PVR INOX Sells Stake in 4700 BC Popcorn Brand to Marico for ₹227 Crore

PVR INOX has exited its gourmet popcorn brand 4700 BC by selling its entire stake to FMCG major Marico in a deal valued at ₹226.8 crore, marking the end of its nearly decade-long association with the premium snacking brand.

PVR INOX Sells Entire Stake in 4700 BC to Marico for ₹226.8 Crore

PVR INOX has fully exited its investment in the gourmet popcorn brand 4700 BC, selling its stake to Marico for ₹226.8 crore. With this transaction, PVR INOX brings to an end its nearly 10-year-long association with the premium snacking brand.

PVR INOX first invested in Zea Maize, the company that owns the 4700 BC brand, in 2015, acquiring a 70% stake for approximately ₹5 crore. At the time, 4700 BC was positioned as a gourmet popcorn brand, which has since evolved into a national premium snacking platform.

Strong Growth of the 4700 BC Brand

FY25 Performance Highlights

In FY25, Zea Maize reported 35% year-on-year revenue growth, with sales crossing ₹102 crore, up from ₹75.8 crore in the previous financial year.

4700 BC has expanded well beyond popcorn and now has a presence in more than 10 snacking categories.

Next Phase of Growth

The brand’s next growth phase will be driven by:

• Expansion in general trade and modern retail

• A wider distribution network

• Entry into new complementary snacking categories

Large Opportunity in India’s Snacking Market

India’s overall snacking market was valued at approximately ₹45,000 crore in FY23 and is projected to grow to ₹85,000 crore by FY30, at an estimated 9% CAGR.

The premium snacking segment is expected to grow even faster, with:

• Estimated 20% CAGR

• Market size projected to reach ₹24,000 crore by FY30

4700 BC aims to capture a meaningful share of this rapidly expanding premium segment.

PVR INOX’s Strategic Exit

Interestingly, PVR INOX had made an additional investment of ₹44.7 crore in FY25 in Zea Maize. This funding was intended to:

• Expand manufacturing capacity

• Strengthen presence in retail outlets

• Hire senior talent across sales, operations and marketing

However, with this transaction, PVR INOX has successfully monetised its investment, treating the deal as a strategic exit from a non-core asset.

Statement from PVR INOX

PVR INOX Managing Director Ajay Bijli said that the company recognised the potential of 4700 BC at a very early stage and supported the brand through its formative years. He noted that the brand has grown from a gourmet popcorn concept into a national-level premium snacking brand. As the brand now enters a phase of large-scale expansion, he said its future looks stronger with a scaled FMCG leader like Marico. He added that for PVR INOX, the deal represents a natural step in monetising a non-core asset.

Marico’s Growth Strategy Behind the Deal

Marico Managing Director and CEO Saugata Gupta said the investment aligns with the company’s long-term food business strategy.

He stated that 4700 BC has demonstrated strong consumer connect and execution as a premium snacking brand. With Marico’s scale and food distribution network, the company sees significant potential to expand the brand rapidly across multiple channels, while preserving its innovation-led and consumer-first approach.