By Kavita Mistry 
CG Foods, the FMCG arm of Nepal-based CG Corp Global and maker of the hugely popular Wai Wai instant noodles, has set an ambitious target of ₹1,200 crore in annual revenue by the end of FY26. Under the leadership of newly appointed Global CEO Varun Chaudhary, the company plans to expand rapidly across categories and geographies.
Leadership and Strategic Shift
Varun Chaudhary—formerly MD at CG Corp—assumed the new role in May 2025. He brings a vision to transform CG Foods from a single-category entity into a multi-category global food player.
The company currently offers 200–250 SKUs under categories including noodles, snacks, sauces, pasta, and seasoning, and Chaudhary intends to broaden this portfolio further.
Manufacturing and Regional Leverage
CG Foods boasts 13 manufacturing plants across India with a combined monthly capacity of 100 crore units.
These facilities are strategically located in regions like Sikkim, Assam, Siliguri, and others, enabling 50–60% of the current revenue from East and Northeast India. The rollout of new plants has helped the brand embed itself deeply in regional markets.
Growth Strategy: Channels & Innovation
To meet the ₹1,200 crore goal, CG Foods is accelerating on several key fronts:
1. Channel Expansion
- Strengthening presence in modern trade, e‑commerce, quick commerce (q‑commerce), and deepening supermarket partnerships with planned 3–4× growth in these segments.
2. Product Innovation
- Continuous launch of new products and improved variants, including pasta, sauces, and snacks. The company is using R&D and consumer insights to adapt to local tastes.
3. Retail Alliances & International Expansion
- Forming strategic joint ventures and exploring tie-ups with retail players, and evaluating acquisitions for international reach, particularly in Eastern Europe.
4. Organisation Restructuring
- Overhauling human resources and operations to build a high-performance, innovative culture.
Market Positioning & Competitive Context
Wai Wai commands 28% market share in the Indian instant noodle market, holding strong brand equity.
With rivals like Nestlé’s Maggi and local premium noodle variants, CG Foods is using its deep regional insight, rapid distribution, and affordable innovation to stay ahead.
It’s a deliberate move away from instant noodles toward a multi-product FMCG portfolio that positions the company for sustained long-term growth.
Infrastructure Investment
The existing 13 plants—with plans for new ones—support CG Foods’ distribution efficiency and capacity growth. Earlier investments included ₹200 crore for two additional factories in West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh, aimed at regional growth and diversification beyond Wai Wai.
Roadmap to ₹1,200 Crore
- FY25 (current year): Revenue projected around ₹800 crores (up from ₹500 crores in FY23).
- FY26: Aggressive expansion across categories, channels, and regions to reach ₹1,200 crore.
- Beyond: Plans include further global pilots, exploring packaged foods, innovative offerings, and strategic acquisitions.
Executive Perspective
In his recent remarks, Chaudhary stated:
“Our mission is to transition from a single-product identity to a diversified, future-ready food company. We will innovate continuously, adapt locally, and scale globally through new launches and partnerships.”
He emphasised that this transformation marks a cultural shift, focused on empowering employees and refining product quality.
Challenges & Strategic Advantages
- Diversification Risk: Managing operations across multiple categories can strain systems.
- Competition: Facing strong rivals in snacks, sauces, and ready-to-eat products.
- Supply Chain Efficiency: Sustaining high manufacturing output across regions.
Strengths include:
- Established brand trust with Wai Wai.
- Extensive manufacturing and distribution network.
- Focused innovation and alignment to regional tastes.
- Strong leadership with a people-first growth philosophy.
Final Verdict
CG Foods is poised at a pivotal juncture. Its move toward ₹1,200 crore, backed by regional expertise, channel expansion, and product range broadening, signals a shift to global FMCG aspiration. Its rich noodle legacy and agile strategy, led by a seasoned CEO, make it a strong contender on the Indian food stage. Success hinges on execution, but the roadmap is promising.