ITC Limited , one of India's leading conglomerates, has announced ambitious plans to invest Rs 20,000 crore in the medium term to expand its manufacturing footprint across various business segments. The announcement was made by Chairman Sanjiv Puri during the company's 114th annual general meeting, signaling a strong commitment to growth and innovation.

Expansion Strategy

The investment is part of ITC's 'Next Strategy', which aims to:

1. Create a future-ready portfolio
2. Build anti-fragile supply chains

In recent years, ITC has already established eight new manufacturing facilities, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to expanding its production capabilities.

New Manufacturing Facilities

As part of this expansion drive, ITC is setting up an integrated consumer goods manufacturing plant in Sandila, Uttar Pradesh. This new facility is expected to enhance the company's production capacity and strengthen its presence in the northern region of India.

Diversification and Growth

ITC's investment plans reflect its successful diversification strategy:

• Non-cigarette businesses now account for 65% of ITC's revenue
• The FMCG portfolio comprises 25 brands
• Annual consumer spend on ITC's FMCG products exceeds Rs 34,000 crore
• ITC's products reach over 260 million households in India

'Bharat First' Strategy

Chairman Sanjiv Puri highlighted the company's focus on the domestic market:

• India's per capita income is projected to exceed $4,000 by 2030
• ITC will prioritize its 'Bharat First' strategy
• The company plans to deepen its presence in the domestic market before significant overseas expansion

This strategic approach aligns with India's growing economic potential and the increasing purchasing power of its population.

The Rs 20,000 crore investment plan underscores ITC's confidence in the Indian market and its commitment to long-term growth. By expanding its manufacturing capabilities and focusing on a diverse portfolio of products, ITC is positioning itself to capitalize on the evolving consumer landscape in India.

ITC Limited , a diversified conglomerate with interests in FMCG, paperboards, packaging, agri-business, and information technology, has received a 'Strong' ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) rating from Crisil ESG Ratings & Analytics Limited for the financial year 2024-25.

ESG Rating Details

According to the company's disclosure to stock exchanges, ITC Limited has been assigned:

• A Core ESG rating of 70.00
• An overall ESG Score of 61.00

These ratings place ITC in the 'Strong' category, reflecting the company's commitment to sustainable business practices.

Slight Decline in Rating

The company noted a marginal decline in its Core ESG rating compared to the previous assessment:

• The Core ESG rating decreased by 2.00 points
• This decline is primarily attributed to a lower social score

Rating Process and Disclosure

Key points about the rating process include:

• The rating was voluntarily assigned by Crisil, a SEBI registered ESG Rating Provider
• The assessment was based on data pertaining to the financial year 2024-25
• ITC received the report on July 23, 2025
• The detailed methodology for arriving at the score was not shared with the company

Company's Response

ITC Limited promptly disclosed this information to the stock exchanges on July 24, 2025, in compliance with Regulation 30 of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015. The disclosure was signed by R. K. Singhi, Executive Vice President & Company Secretary of ITC Limited.

Importance of ESG Ratings

ESG ratings are increasingly important for investors and stakeholders as they provide insights into a company's performance on environmental, social, and governance factors. These ratings can influence investment decisions and reflect a company's long-term sustainability and risk management practices.

While ITC has maintained a 'Strong' rating, the slight decline in its social score may prompt the company to review and potentially enhance its social responsibility initiatives in the coming year.