Unforgotten Brands: Nutrine

From a small-town candy shop to a national legacy built on values, vision, and vanilla toffees.

A Family’s Dream Begins in Chittoor (1952)

In 1952, a new chapter in India’s confectionery history began in the quiet town of Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh. The founder, Shri B. Venkatarama Reddy, a graduate of the National University, Adyar—whose chancellor then was none other than Rabindranath Tagore—had a vision. He wanted to create affordable, high-quality sweets for Indian families, especially children.

With a strong belief in traditional values and a modest investment, he started a small-scale candy unit. Unlike many brands born in India’s metros, Nutrine Confectionery Company Ltd. had its roots in a rural belt bordering Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, where mangoes, bananas, and tomatoes thrived.

The factory wasn’t just close to the fields—it was home. For years, the Reddy family lived in the rooms above the factory. The smell of boiling sugar and fruit pulp was not just the smell of business—it was the fragrance of home, hustle, and hope.

A Son’s Return: Education, Loss & Responsibility

Dwarkanath Reddy, son of B. Venkatarama Reddy, was sent abroad to pursue higher education in chemical engineering at Louisiana State University (LSU) in the United States. He returned in 1948 with ideas and energy to build on his father’s dream.

But life wasn’t always sweet. In his mid-thirties, Dwarkanath lost several family members, including his siblings and father. The losses were painful, but they brought clarity. He stepped into a more significant role—not just as a son or brother—but as guardian of a more prominent family and custodian of a growing business.

This was a pivotal moment. With compassion at his core and a scientist’s mind, Dwarkanath transformed Nutrine from a local name into a national powerhouse.

Growth in the Heart of India

From the 1960s through the 1980s, Nutrine scaled up significantly. The Chittoor plant became one of Asia’s largest and most advanced confectionery units. The strategic location allowed easy access to tropical fruits, creating the perfect environment for experimenting with fruit pulps and flavours.

Dwarkanath spent hours on the factory floor, overseeing everything from sourcing mangoes to wrapping toffees. His energy was unmatched. Often, you’d find him walking narrow lanes, pitching hard-boiled candies himself.

This grounded leadership style, mixed with innovation, helped Nutrine soar.

Household Hits: The Golden Years

By the 1980s and ’90s, Nutrine wasn’t just a company—it was a cultural staple. Its affordable pricing, consistent quality, and nostalgic flavours won hearts across India.

Top Products Included:

• Mango Bite – a tangy, tropical classic
• Aam Ras – a juicy throwback to mango summers
• Milky Toffee – a soft delight for all ages
• Lacto King – a cult favourite with loyal fans

Kids knew the jingles, parents trusted the brand, and Nutrine became India’s largest confectionery company not through glitz but through grounded grit.

Beyond Candy: Innovation in Processed Foods

The Reddy family didn’t stop at sweets. Nutrine began experimenting with banana pulp, guava processing, and health-based food products—all sourced locally. Chitoor’s lush orchards fuelled their research. Nutrine aimed to lead not just in candy but also in processed and functional foods.

The mission was clear: blend local strength with scientific vision.

The Big Shift: Sale & Transformation (2006)

In the 2000s, as global players infiltrated the Indian market, the family decided to transition. In 2006, Nutrine was acquired by Godrej, and soon after, it entered a joint venture with Hershey’s, forming Godrej Hershey Ltd.

This marked the end of an era. Over time, many of Nutrine’s iconic products were phased out or rebranded, and the original brand identity faded from the shelves—but not from memory.

Even today, ask someone about Mango Bite or Lacto King, and you’ll likely unlock a childhood smile.

The Philanthropic Legacy

Though Nutrine as a brand has changed, the Reddy family’s commitment to India never did.

Dwarkanath Reddy established the Dwarkanath Reddy Ramanarpanam Trust (DRRT). The foundation channels its energies into education, rural healthcare, women’s empowerment, and sustainable development.

For him, business success was never just about profit—it was about purpose.

A Brand That Defined a Generation

• It was India’s first large-scale branded confectionery brand
• It democratized sweets—good quality at low prices
• It became a childhood memory for millions

While corporate shifts may have rewritten its present, Nutrine’s past remains etched in India’s collective consciousness.

Final Word

Nutrine wasn’t just a business. It was a belief that sweets could bring joy, that rural India could lead, and that success could be shared.

The aroma of toffee, the sound of tearing open wrappers, and the warmth of nostalgia continue to evoke its essence.