GRB Dairy Foods Private Ltd, based in Bengaluru, is a successful player in the competitive ghee market in India. Despite facing tough competition from national giants like Amul and Britannia, GRB has managed to carve out its own niche in the industry with a revenue of ₹1,010 crore. The company is now embarking on an ambitious expansion plan, investing ₹100 crore in its Nilakottai factory in Dindigul district, where it produces ghee, snacks, and sweets.
The journey to success for GRB was not easy. In the early days, founder GR Balasubramaniam faced skepticism from retailers who were loyal to their local dairy brands. However, a lucky break changed everything for him. After a ghee bottle accidentally broke in a shop, the shopkeeper decided to give GRB’s product a chance, leading to increased demand and widespread acceptance.
Balasubramaniam’s journey in the dairy business started at the age of 13 when he joined his sister’s family venture in Bengaluru. Over the years, he built his own business selling butter door-to-door, which eventually led to the production of ghee. Through strategic branding and a dedicated production setup, he managed to establish GRB as a prominent player in the ghee market in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
Today, GRB operates six ghee production plants and has expanded its product portfolio to include instant mixes, sweets, and masalas. With revenues expected to reach ₹1,500 crore by FY26, the company is eyeing further growth in domestic and international markets. GRB currently exports to 39 countries and aims to increase this number to 50 in the coming years.
Despite the rising competition in the ghee market, GRB remains confident in its position and growth prospects. With a strong focus on quality and customer relationships, the company continues to attract consumers and expand its market reach.
