Tamil Nadu signs MoUs with Sri Krishna Sweets, Annapoorna & others, seeks to build global food brands from Coimbatore

Tamil Nadu has signed MoUs with homegrown food brands Sri Krishna Sweets, Annapoorna and Hatsun to build industrial kitchens, strengthen R&D, and deepen export capacity.

At recent TN Rising Conclave, the state showcased food processing as a major sector, positioning Coimbatore as the hub for transforming regional brands into global contenders.

Sri Krishna Sweets signed an MoU to invest Rs 100 crore in an export-oriented sweets unit with a research facility, which is expected to generate about 200 jobs. Annapoorna will invest Rs 300 crore in a centralised industrial kitchen in Coimbatore and is expected to employ 500 people. Hatsun Agro Products signed an MoU for a Rs 860 crore investment to set up 400 dairy product manufacturing units. Hatsun plans to scale production capacity, expand its cold chain, and strengthen its retail footprint. The upcoming facility will include one of the largest production lines in South India, along with R&D for new products. The investment is expected to boost value-added lines under brands such as IBACO, which the state believes can evolve into global favourites

Guidance Tamil Nadu has been in talks with leading brands from western Tamil Nadu, including Annapoorna and Sri Krishna Sweets, to support their expansion and global ambitions. Officials said companies joining the programme will receive single-window facilitation for approvals, incentives under state policy upon submission of detailed project reports, and export promotion assistance.

The government believes that with the right push, familiar sweets and spices from the region could soon travel far beyond India. Tamil Nadu Minister for Industries, Investment Promotions and Commerce TRB Rajaa said: “TN has a rich and varied culture, with speciality cuisine in every corner. Our culinary delights are welcomed worldwide. We want Tamil Nadu’s food companies to think beyond borders and compete globally. MTR Foods was acquired for $100 million and Haldiram’s is valued at $10 billion. There is no reason we cannot build brands of that scale here in Tamil Nadu. The government will back them, not just with approvals but with active policy support and export promotion. Why should incentives be reserved only for multinational food companies when the next global success story could be born in Tamil Nadu?”

Other MoUs

E Star Foods Pvt Ltd from Coimbatore has committed Rs 200 crore to set up a tea and beverages manufacturing unit and projected to create 1,000 jobs. Podaran Foods will invest Rs 310 crore in a cool drinks manufacturing unit that will create 300 jobs.

“Annapoorna and Sri Krishna Sweets have long been Coimbatore staples. Their move into large-scale manufacturing and exports has energised the industry, with the state placing legacy regional brands on equal footing with national and global players,” said an official.