Mumbai: Marico Limited has announced that it has signed definitive agreements to acquire a 93.27% stake in Zea Maize Private Limited from PVR INOX Limited. Zea Maize Private Limited owns 4700BC, one of India’s leading premium gourmet snacking brands, best known for its popcorn and a growing portfolio of innovative snack offerings including popped chips, makhana, crunchy corn and nachos.
Founded in 2013 by Chirag Gupta, 4700BC pioneered the gourmet popcorn category in India and has since built a strong presence across offline, online and institutional channels, including airlines and cinemas. Known for its bold flavours and contemporary brand language, the brand caters to urban, premium consumers seeking indulgent yet modern snacking options. Over the years, 4700BC has evolved from a niche challenger to a recognised name within India’s organised snacking landscape.
As part of the transaction, PVR INOX will divest its entire stake, while the founder will retain his stake and continue to lead the business. Going forward, 4700BC will focus on accelerating growth through new product launches across emerging snacking segments, strengthening its multi-channel distribution network, and building a differentiated premium brand rooted in innovation.
Commenting on the investment, Saugata Gupta, MD and CEO, Marico Limited, said, “The investment in 4700BC aligns well with Marico’s ambition to participate in fast-growing food categories through distinctive, future-ready brands. We see immense potential in 4700BC as a premium snacking brand with deep consumer connect and proven execution. Together, we will tap the opportunity to leverage our existing scale in foods to broaden the brand’s presence across channels, while staying true to its consumer-first ethos and harnessing its top-notch innovation capabilities.”
Chirag Gupta, Founder, 4700BC, said, “We are delighted to partner with Marico. This marks a defining moment in the brand’s journey. While PVR INOX has played a pivotal role in building scale and credibility, Marico’s FMCG expertise will be instrumental as 4700BC enters its next chapter. With the strong backing and exciting new launches ahead, the focus for us remains on building one of India’s most loved premium snacking brands.”
Ajay Bijli, MD, PVR INOX Limited, added, “We recognized the potential in 4700BC at a very early stage and supported the brand through its formative years. From a niche gourmet popcorn offering, it has grown into a nationally recognized premium snacking brand. As it looks to scale further and broaden its ambition, the brand is well positioned under the stewardship of a scaled FMCG leader like Marico. For PVR INOX, this transaction represents a natural culmination of our strategic role and enables us to monetize a non-core asset.”
