ITC Group: History, Business, Timeline & Subsidiary

ITC Limited is one of the biggest Indian conglomerates with a presence in multiple industries. Established in 1910, the group has grown far beyond its original business of tobacco to become a strong player in FMCG, hotels, paperboards, packaging, agri-business, and IT services. Over the years, ITC has built a reputation for being one of the most profitable and diversified companies in India.

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In this blog, we will look at the history of ITC Group, its business expansion, a timeline of key events, and details about its subsidiaries.

History of ITC

ITC began its journey in 1910 as the Imperial Tobacco Company of India Limited. The company was registered in Kolkata and was initially focused on the tobacco business. In 1953, it expanded by acquiring the manufacturing business of Tobacco Manufacturers (India) Ltd.

The company became a public limited company in 1954, opening the doors for more growth and investment. In 1970, the name changed to India Tobacco Company Limited, reflecting its Indian identity. Just four years later, in 1974, the company dropped the long form and adopted the simple name ITC Limited, which it continues to use today.

While tobacco remained a big part of its business, ITC started diversifying in the 1970s. The company entered the hotel sector in 1972, setting up one of its most successful business arms. Soon after, it expanded into agri-business, paperboards, and eventually FMCG, which became a major driver of revenue in later years.

Business Segments of ITC

ITC has moved far beyond tobacco and cigarettes. The company operates in diverse industries and is known for creating strong brands in each category.

Cigarettes & Cigars

ITC is still the largest cigarette manufacturer in India. Popular brands include Gold Flake, Classic, and Navy Cut. Cigarettes remain a big contributor to profits, though their share has reduced with diversification.

FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods)

This is one of ITC’s strongest business areas today. Under this division, ITC owns well-known brands like Aashirvaad (flour, spices, salt), Sunfeast (biscuits, noodles), Bingo (snacks), Vivel and Fiama (personal care), Savlon (hygiene products), and Classmate (stationery).

Hotels

ITC Hotels is one of India’s leading luxury hospitality chains. The group operates several properties under brands such as ITC Hotels, WelcomHotel, Fortune Hotels, and WelcomHeritage. These hotels are known for blending luxury with sustainability.

Paperboards and Packaging

ITC has a strong presence in the paperboards and specialty paper market. It also provides high-quality packaging solutions, making it a leader in this space.

Agri-Business

ITC is a leading exporter of agricultural products such as rice, wheat, coffee, and spices. Its e-Choupal initiative has connected lakhs of farmers with digital platforms, helping them get fair prices and market access.

IT Services

Through its subsidiary ITC Infotech, the group operates in the global IT sector, offering technology and digital solutions to clients worldwide.

ITC Timeline: Key Milestones

• 1910: ITC was established as Imperial Tobacco Company of India Ltd.
• 1954: Became a public limited company.
• 1970: Renamed India Tobacco Company Ltd.
• 1972: Entered hotel business.
• 1974: Adopted the name ITC Limited.
• 1979: ITC Hotels rebranded its chain as Welcomgroup.
• 1988–1990: Entered edible oils and cooking oil market.
• 1996–2000: Expanded into personal care, finance, and lifestyle retail with brands like Wills Lifestyle.
• 2003–2010: Launched Aashirvaad, Sunfeast, and Paperkraft. Entered fairness creams and the personal care market.
• 2011–2017: Expanded notebooks (Classmate), clothing (John Players), soaps (Vivel), and eco-friendly businesses.
• 2022 onwards: Focused on FMCG growth, digital solutions, and sustainability initiatives.

Subsidiaries of ITC

• ITC Infotech – A global technology services and IT solutions provider.
• Srinivasa Resorts Limited – Focused on hospitality and luxury resorts in India.
• Surya Nepal Pvt Ltd – Manufactures cigarettes, garments, safety matches, and exports products internationally.
• Fortune Park Hotels Limited – Runs mid-market hotels across India under the Fortune brand.
• Landbase India Limited – Owns and operates Classic Golf & Country Club near Delhi.
• Welcomhotels Lanka (Private) Limited, Sri Lanka – A subsidiary managing ITC’s hotel project in Colombo.
• Russell Credit Limited – An investment company handling ITC’s financial investments.
• Technico Pty Limited – An agri-biotech company managing specialised potato seed technology.

ITC’s Market Presence

• Headquarters: Virginia House, Kolkata.
• Chairman & MD: Sanjiv Puri.
• Market Capitalisation: Over ₹4.38 lakh crore (approx).
• Employees: More than 36,500.
• Global Reach: Products sold in over 90 countries.

Conclusion

The journey of ITC Limited from a tobacco company in 1910 to a diversified conglomerate today reflects a century of growth, strategy, and adaptability. Its entry into FMCG, hotels, packaging, agri-business, and IT shows how Indian companies can evolve with time. The company’s strong subsidiaries like ITC Infotech, Fortune Park Hotels, and Surya Nepal add more strength to its portfolio.

The ITC story is not just about business growth. It is about how a company with humble beginnings in tobacco transformed into a global group with products in millions of homes. For Indian users, understanding ITC’s history, business model, and subsidiaries gives an insight into how big companies evolve and expand across sectors.