in TelanganaBusiness Standard

Jul 10, 2006

Fuelling latent rural demandEconomic Times

Jul 07, 2006

Now, ITC to launch organically farmed branded fruits Times of India

Mar 25, 2006

ITC-IBD to extend e-Choupal network to three Telangana districts Business Standard

Mar 23, 2006

Rewarding resourcefulness, lifting livesThe Hindu Business Line

Jul 02, 2005

To know more about ITC's unique e-Choupal initiative click here.Please visit our sites :  www.itcabd.com

 www.itc-iltd.com www.echoupal.com

Leaf Tobacco

ITC pioneered the cultivation and development of Leaf Tobaccos in India. Nearly a century of

creating customer delight ensures that globally, ITC's Leaf Tobacco business is synonymous with being

"The One Stop Shop for Quality Indian Tobaccos". The Leaf Tobacco business' partnership with the

farmer is also almost a 100 years old. In a spirit that truly embodies the Company's "commitment

beyond the market", ITC has helped the Indian farmer grow quality leaf tobaccos and linked him to

global markets.

ITC is the largest buyer, processor and exporter of leaf tobaccos in India - creating a global

benchmark as the single largest integrated source of quality tobaccos. Serving customers

in 50 countries across more than 70 destinations, ITC co-creates and delivers value at

every stage of the leaf tobacco value chain.

ITC buys nearly 50 per cent of all cigarette tobacco types grown in India. It has a team of

experienced, highly skilled and professional buyers and classifiers who source and segregate tobaccos

to exacting customer specifications. A large inventory base of quality tobaccos provides an edge in

serving customers through product customization, portfolio rationalization, product bundling and value

added services. This strategic direction insulates customers from crop fluctuations, a key 'winning

proposition' acknowledged worldwide.

ITC's comprehensive and sophisticated R&D facilities cover all

aspects of cultivation, product development and processing through fundamental and

applied research. Thus, ITC's value proposition to its customers is "On Time In Full" delivery of

quality tobaccos spanning across all tobacco types at competitive prices.

ITC's Green Leaf Processing plants at Chirala and Anaparti in Andhra Pradesh, the tobacco hub of India,

are benchmarked with the best in the world. State-of-the-art technology, shared product

knowledge base, sophisticated process and quality controls enable ITC to process and

deliver 120 million Kgs of high quality tobaccos annually. These factories have integrated

warehousing complexes that match international standards in hygiene, infestation control and

monitoring.

ITC's quality emanates from its intimate involvement with the

tobacco farmers in India. Effective reach mechanisms help transfer 'best practices' from the lab to the

land. With an extensive presence in rural India, ITC's Leaf Tobacco business maps critical Soil, Crop

and Process control parameters across cultivated areas. Intermediation through a dedicated pool of

trained managers in critical areas like soil testing, varietal improvements, vermicomposting, nutrient

management and post harvest management results in a superior agri output. These initiatives position

ITC as an integral part of India's agricultural landscape. ITC's collaboration with related

Government agencies has helped develop new varieties of tobaccos and explore new areas

for tobacco cultivation.

 

Awards

ITC's Leaf Tobacco business has won national and international laurels for research and

development, quality, environmental management systems and product excellence. The

more important of these are:

The Golden Leaf Awards 2007 in the categories ‘Most Committed to Quality’ and

‘Most Impressive Public Service Initiative’. ILTD is the first time winner in these

two categories of the Golden Leaf Awards.

The International Quality Rating System – IQRS Level 7, awarded by Det Norske

Veritas in March 2006.

 The Greentech Safety Platinum Award - 2006 in the Manufacturing Sector

Category for its leaf processing plant at Chirala, Andhra Pradesh.

 The "Golden Peacock Environment Management Award" for the year 2005 by

World Environment Foundation, New Delhi (Institute of Directors, New Delhi) for its

Chirala Unit.

 Human Resource Excellence Award 2004 from Confederation of Indian Industry

(CII), Chennai.

British Standard 7750, a certification that is an equivalent of ISO 14001 to the

processing plant in Chirala for its commitment to Environment management

systems, as defined by British Standards.

 ITC's R&D Center for leaf tobacco has received -

The Best Research and Development of New Innovation Gold award for its

contribution to farm productivity improvement through the introduction of improved

varieties and propagation of contemporary and cost effective agro-techniques.

The Best Energy Conservation Implementation Gold Award for energy and eco-

conservation measures.

Its Green Leaf Threshing plants were the first of their kind in the world to receive

the ISO 9001 quality accreditation. They were also internationally the first to get the

ISO 14001 environment management system certification.

The processing plant at Chirala was the first unit in Asia to receive the Social

Accountability Standard Certification (SA 8000) from Det Norske Veritas. The

processing plant at Anaparti has also been accredited with SA 8000 in the year 2002.

The OHSAS 18001:1999 Certificate to the processing plants at Anaparti and Chirala.

This facilitates the integration of Quality, Environment, Social Accountability and

Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems.

ILTD has been the recipient of the following awards:

The ISO 9001 quality accreditation for Warehouse Management of Redried Leaf

Tobacco.

The "Cleaner Production Award" for the year 2004-05 by Andhra Pradesh

Pollution Control Board for its Chirala plant.

IMC Rama Krishna Bajaj National Quality Commendation Certification

(Manufacturing category) for the year 2004 to the Chirala plant. 

"Best Exporter of Unmanufactured Tobacco" in 2008 for the 7th consecutive

year (Manufacturers category) for 2003 & 2004 from the Tobacco Board of

India.

The Rajiv Gandhi National Quality Award in the 'Best of All' category for 1994 and

1995 from the Government of India.

National Safety Awards from the British Safety Council

Swords of Honour and Five Star ratings from the British Safety Council. The

processing plant at Chirala has won this award eleven times since 1993 and the

Anaparti plant seven times since 1994.

"SECTOR 2000" Award in the Sector of Food, Drink and Tobacco in the World in the

year 2000 from RoSPA (Royal Society for Prevention of Accidents), UK, to the processing

plant at Chirala.

RoSPA Gold Awards from the Royal Society for Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA)

Special Commendation Safety Certificate from the Ministry of Labour, Government

of India.

Greentech Safety Gold Award for the years 2002-03, 2003-04 & 2004-05 to the

Chirala plant. The Anaparti won the Greentech Safety Gold Award for the year 2004-

05.

QualTech Commendation Certificate to the Chirala plant from QIMPRO, Mumbai, in

the year 2004.

 

Links to Press Releases :-

ITC to develop spices in the northeast Oct 23, 2007

ITC wins Greentech Safety Gold Award May 23, 2005

 

Links to Press Reports :-

ITC to add more flavour to spices businessThe Economic Times

Dec 30, 2008

ITC’s leaf tobacco arm launches 5-year expansion planHindu Business Line

Sep 10, 2008

ITC division helps women stand on their feet Business-standard.com

Apr 13, 2006

Helping farmers rebuild lifeBusiness-standard.com

Apr 05, 2006

ITC unit launches vermi-compost project in Mysore The Hindu Business Line

Oct 04, 2004

ITC takes up social forestry programme in APThe Hindu Business Line

Aug 25, 2003

For Leaf tobacco trade enquiries, please write to: rajiv@itc-iltd.com

Please visit our sites :  www.itc-iltd.com www.itcspices.com

e-Choupal

 

The Big Picture:

ITC's Agri Business Division, one of India's largest exporters of agricultural commodities, has conceived

e-Choupal as a more efficient supply chain aimed at delivering value to its customers around the world

on a sustainable basis.

The e-Choupal model has been specifically designed to tackle the challenges posed by the unique

features of Indian agriculture, characterised by fragmented farms, weak infrastructure and the

involvement of numerous intermediaries, among others.

The Value Chain - Farm to Factory Gate:

'e-Choupal' also unshackles the potential of Indian farmer who has been trapped in a vicious cycle of

low risk taking ability > low investment > low productivity > weak market orientation > low value

addition > low margin > low risk taking ability. This made him and Indian agribusiness sector globally

uncompetitive, despite rich & abundant natural resources.

Such a market-led business model can enhance the competitiveness of Indian agriculture and trigger a

virtuous cycle of higher productivity, higher incomes, enlarged capacity for farmer risk management,

larger investments and higher quality and productivity.

Further, a growth in rural incomes will also unleash the latent demand for industrial goods so

necessary for the continued growth of the Indian economy. This will create another virtuous cycle

propelling the economy into a higher growth trajectory.

The Model in Action:

Appreciating the imperative of intermediaries in the Indian context, 'e-Choupal' leverages Information

Technology to virtually cluster all the value chain participants, delivering the same benefits as vertical

integration does in mature agricultural economies like the USA.

'e-Choupal' makes use of the physical transmission capabilities of current intermediaries - aggregation,

logistics, counter-party risk and bridge financing -while disintermediating them from the chain of

information flow and market signals.

With a judicious blend of click & mortar capabilities, village

internet kiosks managed by farmers - called sanchalaks - themselves, enable the agricultural

community access ready information in their local language on the weather & market prices,

disseminate knowledge on scientific farm practices & risk management, facilitate the sale of farm

inputs (now with embedded knowledge) and purchase farm produce from the farmers' doorsteps

(decision making is now information-based).

Real-time information and customised knowledge provided by 'e-Choupal' enhance the ability of

farmers to take decisions and align their farm output with market demand and secure quality &

productivity. The aggregation of the demand for farm inputs from individual farmers gives them access

to high quality inputs from established and reputed manufacturers at fair prices. As a direct marketing

channel, virtually linked to the 'mandi' system for price discovery, 'e-Choupal' eliminates wasteful

intermediation and multiple handling. Thereby it significantly reduces transaction costs.

'e-Choupal' ensures world-class quality in delivering all these goods & services through several product

/ service specific partnerships with the leaders in the respective fields, in addition to ITC's own

expertise.

While the farmers benefit through enhanced farm productivity and higher farm gate prices, ITC

benefits from the lower net cost of procurement (despite offering better prices to the farmer) having

eliminated costs in the supply chain that do not add value.

 

The Status of Execution:

Launched in June 2000, 'e-Choupal', has already become the

largest initiative among all Internet-based interventions in rural India. 'e-Choupal' services today reach

out to over 4 million farmers growing a range of crops - soyabean, coffee, wheat, rice, pulses, shrimp -

in over 40,000 villages through 6500 kiosks across ten states (Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Uttarakhand,

Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Kerela and Tamil Nadu).

The problems encountered while setting up and managing these 'e-Choupals' are primarily of

infrastructural inadequacies, including power supply, telecom connectivity and bandwidth, apart from

the challenge of imparting skills to the first time internet users in remote and inaccessible areas of

rural India.

Several alternative and innovative solutions - some of them

expensive - are being deployed to overcome these challenges e.g. Power back-up through batteries

charged by Solar panels, upgrading BSNL exchanges with RNS kits, installation of VSAT equipment,

Mobile Choupals, local caching of static content on website to stream in the dynamic content more

efficiently, 24x7 helpdesk etc.

Going forward, the roadmap includes plans to integrate bulk storage, handling & transportation

facilities to improve logistics efficiencies.

As India's 'kissan' Company, ITC has taken care to involve farmers in the designing and management

of the entire 'e-Choupal' initiative. The active participation of farmers in this rural initiative has created

a sense of ownership in the project among the farmers. They see the 'e-Choupal' as the new age

cooperative for all practical purposes.

This enthusiastic response from farmers has encouraged ITC to plan for the extension of the 'e-

Choupal' initiative to altogether 15 states across India over the next few years. On the anvil are plans

to channelise other services related to micro-credit, health and education through the same 'e-

Choupal' infrastructure.

Another path-breaking initiative - the 'Choupal Pradarshan Khet', brings the benefits of agricultural best practices to small and marginal farmers. Backed by intensive research and knowledge, this initiative provides Agri-extension services which are qualitatively superior and involves pro-active handholding of farmers   to  ensure  productivity  gains.  The services  are customised to  meet   local   conditions,  ensure timely availability of farm inputs including credit, and provide a cluster of farmer schools for capturing indigenous knowledge. This initiative, which has covered over 70,000 hectares, has a multiplier impact and reaches out to over 1.6 million farmers.

Would he get a fair price for his crop? Farmer Ashutosh Dixit was never sure.

Not any more. Thanks to ITC.

Awards

ITC's e-Choupal has won numerous awards:

United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) Award at the

international conference on Sharing Innovative Agribusiness Solutions 2008at

Cairo for ITC's exemplary initiatives in agri business through the e-Choupal.

The Ashoka - Changemakers 'Health For All' Award 2006 for the Rural Health

Services model for delivery of health services through the e-Choupals.

The Stockholm Challenge 2006. This award is for using information technology for

the economic development of rural communities.

Innovation for India Award 2006 for ITC e-Choupal in the Social Innovations

category for business organizations. The first of its kind in India, based on

parameters of number of lives impacted, degree of impact on organization and

environment, uniqueness, leverage of resources and whether it was scalable and

sustainable, e-Choupal was declared as one of 'India's Best Innovations'.

The Development Gateway Award 2005 (previously known as the Petersberg Prize)

for the trailblazing e-Choupal initiative. ITC is the first Indian company and the

second in the world to win this prestigious award.

The 'Golden Peacock Global Award for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in

Emerging Economies for 2005'. The Company received this award for its e-Choupal

and social and farm forestry initiatives that are impactfully transforming lives and

landscapes in rural India.

The Corporate Social Responsibility Award 2004 from The Energy and

Resources Institute(TERI) for its e-Choupal initiative. The Award provides impetus to

sustainable development and encourages ongoing social responsibility processes within

the corporate sector.

The inaugural 'World Business Award', instituted jointly by the International

Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the HRH Prince of Wales International Business

Leaders Forum (IBLF) and the United Nations Development Programme

(UNDP). This award recognises companies who have made significant efforts to create

sustainable livelihood opportunities and enduring wealth in developing countries.

The 'Enterprise Business Transformation Award' for Asia Pacific (Apac),

instituted by Infosys Technologies and Wharton School of the University of

Pennsylvania.

PC Quest's IT Implementation Award in the 'Best Project' category.

The Golden Peacock Innovation Award 2004.

The NASSCOM award for 'Best IT User in FMCG' in 2003. The Award is a recognition

of ITC's successful integration of its IT usage with its business processes.

The Seagate Intelligent Enterprise of the Year 2003 Award, for the most

innovative usage of Information Technology.

  » IT Guru Mohanbir Sawhney's article on e-Choupal

  » Chairman Y C Deveshwar speaks on the e-Choupal

 

Links to Press Releases :-

ITC wins Top UNIDO Award for e-Choupal Dec 01, 2008

ITC's e-Choupal expands to Tamil Nadu Jul 31, 2008

ITC e-Choupal wins Development Gateway Award 2005 Sep 16, 2005

ITC wins TERI Award for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Jun 01, 2005

ITC wins Golden Peacock Global Award for CSR May 13, 2005

ITC's 'e-Choupal' wins Wharton-Infosys Business Transformation Award Jun 03, 2004

ITC's e-Choupal wins inaugural 'World Business Award' May 19, 2004

UK grant for promoting rural insurance on e-Choupal Jan 21, 2004

ITC wins 'Intelligent Enterprise of the Year Award' for e-Choupal Nov 29, 2003

 

Links to Press Reports :-

ITC, HUL aim for bigger rural pushThe Financial Express

Jun 08, 2011

How innovation really worksBusiness Today

May 12, 2010

ITC e-Choupal to quintuple reachEconomic Times

Apr 12, 2010

Ecosystem Marketing - The New EquationBrand Equity, Economic Times

Mar 24, 2010

Worth a hill of soyabeansThe Economist

Jan 07, 2010

Monster.com and ITC e-Choupal collaborate to launch Rozgarduniya.comFinancial Express

Aug 12, 2009

e-Choupal among the '10 biz ideas that changed India' The Week

Aug 31, 2008

e-Choupal lauded by President of IndiaJun 05, 2007

Jun 05, 2007

e-Choupal: Networking rural IndiaNDTV.com

May 17, 2007

Internet brings prosperity for farmers CNN-IBN

Feb 23, 2007

ITC plans 7500 farm demo plotsBusiness Standard

Nov 22, 2006

COLLABORATION is at the heart of NEW AGE MARKETINGEconomic Times

Aug 14, 2006

ITC starts farm extension servicesThe Hindu Business Line

Aug 14, 2006

Lintas Media arm, e-choupal join to launch Bharat Barometer blonnet.com

Aug 08, 2006

E-Choupal eyes power, health & BPOThe Economic Times

Jul 24, 2006

ITC-IBD to set up e-choupals in TelanganaBusiness Standard

Jul 10, 2006

Fuelling latent rural demandThe Economic Times

Jul 07, 2006

ITC to set up a shopping complex at Ujjain Mar 30, 2006

Business-standard.com

ITC-IBD to extend e-Choupal network to three Telangana districts Business Standard

Mar 23, 2006

$200,000 more for e-choupalsBusiness Standard

Sep 17, 2005

Now, e-choupal goes pay-to-useHindustan Times

Jul 29, 2005

ITC holds out mall hope for villagersThe Telegraph

Jul 04, 2005

Rewarding resourcefulness, lifting livesThe Hindu Business Line

Jul 02, 2005

Ground reality Business Standard

Jun 28, 2005

ITC e-choupal on awards shortlistBusiness-standard.com

Jun 23, 2005

e-choupal to cast the rural Net wideBusiness-standard.com

Jun 02, 2005

Global award for ITC's e-choupalBusiness-standard

May 16, 2005

ITC e-Choupals to touch more livesThe Asian Age

Apr 11, 2005

Call of the CountrysideIndia Today

Dec 13, 2004

ITC Signs MoU with MCXteamindia.net

Dec 05, 2004

Give them empowerment first The Hindu Business Line

Nov 19, 2004

Grain revolution The Hindu Business Line

Nov 19, 2004

APMC Act review may abolish mandi tax Business Standard

Nov 02, 2004

From toothpaste to tractors, this rural mall has it allOutlook

Oct 04, 2004

CHAUPAL SAGAR - Unlocking rural marketsBusinessworld

Sep 20, 2004

ITC sows seeds of hypermarkets in rural IndiaThe Economic Times

Sep 10, 2004

BEST PROJECT - e-Choupal, ITC International Business DivisionPCQUEST

Jun 09, 2004

Cigarettes and Virtual CathedralsThe Economist

Jun 03, 2004

Empower the poor for growthHindustan Times

May 27, 2004

Farmers e-nabled - Markets Not Antipathic To MassesThe Economic Times

May 26, 2004

ITC connects Rajasthan to e-choupalThe Business Standard

May 21, 2004

Distribution's Disruptive DuoBusiness Today Magazine

Jan 18, 2004

Everybody WinsThe Economic Times (Brand Equity)

Jan 14, 2004

The Village PeopleThe Economic Times (Brand Equity)

Jan 14, 2004

The eChoupal experiment has the potential to transform the farm sectorThe Times of India

Jan 12, 2004

Indian Soybean Farmers Join the Global VillageThe New York Times

Jan 01, 2004

  » Traditional farmers to new-age marketers

Please visit our site :  www.echoupal.com

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