While Chennai has emerged as a major industrial hub, many of you may remember it for being home to vast amounts of delicious goodies. The fact is that the food manufacturing industries in Chennai are right now in a very thrilling phase, where consumers are demanding nothing but a combination of old and new in terms of their culinary experiences. Did you know that Tamil Nadu itself stands second in India in terms of agro and food processing units? This has happened simply due to the fact that the infrastructure here in our city has been nothing but phenomenal in its performance.
From the busy streets of Guindy to the Ambattur industrial areas, you can see the city full of manufacturing units where our local produce has become global brands. With an economy valued at approximately $290 billion and a robust per capita income of $3,408.7 as of FY 2022-23, the state’s trajectory of growth is quite noteworthy.
In this article, we will take a close look at the top food manufacturing companies in Chennai and the career paths available in this yummy industry.
Overview of Food Manufacturing in Chennai
The Indian food processing sector is projected to reach US$535 billion by FY26, driven by rising urban consumption, exports, and supportive government policies. The broader domestic food market is expected to grow by over 47 % between 2022 and 2027, potentially hitting USD 1,274 billion, driven by changing lifestyles and modern retail expansion. Chennai and its surrounding regions are home to a large share of Tamil Nadu’s food processing companies, with Chennai alone accounting for over 120 units of the state’s thousands of firms engaged in food manufacturing and processing.
Types of Food Manufacturing Companies
A variety of enterprises in Chennai suit the tastes of all pockets. These are some of the most general ones:
1. Major Global Food Companies
These are the global giants that offer global standards, as well as world-renowned brand names, to our local supermarket shelves. Moreover, these usually provide enormous employment opportunities, as well as the use of highly technological equipment for their manufacturing lines.
- Examples: PepsiCo, Lotte India Corporation
2. Indian Food Companies
These domestic superheroes specialize in regional tastes and can cater to all parts and even worldwide destinations because they can produce on such a level. Furthermore, they are the backbone of the traditional spice and staple market in South India.
- Examples: Aachi Masala, Hatsun Agro Products
3. Startups & Emerging Companies
The new kids on the block are all about health, health, and health, and their packing is super cool! However, the brands are soon getting popular due to their health-focused bite solutions to lifestyle problems.
- Examples: Manna Foods, Saaral Foods
Top 10 Food Manufacturing Companies in Chennai (2026 Edition)
1. Manna Foods
- Founded In: 1987
- Founder: Nazar Isak & Syed Sajan
- Address: Khivraj Complex – I, Anna Salai, CIT Nagar, Chennai – 600035
- Ratings: 4.2
- Key Sectors: Health Foods, Millets, Baby Foods
- Website Link: https://www.mannafoods.in/
Manna Foods can be considered a pacesetter in the revival of ancient grains at the modern dinner table. They mainly specialize in millet-based products that are ideal for health-conscious households, making them one of the best food manufacturing companies in Chennai. Moreover, their product varieties range from baby supplements to diabetic cereals. This company has gained a drastically good reputation for being pure and nutritious for the last several decades. In addition, they continuously look for ways to easily prepare the ancient cuisine for the metropolitan population. Besides, their preparation methods ensure the retention of the grains’ nutritional value.
- Key Products: Health Mix, Millet Grains, Sprouted Ragi Flour, Instant Breakfast Mixes
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2. Hatsun Agro Product Ltd.
- Founded In: 1970
- Founder: R. G. Chandramogan
- Address: Karapakkam, Old Mahabalipuram Road, Chennai – 600097
- Ratings: 4.1
- Key Sectors: Dairy, Ice Cream
- Website Link: https://www.hap.in/
This is one of the largest private entities in the dairy industry. They are the minds behind successful brands such as Arun Icecreams and Arokya Milk. Moreover, they have an extensive network of milk collection centers, supporting thousands of small farmers. The organization applies extremely advanced cold chain technology to preserve its products. In addition, they also venture into the higher-end market with their brand, Ibaco. However, they are still a household name when it comes to Tamil Nadu’s required everyday milk products.
- Key Products: Arokya Milk, Arun Icecreams, Hatsun Ghee, Ibaco Desserts
3. Aachi Masala Foods Pvt Ltd
- Founded In: 1995
- Founder: Mr. A.D. Padmasingh Isaac
- Address: Anna Nagar West, Chennai – 600040
- Ratings: 4.1
- Key Sectors: Spices, Ready-to-cook
- Website Link: https://aachifoods.com/
Aachi Masala is a worldwide giant in the spice market, as they export their products to more than 50 countries. They had started with the aim to supply people with quality spices at an affordable cost. Also, they have a vast range of masala powders that have made cooking in South India much simpler. They have an immense network in both rural and urban areas, making them one of the most reputable food manufacturing companies in Chennai. In addition, they have diversified into oils, pickles, and even herbal products. Moreover, their quality control laboratories are the best in the whole city.
- Key Products: Kulambu Masala, Biryani Kit, Pickles, Ginger Garlic Paste
4. Lotte India Corporation Limited
- Founded In: 2004 (Established in India)
- Founder: Shin Kyuk-ho
- Address: 4/169, Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Kandanchavadi, Chennai – 600096
- Ratings: 4.0
- Key Sectors: Confectionery
- Website Link: https://www.lotteindia.com/
Parry’s Confectionery, which has been taken over by the global company Lotte Group, is a brand that has become iconic for the sweets that every ’90s kid in Chennai has relished. Their manufacture of the highly popular, world-renowned “Lotte Choco Pie” has been an immense success in the Indian market.
Their factory in Chennai has emerged as an innovation hub for the sweet products category. Moreover, their products comply with the highest safety norms laid down by the global community for all the sweet treats that pass through their factory gates, placing the brand among the trusted Biscuit Brands in India as well. Also, they keep innovating with a series of new flavors to match the demands of the times.
- Key Products: Lotte Choco Pie, Coffy Bite, Lacto King, Eclairs
5. iD Fresh Food (India) Pvt. Ltd.
- Founded In: 2005
- Founder: P.C. Musthafa, Abdul Rahim, M. T. Sadat, T. H. Musthafa
- Address: iD Fresh Food India Pvt Ltd, SIPCOT Industrial Park, Oragadam, Chennai – 602105
- Ratings:4.4
- Key Sectors: Fresh & Ready-to-Cook Foods
- Website Link: https://www.idfreshfood.com/
The name GRB is associated with ‘Purity’ when it comes to the Indian ghee business. They started off as a small-scale business venture but have since then emerged as an MNC operating various products. Moreover, their ghee is also widely recognized for its characteristic grainy texture and home-cooked smell. Additionally, their line of instant sweets and snacks has also gained immense popularity, especially during festivals. Besides, they also have an extensive list of distribution channels that extends to the smallest towns.
- Key Products: GRB Ghee, Udhayam Ghee, Instant Gulab Jamun Mix, Butter Murukku
6. El Alimentos
- Founded In: 2009
- Founder: Rajendira Kumar
- Address: 31, Thiruvalluvar Salai, Balaji Nagar, Nerkundram, Chennai – 600087
- Ratings: 4.9
- Key Sectors: Ready-to-cook, Frozen Foods
- Website Link: https://www.elalimentos.com/
This particular company has been the “rising star” in the competition of Chennai-based food processing units concerning fresh, ready-to-cook “Indian bread.” With “no preservatives” as their hallmark in the top-5 brands, they are heartily liked by the masses. Apart from that, they provide the home-made taste in their frozen range. They practice strict cleanliness at the time of processing, making them one of the best food manufacturing companies in Chennai. They are also able to grab significant space within a short time in the marketplace. Still, they are dedicated to providing country tastes without using any chemical ingredients.
- Key Products: Ready-made Poori, Malabar Paratha, Chapati, Frozen Snacks
7. Rajamcondiments Pvt Ltd
- Founded In: 1973
- Founder: P. Kanagaraj
- Address: Ramapuram, Chennai – 600089
- Ratings: 4.7
- Key Sectors: Pickles, Condiments
- Website Link: https://rajamcondiments.com/
Are you fond of pickles that are homemade and authentic? Then, Rajam Condiment is the brand you can rely upon. They possess experience that dates back over five decades, and the recipes are all passed down to them. At the same time, they do not use any artificial ingredients to extend the shelf life and rely upon the natural fermentation process. The most popular products that this company sells are their citron pickles along with garlic, and the reason behind this popularity lies in their die-hard customers.
- Key Products: Citron Pickle, Garlic Pickle, Thokku variants, Mango Pickle
8. POPO Foods India Pvt Ltd
- Founded In: 2012
- Founder: NA
- Address: Mambakkam-Medavakkam Main Rd, Ponmar, Chennai – 600127
- Ratings: 4.8
- Key Sectors: Frozen Foods, Breads
- Website Link: https://popofoods.com/
POPO Foods concentrates among food manufacturing companies in Chennai on the convenience of ‘heat and eat’ food, ensuring that the food remains 100% natural. They had started as a small shop, but now their brand has gained immense popularity in the whole city. In fact, they also take tremendous pride in their highly hygienic food preparation procedures. They are specialists in wheat products that are highly beneficial for the whole family. They also offer on-time delivery for various retail chains. Moreover, their products do not possess any artificial flavors, making them highly safe for kids.
- Key Products: Malabar Paratha, Wheat Paratha, Whole Wheat Chapati, Idli Batter
9. Saaral Foods
- Founded In: 2022
- Founder: Uvais Karan
- Address: SIDCO Industrial Estate, Ambattur, Chennai – 600058
- Ratings: 4.3
- Key Sectors: Honey, Specialty Rice, Superfoods
- Website Link: https://www.saaralstore.com/
Saaral Foods’ mission revolves around providing you with the best of what nature has to offer, and this comes directly to your table without much processing. The brand deals in superfoods such as honey-coated amla and other types of specialty rice varieties, such as Black and Red Rice. Also, their jaggery powder and tamarind are of excellent quality too. The brand has a very contemporary way of thinking in terms of nutrition. Besides, they are very popular in gyms and among health enthusiasts in search of something natural.
- Key Products: Honey Amla, Amla Murabba, Black Rice, Red Rice, Jaggery Powder
10. CavinKare Private Limited
- Founded In: 1983
- Founder: C.K. Ranganathan
- Address: Cavinville, 12, Cenotaph Rd, Rathna Nagar, Alwarpet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600018
- Ratings: 4.2
- Key Sectors: Dairy, Snacks, Beverages, Food & Professional Care
- Website Link: https://cavinkare.com/
Being one of the largest fast-moving consumer goods conglomerates in Chennai, CavinKare initially started as a small shampoo venture that expanded into an enormous conglomerate. They are the makers of much-loved consumer brands such as Cavin’s Milkshakes and Garden Namkeens, cherished for their taste and quality.
Moreover, the company is also renowned for the “sachet revolution” that brings top-class products within the reach of all. The food manufacturing companies in chennai use the best technology to ensure that every snack and drink stays fresh for a long time. Moreover, they have a dedicated R&D center in Chennai that constantly works on creating new and exciting flavors.
- Key Products: Cavin’s Milkshake, Garden Namkeens, Maa Fruit Drink, Chinni’s Pickles, Cavin’s Curd
Job Vacancies and Internship Opportunities
The food sector is one of the most significant sources of employment opportunities for our city, both for technical and non-technical personnel. The present job openings in the food manufacturing companies in Chennai include:
- Production Roles: Some of the positions that fall under production are those of plant operators and supervisors whose responsibility is to ensure that the machines are working correctly.
- Quality Control: These professionals are responsible for the testing of the food to ascertain that it meets all the required safety and taste standards.
- Supply Chain: This is concerned with managing the movement of products from the raw material form to their final form through the city.
- R&D Interns: Several companies provide intern opportunities for food technology students to assist in devising innovative recipes.
- Sales and Marketing: These teams focus on branding and the delivery of their products into the appropriate retail stores.
How to Choose the Best Company
If you are interested in availing purchases from or collaborating with food processing companies in Chennai, you must pay attention to a few considerations. The chief points to note are as follows:
- FSSAI Certification: Find out whether the business is adhering to all the legal norms related to food safety in the Indian market.
- Hygiene Standards: It is essential to search for brands that emphasize cleanliness in their manufacturing.
- Ingredient Quality: Select the brand that uses natural ingredients and steers clear of chemical preservatives.
- Market Reputation: Look for reviews online, paying particular attention to what their customers have said about their products or their work environment.
- Innovation Focus: Look for the companies that aim to create healthier and better food in the future.
Conclusion
Chennai is indeed a place where the past and modern technology converge in the kitchen. The food manufacturing companies in Chennai are doing more than just producing food since they are sources of employment and a healthier life in our households.
Through innovation and advancements in food safety and sustainability, this sector is increasingly establishing its hold in India and internationally. Indeed, the industry is expanding rapidly, and there is immense potential for budding entrepreneurs and professionals to be part of this delicious journey and help determine the future of food from Chennai.
FAQs
What is the largest food processing company in Chennai?
Hatsun Agro Product is one of the largest, especially in the dairy and ice cream industry, with a very large presence in the city.
Are there any organic food production companies in Chennai?
Yes, companies such as Saaral Foods and Manna Foods are primarily focused on organic and natural foods as well as foods made from millets.
Do food manufacturing companies in Chennai provide internships?
Yes, most large and medium organizations like PepsiCo, Lotte, and Manna Foods do offer intern opportunities to students.
Where are most food factories found in Chennai?
The greater part of these units is located in places such as Ambattur, Guindy, Madhavaram, and OMR.
What types of items do these firms typically produce?
Most food manufacturing companies in Chennai mainly make products that include dairy products, spices, snacks, frozen foods, and health supplements.
