Reliance Consumer Products Acquires Southern Health Foods to Boost Millet Portfolio
•February 10, 2026
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Companies Mentioned
Why It Matters
The acquisition accelerates Reliance’s entry into India’s fast‑growing health‑food segment, positioning the conglomerate to capture rising demand for millet‑based, clean‑label products nationwide.
Key Takeaways
- •RCPL buys Southern Health Foods, boosting millet offerings.
- •Manna brand gains national distribution via Reliance network.
- •Health‑focused FMCG deals surge across Indian market.
- •Consumer shift drives demand for better‑for‑you products.
- •Regulatory scrutiny pushes firms toward cleaner, nutritious foods.
Pulse Analysis
Millet consumption is gaining traction in India as consumers seek affordable, nutrient‑dense alternatives to wheat and rice. The grain’s high fiber, protein, and micronutrient profile aligns with government nutrition goals and a growing wellness mindset. By adding Southern Health Foods’ Manna line—known for millet flours, health mixes, and baby foods—RCPL instantly broadens its portfolio beyond traditional staples, giving the conglomerate a foothold in a segment projected to grow at double‑digit rates over the next five years.
RCPL’s strength lies in its massive retail and e‑commerce reach, spanning Reliance Fresh, JioMart, and a network of over 10,000 independent stores. Leveraging this infrastructure, the company can scale Manna’s distribution from a southern‑state niche to a pan‑India presence within months. The acquisition mirrors recent strategic moves by peers such as Marico’s stake in Cosmix and the influx of venture capital into clean‑label brands like The Whole Truth, underscoring a broader industry shift toward health‑first product lines and digital‑first go‑to‑market models.
Beyond growth, the deal reflects mounting pressure from regulators and public health advocates to curb ultra‑processed foods, which dominate Indian shelves. As front‑of‑pack labeling standards tighten, manufacturers with transparent, nutrient‑rich portfolios gain a competitive edge. RCPL’s entry into the millet space not only diversifies its revenue streams but also positions it as a leader in the emerging clean‑label category, likely prompting further consolidation as rivals scramble to meet consumer expectations and policy demands.
Reliance Consumer Products acquires Southern Health Foods to boost millet portfolio
Reliance Consumer Products Limited (RCPL) has acquired Southern Health Foods, a Tamil Nadu-based brand, for an undisclosed sum, as the Indian conglomerate accelerates its expansion into the health and wellness segment.
RCPL, the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) arm of Reliance Industries, said the acquisition would bolster its staples portfolio, specifically targeting the growing market for millet-based foods. Southern Health Foods, known for its flagship brand Manna, specialises in health mixes, baby foods, oats, and millet flours. The company has a significant foothold in Tamil Nadu and neighbouring southern states.
"Apart from adding muscle to RCPL’s packaged foods portfolio, Manna’s addition will help us serve consumers the best nutritious foods," T Krishnakumar, Director at RCPL, said in a statement.
Reliance intends to leverage its existing distribution and supply chain network to expand Manna’s presence from a regional player to a national brand, Krishnakumar added. The deal adds to Reliance's growing roster of food brands, which includes Independence, SiL, and the recently acquired brand Udhaiyam.
The deal comes amid a broader surge in demand for health-first and "better-for-you" products in India, where startups are capitalizing on a consumer shift toward healthier indulgence.
Just last week, consumer goods major Marico announced a definitive agreement to acquire a 60% stake in plant-based nutrition brand Cosmix for Rs 225.67 crore. The deal valued the digital-first brand at approximately Rs 375 crore and underscores the sector's heat, aligning with Marico's broader strategy to build a digital-first portfolio that already includes brands like Plix and True Elements.
Investment activity has mirrored this consumer interest. Earlier this month, clean-label brand The Whole Truth raised approximately $51 million in its Series D funding round led by Sofina and Sauce.vc as it gears for a possible public debut.
The scramble for healthier portfolios follows heightened scrutiny on India's food systems. A November 2025 report by the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change highlighted that 89% of food items sampled in Indian stores were packaged or ultra-processed, contributing to a rise in non-communicable diseases and sparking calls for stricter front-of-pack labeling and regulation.
Edited by Megha Reddy
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