Deal strengthens RCPL’s push into millet-based and health foods as demand for nutritious packaged products rises across India
Reliance Consumer Products or RCPL, the fast-moving consumer goods arm of Reliance Industries, has acquired Southern Health Foods, the Tamil Nadu-based company behind the well-known Manna brand, the company said on Tuesday.
The acquisition strengthens RCPL’s presence in the fast-growing health and millet-based foods segment and adds Manna to its expanding foods and staples portfolio, which already includes brands such as Udhaiyam, Independence and SiL.
Manna has built a strong reputation over more than two decades as a maker of health-focused food products, with a significant presence across Tamil Nadu and neighbouring States. Its portfolio spans millet-based staples and ready mixes, health drinks, baby foods, oats, multigrain products, breakfast cereals and dry fruits.
The deal comes at a time when Indian consumers are increasingly moving towards healthier, nutrition-led diets, driving demand for millets, multigrain staples and functional food products. RCPL has been steadily expanding in this space through a series of acquisitions and brand additions, positioning itself to tap into rising demand for affordable, better-for-you packaged foods.
RCPL said the acquisition aligns with its strategy of offering global-quality products at accessible prices while building a meaningful nationwide presence in the health and nutrition segment.
Commenting on the development, T Krishnakumar, Director, Reliance Consumer Products, said Manna is among the most trusted health-food brands in Tamil Nadu, known for categories such as millet-based staples and mixes, beverages and baby nutrition.
He added that bringing Manna into RCPL’s fold would deepen its packaged foods portfolio and strengthen its ability to offer nutritious options to consumers. Leveraging Reliance’s extensive distribution network, research and development capabilities, and supply chain strengths, the company aims to expand Manna’s reach beyond its current markets and scale it into a pan-India household brand.
Southern Health Foods operates across a broad range of health-oriented categories, and Manna has established strong recall in emerging packaged food segments such as millet flours, baby foods and multigrain drink mixes, categories that continue to benefit from India’s growing focus on health and wellness.
