BENGALURU (Reuters) – India’s KRBL Ltd on Friday reported third-quarter profit that nearly tripled due to strong demand for its India Gate-branded basmati rice in the Middle East and domestic markets.
The company’s consolidated net profit rose to 2.05 billion rupees ($25.1 million) in the three months ended Dec. 31, from 733.6 million rupees a year ago.
Total consolidated revenue from operations grew 33.2% to 15.36 billion rupees.
KBRL’s export revenue grew 38%, with the Middle East accounting for 80% of the total. Apart from basmati rice, it exported quinoa, flaxseed, chiaseed, and brown rice to its key markets in UAE and Saudi Arabia.
India’s premium basmati rice exports are likely to jump 15% in 2022/23 as buyers in the Middle East build their inventories, top exporters told Reuters in November.
KRBL said its domestic revenue grew 32% in the quarter, boosted by strong distribution growth and increased branded products sale in the Hindi-speaking, West Bengal, and Maharashtra markets.
The company also benefitted from increased advertising through brand placements in local TV shows such as “Masterchef India.”
Earlier this week, LT Foods, which owns the rival Daawat brand, reported a 29% increase in domestic basmati rice sales. ($1 = 81.8300 Indian rupees)
(Reporting by Manvi Pant in Bengaluru; Editing by Shweta Agarwal)