Overview

Marico has successfully completed the acquisition of a 93.27% stake in Zea Maize, the company behind the popular 4700BC popcorn brand, thereby making it a subsidiary. With this transaction, Marico formally brings one of India’s most recognised ready-to-eat snack brands under its direct control, strengthening its presence in the fast-growing healthy snacking and foods segment.

Strategic Fit

The acquisition aligns with Marico’s long-term strategy of diversifying beyond core edible oils and personal care products into value-added foods.

4700BC operates in the premium and health-oriented snacking space, a category witnessing strong urban demand, higher margins, and repeat consumption.

For Marico, the deal accelerates its ambition to build a scalable foods portfolio with brands that resonate with younger, urban consumers.

The brand complements Marico’s existing food offerings by adding a ready-to-eat, impulse-driven product line.

About the Target : Zea Maize & 4700BC

Zea Maize is the owner of 4700BC, a brand widely known for flavoured popcorn and snacking innovations.

The brand has established strong distribution across modern trade, e-commerce platforms, multiplexes, and quick commerce channels.

4700BC is positioned as a premium, experiential snacking brand, with continuous product innovation and strong brand recall.

Over the years, the company has focused on brand-building, which now gives Marico a solid platform to scale further.

Deal Structure

Marico has acquired 93.27% equity ownership, gaining management control over Zea Maize.

Post-acquisition, Zea Maize becomes a subsidiary of Marico, allowing full consolidation of financials.

The remaining minority stake continues to be held by existing shareholders, including the founding team.

The transaction marks the final step in Marico’s phased investment approach in the brand.

Operational & Growth Synergies

Marico’s strengths in distribution, supply chain, procurement, and brand scaling are expected to significantly accelerate 4700BC’s growth trajectory.

The company can leverage its pan-India reach to expand the brand beyond metros into Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities.

Synergies are also expected in cost efficiencies, marketing scale, and new product development.

The acquisition gives Marico flexibility to explore adjacent snacking categories under the 4700BC umbrella.

Competitive Landscape

The Indian packaged snacking market is becoming increasingly competitive, with both FMCG majors and startups targeting premium consumers.

By fully acquiring 4700BC, Marico strengthens its ability to compete with established snack players while retaining a distinct premium positioning.

The move signals consolidation within the snacking ecosystem, where large FMCG companies are acquiring strong digital-first food brands.

Market Context

Consumer preference is steadily shifting toward convenient, better-for-you snacks, especially in urban India.

Ready-to-eat foods with strong branding and innovation cycles are seeing structural demand growth, irrespective of short-term consumption cycles.

Marico’s acquisition reflects a broader FMCG trend of portfolio premiumisation and category expansion.

Final Word

Marico’s completion of the acquisition of Zea Maize marks a decisive step in strengthening its foods business. By bringing 4700BC fully under its control, Marico gains a scalable, high-growth brand in the premium snacking category. While execution and sustained innovation will be key, the deal fits well with Marico’s strategy of building future-ready consumer businesses beyond its traditional core segments.