Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) has acquired the remaining 49% stake in plant‑based nutrition brand OZiva for ₹824 crore, making the company a wholly owned HUL subsidiary. The deal strengthens HUL’s presence in India’s fast‑growing wellness and nutritional supplements market as consumers increasingly favour preventive healthcare and plant‑based options.
Consolidation of OZiva under HUL
HUL had first taken a 51% controlling stake in OZiva in 2022, citing plans to scale the brand through its distribution network, marketing capabilities and category expertise. By purchasing the remaining minority holding for ₹824 crore, HUL has consolidated full control of the direct‑to‑consumer brand and its product lines.
The move fits HUL’s strategy of placing “fewer, bigger bets” on high‑growth segments such as health, beauty and wellbeing. The wellness category in India has expanded rapidly in recent years, driven by rising health awareness, urban lifestyles and higher disposable incomes among younger consumers.
OZiva’s trajectory and market positioning
Founded in 2019, OZiva built its reputation on plant‑based protein powders, supplements and gender‑targeted health formulations, positioning itself as a science‑backed, clean‑label nutrition firm that appealed to digitally native customers.
Since HUL’s initial investment, OZiva has reported strong revenue growth and narrowing losses as it scaled operations. Integration with HUL has enabled the brand to move beyond an online‑first model, growing its presence in offline retail through the FMCG major’s extensive distribution reach.
Operational and market implications
Full ownership will allow HUL to accelerate product development, broaden OZiva’s portfolio and deepen penetration in metro and non‑metro markets. OZiva is also likely to benefit from HUL’s R&D, procurement scale and marketing muscle, positioning it to compete more aggressively in the plant‑based nutrition segment.
Portfolio realignment and industry context
At the same time as acquiring OZiva’s remaining stake, HUL approved the sale of its minority holding in Nutritionalab Private Limited (parent of Wellbeing Nutrition) to USV Private Limited for ₹307 crore. The divestment underscores HUL’s preference for concentrating resources on brands where it has controlling stakes, streamlining integration and optimising capital allocation.
The OZiva acquisition reflects a broader consolidation trend in India’s FMCG and wellness space, where established players are acquiring digitally native startups to capture new‑age consumers and higher‑margin categories. For the Indian startup ecosystem, the transaction signals continued exit opportunities in health and nutrition and highlights how legacy FMCG firms are adapting to shifting consumer preferences.
Overall, the ₹824 crore purchase represents a strategic consolidation that reaffirms HUL’s long‑term commitment to the health and wellbeing category and strengthens its foothold in plant‑based nutrition in India.
