ITC Limited is one of India's foremost private sector companies and a diversified conglomerate with business interests spanning Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), Hotels, Paperboards & Packaging, Agri-Business, and Information Technology. Headquartered in Kolkata, India, ITC is recognized for its strong commitment to sustainability, innovation, and inclusive growth.
Core Business and Conglomerate Structure
Established in 1910 as the Imperial Tobacco Company of India Limited, ITC has evolved into a multi-business enterprise with a market capitalization exceeding USD 70 billion (as of 2023). The company is listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and National Stock Exchange (NSE) of India and employs over 36,500 people directly.
ITC operates through the following key divisions:
- FMCG – Cigarettes and Others
- Hotels
- Paperboards, Paper & Packaging
- Agri Business
- Information Technology (ITC Infotech)
Product and Brand Portfolio
Cigarettes:
- Gold Flake
- Navy Cut
- Classic
- India Kings
- Bristol
ITC holds a dominant ~76% market share in the Indian cigarette industry.
Branded Foods:
- Aashirvaad (Atta, Spices, Salt)
- Sunfeast (Biscuits, Cookies, Cakes)
- Bingo! (Snacks)
- Yippee! (Noodles and Pasta)
- B Natural (Juices and Beverages)
ITC Foods is one of India’s fastest-growing FMCG segments, with over ₹14,000 crore in revenue (2022-23).
Personal Care:
- Fiama
- Vivel
- Savlon
- Engage (Fragrances and Deodorants)
- Dermafique (Skincare)
Education & Stationery:
ITC is one of the top 3 players in India’s organized stationery market.
Hotels:
- ITC Hotels (Luxury)
- Welcomhotel (Upscale)
- Fortune Hotels (Mid-market)
- WelcomHeritage (Heritage properties)
ITC Hotels operates over 115 properties across India and is the first hospitality chain in the world to have all its luxury properties LEED Platinum certified.
Paperboards & Packaging:
- Leading producer of value-added paperboards, eco-friendly packaging solutions, and specialty papers.
- Supplies to industries including pharmaceuticals, FMCG, and food.
Agri Business:
- One of India’s largest exporters of agricultural commodities.
- Major products: Leaf tobacco, coffee, wheat, rice, soya, and spices.
- Operates the award-winning e-Choupal network benefiting over 4 million farmers across 35,000 villages.
Information Technology:
- ITC Infotech is a wholly-owned subsidiary offering IT services to clients across banking, manufacturing, retail, and travel.
- Serves Fortune 500 clients in more than 35 countries.
Financial Performance
As per FY 2022-23 consolidated results:
- Gross Revenue: ₹76,518 crore (approx. USD 9.2 billion)
- Net Profit: ₹19,477 crore (approx. USD 2.3 billion)
- FMCG Revenue (Non-cigarette): ₹18,888 crore
- Agribusiness Revenue: ₹14,150 crore
- Paperboards & Packaging Revenue: ₹9,402 crore
- Hotels Revenue: ₹2,689 crore
ITC has delivered a 5-year CAGR of ~12% in revenue and robust shareholder returns.
Sustainability and Social Impact
ITC is globally recognized for its triple bottom line approach — economic, environmental, and social performance. Notable initiatives include:
- Carbon Positive for 18 years
- Water Positive for 21 years
- Solid Waste Recycling Positive for 16 years
- Over 43% of total energy consumption from renewable sources
Export and Global Presence
- ITC exports FMCG and agri-products to over 90 countries.
- Major export markets include the USA, Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia, and Europe.
- Leaf tobacco and spices are two of ITC’s largest export categories.
ITC’s Agri Business Division is a leading supply chain partner for global food majors.
Innovation and R&D
- Operates a state-of-the-art ITC Life Sciences and Technology Centre (LSTC) in Bengaluru.
- Over 100 patent applications filed in food, personal care, and sustainable packaging.
- Developed a proprietary "Nanofiber Technology" for Savlon masks and hygiene products during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Awards and Recognition
- Ranked among India’s Most Admired Companies by Fortune India.
- ITC Hotels received LEED Zero Carbon Certification — a global first.
- Recognized by the UNDP and World Bank for the e-Choupal rural development model.
- Consistently included in Dow Jones Sustainability Emerging Markets Index.
Major Achievements
- Became the largest FMCG company by market capitalization in India (2023).
- Transitioned into a multi-billion-dollar diversified enterprise while maintaining leadership in traditional segments.
- Pioneered some of India’s most impactful sustainability programs in rural development, watershed management, and afforestation.
- Built an FMCG portfolio with over 25+ mother brands, several of which are leaders in their categories.
ITC Limited continues to redefine corporate excellence in India with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth across a diverse portfolio that touches millions of consumers daily.
