Edible Oil Market in India: A Powerhouse of Heritage, Health, and Growth

The edible oil market in India is a vital segment of the food industry, driven by a growing population, urbanization, and shifting consumer preferences toward branded and healthier options. India is the world's largest importer of edible oil, with approximately 60% of its consumption met through imports. But many Indian companies are stepping up, investing in domestic production, and bringing nutritional and branded alternatives into every Indian kitchen. Let’s take a flavorful journey into the Indian edible oil market, highlighting some key Indian brands that are making their mark.

INDIAN BRANDS POWERING THE EDILBLE OIL MARKET

1. Saffola – Pioneering Heart-Healthy Oils in India

Saffola, owned by Marico Limited, has been a front-runner in India's edible oil market since the late 1980s. As the first brand to introduce the idea of heart-healthy oils in the Indian market, Saffola began with sunflower oil, and gradually expanded its portfolio with blended oils aimed at providing balanced nutrition and heart care.

1. Ruchi – Powerhouse of Protein and Oil Production

Ruchi Soya Industries, now part of Patanjali Foods Limited, is an Indian FMCG giant in the soya and edible oil industry. Originally incorporated in 1986, Ruchi was a pioneer in soybean processing and launched a line of high-protein vegetarian foods like Nutrela in 1980. It played a key role in popularizing soy-based products and edible oils before its acquisition by Patanjali in 2019.

1. Patanjali – A Swadeshi Revolution in Edible Oils

Patanjali, the brand that has upended multiple sectors, has also made a significant impact in edible oils with its range under Mahakosh, Sunrich, and other sub-brands. With the acquisition of Ruchi Soya in 2019, Patanjali expanded its presence in the market, pushing for Ayurvedic alternatives and cost-effective, branded oils.

1. Gulab Oil Foods – The Gujarati Oil Legacy

Gulab Oil Foods Pvt. Ltd. has its roots in Gujarat, where it began with a small oil mill in 1966. The branded Gulab Oils were officially launched in 1992, and the company focused on, packaged oils to meet the needs of both urban and rural consumers. It's known for its value-for-money and trusted quality.

1. Mahakosh – Ruchi’s Powerbrand in Soybean Oil

Mahakosh, re-branded and repositioned by Ruchi Soya in 2014, is a major brand in the soybean oil segment. Since its acquisition by Patanjali, it has been a strategic play to strengthen market presence and offer consumers wholesome, Indian-made oil solutions.

1. Sunrich – Sunflower Oils for the South

Sunrich is a premium sunflower oil brand from Patanjali, formally launched in 1997–98 as a repositioning of a Ruchi brand. It was promoted to capture the southern Indian market, where sunflower oil is especially popular. The brand stands out for its clean, healthy profile and regional popularity.

1. Emami Agro – Innovation Driven from West Bengal

Emami Agro, part of the Emami Group, entered the edible oil market in 2002. Known for its quality and hygiene-driven approach, the division has been steadily expanding its portfolio with oils that meet modern nutritional standards, from blends oils to soybean, pulse, and groundnut oils.

1. Dhara – NDDB-Backed National Champion

Launched under NDDB's 'Operation Golden Flow' in 1988, Dhara was part of a national initiative to empower India in edible oil production, much like Operation Flood did for milk. It became one of the largest oil brands in the ’90s, and is marketed by Mother Dairy Fruit and Vegetable Pvt. Ltd.

1. Tirupati – Western India’s Edible Oil Giant

Operated by N.K. Proteins Pvt. Ltd., Tirupati is a leading oil brand in Western India, established in 1992. Known for its refined safflower and soybean oils, it built a reliable, regional reputation through strategic local manufacturing and distribution.

1. Sonali Saloni – Mustard Oil Legends

Owned by the Mahesh Group, Sonali and Saloni hold a revered position in the mustard oil segment, particularly in North and East India. With a decades-old presence, these brands are synonymous with taste and tradition in Indian cooking.

1. Jivo – Bringing Global Health into Indian Kitchens

Jivo Wellness Pvt. Ltd., established in 2010, focused on Canola oil, a healthier global product, and introduced it to the Indian market. With a strong health-based narrative and positioning, Jivo represents modern nutrition choices for Indian households.

 FOREIGN BRANDS

1. Fortune – A Flagship That’s Evolved Over Time

Originally launched as a joint venture between Adani Group(India) and Wilmar International(Singapore) in 2000. But recently Adani has exited the company and sold its stake to Wilmar International and Fortune is now operated under Wilmar’s India business arm.

1. NatureFresh – Cargill’s Indian Venture

The NatureFresh brand, under Cargill Foods India (a US multinational), entered the market in 2000 and later transitioned to refined-packed form in 2003. It’s known for its global standards, quality packaging, and healthy oils, targeting urban and premium markets.

1. Sundrop – A Classic Branded Sunflower Oil

Launched in 1989 by AgroTech Foods Ltd., Sundrop has been a front-rusher in the branded sunflower oil space. Backed by ConAgra Brands, US, it carved a niche in the health-conscious market, offering clean and affordable options early on.

1. Dalda – An Icon with a Foreign Past

Beloved across generations, Dalda was first marketed in India by Unilever, a US multinational in 1937 as Vegetable Ghee and has foreign roots—named after a Dutch company. Despite being a foreign brand in origin, it has become a strong Indian brand in perception and is now operated by Bunge India.

1. Chambal – Bunge's Regional Champion in Soybean Oil

Chambal, launched in 1997 by Bunge India (a European company), is a refined soybean oil brand that found a solid foothold in Rajasthan and surrounding regions. Bunge used the regional appeal to deepen its branded edible oil presence in the Indian market.

1. Figaro – A Taste of Olive Oil in India

Figaro, a Spanish olive oil brand, came to India as the market opened up to international and organic oils. It has grown into a preferred choice for gourmet and health-conscious Indian consumers, who value flavour and authenticity. Though foreign in origin, Figaro has found a special corner in the Indian kitchen.