Reliance Consumer Products, the FMCG arm of Reliance Industries, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Finland-based food company Fazer. Under the agreement, the companies plan to establish a long-term partnership in India to produce, market and distribute premium chocolates based on Fazer’s recipes and standards across the country.
The MoU was signed during the state visit of Finland’s President Alexander Stubb to India, aimed at strengthening business ties between India and Finland while introducing Fazer’s chocolate brands to the Indian market.
The partnership will combine Fazer’s chocolate portfolio and product development capabilities with Reliance Consumer Products’ distribution network, which reaches nearly 3 million retail outlets across India. The companies will focus on expanding their presence in India’s chocolate and confectionery segment, which is seeing growth with rising consumer demand and the expansion of organised retail.
Since its launch in 2022, Reliance Consumer Products has expanded its presence in the confectionery category through brands such as Ravalgaon, Toffeeman, Pan Pasand and Lotus Chocolates. The company has also introduced global brands including Maliban, Nexba and PACE in the Indian market.
Fazer operates across the Nordics, Baltics, Poland and China, and exports to more than 40 countries. The company has been expanding internationally through both organic growth and acquisitions as it looks to strengthen its presence in existing and new markets.
Krishnakumar, Director, Reliance Consumer Products, said, “Partnering with Fazer is a strategic step towards introducing one of the world’s finest chocolates to Indian consumers. This will also accelerate RCPL’s growth in the chocolates & confectionery market. By combining Fazer’s globally trusted brands and manufacturing excellence with RCPL’s local production capabilities, robust distribution network, and deep consumer insights, we are well positioned to bring world-class products to Indian consumers and elevate the overall category experience.”
Christoph Vitzthum, President and CEO, Fazer, said, “This partnership would be a great opportunity for Fazer to offer our unique products to the fast-growing Indian market. With RCPL handling commercialisation and distribution in India we could establish a premium position in the chocolate market and a foundation for a broader scale nation-wide roll-out with a leading and highly capable local partner. Entering the sizable Indian chocolate market through this strategic partnership, could have the potential to accelerate our international growth significantly.”
