DRRK Foods clocks Rs 1,000-crore revenue

DRRK Foods, one of India’s leading rice processors and exporters, has recorded steady growth over recent years, finishing with a revenue of Rs 1,000 crore in the last fiscal year. According to Vikram Marwaha, joint managing director, the trajectory of the company — which looks to upscale capacity with a new plant in Madhya Pradesh — has been shaped by a combination of product diversification, capacity expansion, and a growing global footprint.

“Our growth to Rs 1,000 crore has been the result of a mix of strategic factors,” he explains. “A wide product line from premium basmati to healthy and economical variants has allowed us to engage a broader customer base. Our investments at Mundra Port in milling and packaging have significantly strengthened our production and export capabilities.”

DRRK Foods has set revenue goals of Rs 1,500 crore by FY26 and Rs 2,500 crore by FY30. Marwaha describes this expansion as rooted in both capacity and reach. “We are expanding our production capacity through technologically equipped plants, and we plan to more than double our distributor network,” he says. The company is working on eCommerce and quick-commerce partnerships to widen access, especially among urban consumers.

A stronger brand narrative is in focus. “We want to build the Crown brand (a product line of premium basmati rice and spices from DRRK Foods) around health-focused rice offerings. With consumers becoming more nutrition-conscious, this segment has huge potential,” he says.

Marwaha says that with several established and emerging players in the basmati rice industry, differentiation is essential. DRRK Foods’ quality-first approach and sustainability initiatives are key strengths. “From sourcing to packaging, we maintain very high-quality control at every step,” he notes. Their product portfolio, which includes premium basmati, healthy variants, and economy offerings, serves different consumer segments across 40+ international markets.

Acknowledging shifting consumer behavior, Marwaha believes online retail will play a crucial role in DRRK’s growth. “Platforms such as Amazon, Flipkart, Blinkit, and Swiggy Instamart are becoming essential touchpoints. With more consumers opting for convenience and fast delivery, these channels will eventually become a sizable share of our revenue mix.”

Automation, robotics, and AI

With a current processing capacity of 144,000 MT, DRRK Foods is integrating automation and digital systems across its operations. “Robotic arms for packing and stacking have reduced manual handling and improved precision,” Marwaha says. The company is deploying AI-driven quality checks and IoT-based monitoring systems. “These technologies give us real-time control and help reduce wastage while maintaining product safety.”

Strengthening domestic presence

In India, DRRK Foods continues to expand into Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets through an enlarged distributor network and retail collaborations. “Our tie-ups with supermarkets, hypermarkets, and digital platforms—combined with online marketing and influencer campaigns—are helping increase our brand visibility,” Marwaha says. Product diversification and refreshed packaging are further enhancing shelf appeal.

Expanding across the world

The company is preparing to enter new regions, including the USA, Europe, Australia, and Africa. “Navigating different food safety and labelling standards is a significant challenge,” he acknowledges. “But there’s strong demand for premium, health-focused products such as organic and low-GI(Glycemic Index) rice, and that opens meaningful opportunities for us.”

To better serve these markets, DRRK is introducing variants such as low-GI rice and brown rice, specifically for health-conscious international consumers. “We are also exploring green packaging solutions that maintain freshness while reducing environmental impact,” he reveals.

New plant in Madhya Pradesh

DRRK Food is coming up with 20 TPH (tons per hour) rice plant in Madhya Pradesh. The facility is intended to complement the company’s existing Amritsar plant and improve operational agility. “The new plant will help us meet rising demand in domestic and foreign markets,” Marwaha explains. “It reduces transportation costs and strengthens our supply chain by spreading production across regions.” The MP plant will utilize advanced technologies for milling, sorting, and packing.

Looking ahead, Marwaha sees innovation as the defining force in the rice industry. “Speciality rice such as low-GI, organic, fortified will drive product differentiation,” he says. Traceability will also become increasingly important. “Technologies like blockchain and IoT will help us offer complete transparency about the journey of the grain from farm to table.”

Summarizing the company’s long-term goals, Marwaha says, “We want to be recognized as a global leader in rice, known not only for quality but also for sustainability and innovation.”