Balaji Wafers is a major snack food manufacturer and distributor in

Gujarat, India Gujarat (, ) is a state along the western coast of India. Its coastline of about is the longest in the country, most of which lies on the Kathiawar peninsula. Gujarat is the fifth-largest Indian state by area, covering some ; and the ninth- ...

. It produces and distributes a variety of

potato chips A potato chip (North American English; often just chip) or crisp (British and Irish English) is a thin slice of potato that has been either deep fried, baked, or air fried until crunchy. They are commonly served as a snack, side dish, or appe ...

and other grain-based

snack foods A snack is a small portion of food generally eaten between meals. Snacks come in a variety of forms including packaged snack foods and other processed foods, as well as items made from fresh ingredients at home. Traditionally, snacks are p ...

History

The company is owned by Chandubhai Virani. Chandubhai and his brothers Bhikhubhai and Kanubhai migrated from a small Village Dhun Dhoraji, Kalavad Taluka,

Jamnagar district Jamnagar District is a district of Gujarat in Western India. Its headquarters are located in the eponymous city of Jamnagar. It hosts the production facilities of large Indian companies such as Reliance. Among its attractions are several palac ...

of Gujarat. Their father Popatbhai Virani was a farmer, who sold ancestral agriculture land and gave to them to venture into business. The Viranis invested in farm equipment but could not succeed and lost the money. Kakubhai and his brothers started a wafer business from a canteen of a cinema hall in Rajkot in 1974. Until 1989, the wafers were produced at the Viranis' house and distributed in and around Rajkot city. In the initial stage, Balaji Wafers set up their plant at Aji Vasad (Industrial Zone, Rajkot) with a new concept of making potato chips. The main benefit they got is the readymade infrastructure availability due to which their cost was reduced to a large extent. They operated there for around 22 years. Balaji Wafers then set up a fully automatic plant near Metoda G.I.D.C. which is in the area of the village Vajdi, outside the town of Rajkot.

Market share

Balaji's share of the local potato and vegetable chips market grew from 9.5% in 2008, to 13.7% in 2012, according to Euromonitor. Balaji also dominates in the western market with a share of 71%. In its home state Gujarat, it has a share of 90%. ''

The Economic Times ''The Economic Times'' is an Indian English-language business-focused daily newspaper. It is owned by The Times Group. ''The Economic Times'' began publication in 1961. As of 2012, it is the world's second-most widely read English-language bus ...

'' recognized Balaji Wafers as 'Sultan of Wafers'. Balaji Wafers is also a member of the Snack Food Association (SFA).

Products

Namkeen(23 products)— Yumstix, Punjabi Tadka, Sago Balls, Khatta Mitha Mix, Tikha Mitha Mix, Mitha Farali Chiwda, Farali Chevdo, Chana Jor Garam, Bhel Mix, Mung Dal, Chana Dal, Masala Peas, Shing Bhujia, Nimbu Shing Bhujia, Salted Peanuts, Masala Shing, Aloo Sev, Classic Sev, Bhujia Sev, Gathiya, Ratlami Sev, Sev Murmura, Masala Sev Murmura. Wafers(12 products)— Stack Up- Sizzling Chilli, Stack Up Salted, Wafers- Simply Salted, Wafers- Masala Masti, Wafers- Tomato Twist, Wafers- Chaat Chaska, Wafers- Cream & Onion, Peri Peri Wafers, Wafers- Pizzy Masala, Crunchex- Simply Salted, Crunchex- Chilli Tadka, Rumbles- Pudina Twist. Western Snacks(12 products)— Gippi Noodles, Moon Crunchies- Masala, Flamin Hot Nachos, Tomato Salsa Nachos, Cheese Chilli Nachos, Funne- Spicy Punch, Scoopitos, Poprings- Yummy Cheese, Poprings Masala, Wheelos- Masala, Chataka Pataka- Flamin Hot, Chataka Pataka- Chinese Chaska.

References

External links

* {{Official website, http://www.balajiwafers.com Food and drink companies of India Companies based in Gujarat Economy of Gujarat Brand name potato chips and crisps Indian brands Indian companies established in 1976 1976 establishments in Gujarat Food and drink companies established in 1976 Rajkot