UNIBIC Foods, one of India's prominent cookie, biscuits and snacks company has announced the appointment of Ajay Bathija as its Chief Executive Officer. In his new role, Ajay will lead UNIBIC's strategic growth initiatives, drive business expansion across domestic and international markets and strengthen the company's position in India's competitive packaged foods industry.
Ajay brings over two decades of leadership experience in the FMCG and beverages industry. A seasoned strategist, he has steered several senior leadership roles at The Coca-Cola Company for more than 18 years. He has led the marketing operations of juices and colas segments, brand strategies for India and Southwest Asia markets such as Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and the Maldives, led sustainable business growth for the Southwest Asia markets and has been the Managing Director at Coca-Cola, Bangladesh.
Sandeep Reddy, Chairman of the Board of Directors, UNIBIC Foods, said, "We are delighted to welcome Ajay to UNIBIC at a pivotal time in the company's growth story. His extensive experience in brand building, consumer marketing and franchise leadership will be invaluable as UNIBIC continues to strengthen its footprint in the packaged foods category. We are confident that Ajay's leadership will steer the company towards exceptional metrics and innovation while expanding our presence in both Indian and global markets".
Expressing his enthusiasm about his new role, Ajay Bathija, CEO, UNIBIC Foods, said, "I am truly excited to lead UNIBIC into its next phase of growth. The brand has established a distinct identity built on innovation, quality, and indulgence—values that deeply resonate with me. With the FMCG landscape evolving rapidly and recent policy tailwinds such as the rationalisation of GST creating a more favourable environment, this is an opportune time to accelerate UNIBIC's growth momentum. My focus will be on strengthening our product portfolio, deepening consumer engagement and expanding our market presence. Together with the team, I look forward to making UNIBIC a household name known for its great taste, strong brand values and uncompromising quality".
UNIBIC was the first to introduce wire-cut cookies in India and has since established a strong foothold in the premium cookies segment. Over the years, UNIBIC has grown its range of products to over 40 variants and has been regularly introducing fresh & unique flavours to food connoisseurs worldwide. Headquartered in Bangalore, UNIBIC is known for its rich and flavoursome cookies that take a meaningful bite of the premium cookie market. What sets UNIBIC apart in a highly competitive cookie market is the company's focus on innovation. The company has set the trend and shaken status quo with products that break the mould and is increasingly becoming the preferred cookie brand for consumers across geographies.
Apart from a diverse portfolio such as cookies, wafers, snack bars, crackers and biscuits, UNIBIC has forayed into products such as cakes, chocolates and traditional Indian sweets & namkeens. It's range of traditional sweets and namkeens under brand Swaadesi is gaining popularity for providing rich and authentic taste with products that are produced with pure ghee. Its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Hyderabad is the largest wire-cut cookie plant in India having the fastest wire-cut manufacturing lines in the world.
The team at UNIBIC works to maximise the potential of being the only company in India to create and popularise the real cookie. The company exports its products to over 25 countries and continues to expand its global footprint. With a vision of providing innovative offerings to consumers, increasing distribution and becoming a more active brand, UNIBIC remains committed to its founding philosophy— offering great taste and indulgence at affordable prices.