UNIBIC

UNIBIC India, a manufacturer and distributor of premium cookies, was established in 2004 as the Indian subsidiary of the Australian cookie maker, UNIBIC. The company was co-founded by the late Nikhil Sen, a former Chief Operating Officer of Britannia, alongside Michael Quinn of UNIBIC Australia and entrepreneur Dhruv Deepak Saxena. Sen's extensive experience in the FMCG sector was instrumental in steering the company to become a significant player in the premium cookie market.

Initially launched with its iconic Anzac and Bradman cookies, UNIBIC started by importing some ingredients before localizing its resources. The company faced early financial challenges, but a pivotal moment came in 2012 when private equity firm Peepul Capital acquired a majority stake, turning UNIBIC into a fully Indian-owned entity. This investment fueled its expansion and solidified its market position. Over the years, Peepul Capital consolidated its ownership by acquiring stakes from other investors like Lighthouse Funds.

The company's business model is centered on manufacturing and distributing a wide array of premium biscuits for the consumer market. Revenue is generated through retail sales, which constitute about 80% of its income, supplemented by exports and strategic partnerships to produce cookies for private labels and other brands like Café Coffee Day. UNIBIC operates in the competitive FMCG food sector, targeting consumers aged 14 to 40 with a focus on quality and unique flavor profiles. Its distribution network reaches over 500,000 outlets across India, with a particularly strong presence in the southern and western regions.

UNIBIC’s product portfolio includes over 40 variants categorized into chocolate, butter, milk, savory, and health-conscious options. A key differentiator is its use of wire-cut technology, which provides a distinct, home-baked texture, a first in the Indian market. The company has a history of product development, introducing India's first center-filled liquid chocolate cookie, Choco Kiss, and unique flavors like Chilli Butter and Milk Orange. They also cater to health-conscious consumers with sugar-free, gluten-free, and high-oat content cookies. Their Bangalore-based manufacturing facility is the largest integrated cookie plant in India, with a production capacity of 30,000 tonnes per year, also serving international clients in over 21 countries.

Keywords: premium cookies, biscuit manufacturer, FMCG food, Indian snack market, private label cookies, wire-cut technology, food and beverage, baked goods, cookie exports, Anzac cookies, Bradman cookies, Choco Kiss, fruit and nut cookies, health cookies, sugar-free biscuits, Nikhil Sen, Peepul Capital, Bangalore food company, cookie production, retail food products