Gopal Group (now rechristened as GCL), the leading manufacturers and distributors of tobacco since 1942, is now aggressively looking at garnering a strategic presence in the sunrise FMCG sector and other businesses. With the launch of Tat-O Potato Chips and multigrain Crispetts, GCL is focusing towards providing high value products directly to consumers. The move comes in the wake of the company's core philosophy to delight consumers across India, with a huge array of products and services and the immense business opportunity that the Indian snack food segment provides.
Speaking on the new game plan, Mr. Shri Gopal Gupta, Chairman, GCL remarked, "Since inception we have always been driven by our single-minded objective to delight consumers with our products. We have always focused towards providing superior quality product to our customers. With retail boom, consumer preferences are changing, and the demand to cater to a cross-section of consumers, we are now aggressively making strong inroads into various sectors such as FMCG, Hospitality, and Power etc. Hence we have reoriented our business strategy and the Group has been rechristened as GCL, and will have strategic business units to handle these businesses. Our strong and effective distribution network across the country will facilitate us in becoming a foremost player in the Indian FMCG sector."
Elaborating further on GCL's foray into the FMCG sector Mr. Shri Gopal Gupta said, "Our market research has proved beyond doubt that consumers are looking for snacks that are tasty, crunchy, superior quality and great packaging. We are now offering potato chips under the brand 'Tat-O' and multigrain pellets under the brand 'Crispetts'. 'Tat-O' comes with a hallmark of great taste, vibrant design and smart packaging. Most importantly, for the first time in India, the category would have the kids favorite and iconic 'Chota Bheem' on packaging along innovative gifts inside the pack, thereby Tat-O a name which is short, crisp easy to remember will register in the consumers mind automatically! Tat-O is a new product and a refreshing addition to the snacks shelf and will come in four delicious flavors: Superhit Salted, Masala, Tangy Tomato and Cream & Onion. With a smart catch line "Tat-O ka taste hai so magnetic, haath badhe automatic" (Tat-O's taste is so magnetic, hands reach out for it), it is not only going to be a huge hit for little ones but also for anybody who loves to munch, anytime, anywhere!."
'Crispetts' is imported from Italy; each pellet of healthy snacking Crispetts comes packed with the healthy goodness of corn, wheat, rice, oats and barley. For life on the go, the light, crunchy and healthy Crispetts is specially packed to keep the goodness of multigrain intact. The delicious snack range is available in two unique flavors to maximize your gastronomic delight: Honey Chilly Garlic and Arrabiata & Cheddar Cheese. Made from wholesome ingredients, with Crispetts we are trying to cater consumers who are looking for healthier snacking options. 'Crispetts' seasoning is done at our own state-of-the-art automated plant at Baddi."
Detailing the roll-out plan for 'Tat-O' and 'Crispetts', Mr. Apoorv Gupta, Director, GCL elaborated, "We intend launching 'Tat-O' and 'Crispetts' in a phased manner. 'Tat-O' will be initially rolled out in New Delhi, Lucknow, UP, Punjab, Haryana and Jammu and 'Crispetts' in Delhi. Priced at Rs 5/-, Rs 10/- and 15/-, 'Tat-O' is available across all general stores, grocery store (Kirana), confectionary store or approximately 12,000 retail outlets. For 'Tat-O', the new TVC and innovative consumer promotional activities has already evoked a very positive response. 'Crispetts' is priced at Rs. 70/- & Rs 100/- and will be available in all premium retail counters like Nature's Basket, Modern Bazar, Khan Market, Honey Money Top etc . GCL has invested over Rs 50 crore in this venture. Currently GCL under its existing product include exotic and high-quality Elaichi and refreshing mouth freshener. GCL is currently clocking at Rs 450 crores and hopes to introduce a host of new, innovative and superior quality products."