Tata Global Beverages (TGBL), the Indian non-alcoholic beverages company is planning to set up a new tea packaging unit worth US$14.01 million in Gopalpur Industrial Park, Odisha, India.
Tata Global has entered into a letter of Intent (LOI) with Tata Steel Special Economic Zone Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tata Steel Ltd which is positioned to set up the new tea packaging unit.
The Letter of Intent and other formalities was exchanged during the Make in Odisha Conclave business event in Bhubaneshwar, Odisha.
As per the schedule it is projected to be operational by 2020 following statutory and regulatory clearances, the facility is expected to have a capacity of 36 million kilogrammes per year.
The company said the planned unit will be used for the operation of manufacturing and storage of tea and will also be used as warehouse of all products of the company, including its subsidiaries, associates and joint-venture companies.
The entire tea packaging unit will be operated by a third-party operator, nominated by TGBL and on full capacity, the plant will create an employment for approximately 650 persons.
Having entered the Indian cafe market in 2012 through a 50/50 Joint Venture with Starbucks Coffee Company, Tate global beverages ltd specializes in manufacturing of coffee and tea and is a subsidiary of the Tata Group.
Through a partnership with a sparkling waters manufacturer, Talking Rain Beverage Company, Tata Beverages expanded into the natural mineral water market in August,2017.
The deal was also expected to increase the reach of Tata Global Beverages Himalayan Natural Mineral Water brand in the United States.
Tata Global Beverages with brands like Tata Tea and Tetley announced stellar growth at 19.07% year-on-year rise in consolidated group net profit at US$25.76 million in the quarter ended September.
This was attributed to higher tea prices and benefit out of a tax credit on account of Starbucks.
According to the company released data, it has market share of 20-21% in the tea category in value terms, and 22-23% in terms of volume.
India accounts for 45% of the revenue at present, which is expected to grow as the company is looking at other areas of expansion in the market, said Tata Global Beverages chief financial officer L Krishnakumar.