Asian Health to capacity

Salem-based Asian Health and Nutri Foods Limited (AHNFL) is planning to expand capacity and enter new categories like ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat products in the coming year.

This initiative is expected to raise the company's revenues into the Rs 500-crore turnover bracket by end-2010.

As part of its brand repositioning and expansion efforts, AHNFL plans an exclusive outlet chain called 'Dhall Mall' to stock and sell the entire range of pulses. Around 250 such malls are planned in the next three years.

AHNFL produces and markets the Jeyyam Dhall brand of dhalls and has successfully forayed into the consumer segment after establishing itself in the wholesale category.

K Saravanan, managing director, AHNFL, said after consolidating its operations in the south Indian markets, the company was now planning forays into Orissa, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh.

"Currently, there are 20 procurement centres and processing units in south India," he said.

With revenues of Rs 100 crore last year, AHNFL is also targeting the child customer segment as well as the elderly. A fried gram snack for the young and a spicier variety for the older generation will be launched soon, Saravanan added.