Mr. A.D. Padmasingh Isaac, Chairman of Aachi Masala, on the contribution of Aachi to the Government of India’s Production Linked Incentive Scheme (PLI)
“Aachi Masala has achieved remarkable growth in the food production sector, to the extent that there is no district or city in the nation that remains uncovered. With an imposing presence in over 65 countries, Aachi’s products stands out for its premier quality, heterogeneous range and easy availability in international markets as well. Boasting of a range of more than 220 products, the brand ensures that it’s products are catered to millions of customers and are present in 1.5 million retail outlets through a seamless distribution system.
The Production Linked Incentive scheme was launched a few years ago by the central government with an aim to enhance domestic production capacity, increase exports and create new jobs. Under this scheme, top companies from 14 sectors were chosen for this all important expedition and we are delighted that Aachi Masala is one of them from the food processing sector. We take great pride in being part of this fantastic initiative by the government.
I express my gratitude to the Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, and the project management team for providing this opportunity. I also thank the Tamil Nadu government for their guidance and cooperation. I would like to acknowledge the Executive Directors of Aachi—Mr. Ashwin Pandian, Mr. Abishek Abraham and all of our employees for their efforts that have contributed to the success of this initiative.
Post COVID, the Indian industry faced significant setbacks and the economy was under pressure. During this challenging time, the Indian government formulated the forward-looking PLI scheme, which not only guided the country back to recovery but also provided great encouragement to food production companies like ours.
The foundational principle of the PLI scheme is excellent. We need to invest significantly more to substantially increase production. The more we boost our production, the more incentives the central government will provide. As part of this scheme, we have increased our production year after year and have received substantial incentives from the government.
On the occasion of the celebration of this successful scheme, Aachi will proudly showcase its enhanced production capabilities in view of our Honorable Prime Minister Shri. Narendra Modi’s participation via video on the 19th of September (Thursday) 2024.
As financials go, Aachi has invested ₹84.66 crores in the PLI scheme, which includes an approximate figure of ₹45 crores in upgrading our factories. We have invested another ₹40 crores in setting up modern machinery and infrastructure.
Detailed Report :
• In our factory located in Panpakkam at the Tiruvallur district, we have constructed a 1,10,000 sq.ft. facility, where we hygienically manufacture and pack pickles and ready-to-cook food packs. That has lead to an increase in production from 3,000 metric tons to 6,000 metric tons annually, which is double our output.
• Additionally, we have upgraded our 5,000 sq.ft. Panpakkam facility with modern technology to facilitate and process the annual production of 9,000 metric tons of chillies.
• Our factories located in the Tiruvallur district namely Melmuthalambedu, Gummidipoondi, Alamadi and Koladi, have also been upgraded to sustain an annual production capacity of approximately 11,280 metric tons of spices, inside facilities covering about 100,000 sq.ft., all equipped with modern infrastructure.”
Mr. Isaac states, “We express our gratitude to the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MOFPI) for formulating and implementing excellent schemes aimed at increasing production, exports, and employment. We take pride in having received incentives from the central government twice since joining the PLI scheme. Through this initiative, we have provided employment to an
additional 420 people over the past two years, with a majority 290 of them being women.”
“In the financial year 2023-24, Aachi Group has recorded a turnover of ₹2,200 crores. With the encouragement provided by the PLI scheme, we aim to achieve the target of ₹3,000 crores in the next financial year. It gives us great joy and pride to be a key contributor to the Prime Minister’s vision of a $5 trillion economy by 2025. We are also grateful to the Tamil Nadu
government for their unwavering support in successfully implementing the PLI scheme.”
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s message :
It is a pleasure to learn about the organisation of World Food India 2024. Greetings and best wishes to all the participants who have come from various parts of the world.
The participation of several nations showcases World Food India 2024 as a vibrant platform for the brightest minds from global food industry, academia and research to make the most of increasing opportunities, share and engage in a two-way learning from each other’s experiences.
India has a vibrant and diverse food culture. The backbone of Indian food ecosystem is the farmer. It is farmers who have ensured the creation of nutritious and delicious traditions of culinary excellence. We are supporting their hard work with innovative policies and focused implementation.
In the modern era, through progressive agricultural practices, strong administrative frameworks and cutting-edge technologies, our effort is to ensure that India sets global benchmarks for innovation, sustainability and safety in the food sector.
During the last 10 years, we have introduced wide-ranging reforms to transform the food processing sector. Through multi-dimensional initiatives such as 100% FDI in food processing, Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana, formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises, Production Linked Incentive scheme for food processing industries, we are creating a strong ecosystem of modern
infrastructure, robust supply chains and employment generation across the country.
An important part of our vision is to empower small enterprises. We want our MSMEs to flourish and become an integral part of the global value chain and at the same time, encourage women to
become micro entrepreneurs.
At such a juncture, World Food India is an ideal platform for us to work with the world through B2B interactions and exhibitions, Reverse Buyer-Seller meets, and country, state and sector-specific sessions.
Additionally, the organisation of Global Food Regulators Summit by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India – FSSAI will bring together global regulators including WHO, FAO and several
prestigious domestic institutes to discuss a wide gamut of issues such as food safety, quality standards and best practices.
Further, I am sure that important topics such as food irradiation to enhance food safety and reduce food wastage, plant-based proteins to promote nutrition and sustainability, as well as the circular economy will be showcased.Let us march ahead and realize the dream of building a sustainable, safe, inclusive and nutritious world.
