Baba Ramdev, the visionary founder of Patanjali Ayurved, has recently made some bold claims about a perceived conspiracy against his beloved ayurvedic consumer goods company. In a candid interview with ET, he expressed his belief that a powerful cartel comprising of corporations, pharmaceutical giants, intellectuals, and politicians is actively working to undermine and tarnish the reputation of Patanjali.
Ramdev passionately asserted, “Patanjali symbolizes nationalism and self-pride, values that this group is intent on destroying.”
He further lamented the proliferation of misinformation and slander aimed at Patanjali, especially regarding its research and development capabilities. Ramdev confidently asserted that Patanjali’s R&D facilities surpass those of Hindustan Unilever Ltd, the country’s leading consumer goods giant, and even the government’s ayurvedic institutions.
Despite the challenges and smear campaigns, Patanjali has thrived, boasting a total revenue of Rs 31,721.35 crore in the financial year 2023-24, with the food and FMCG sector contributing Rs 9,643.32 crore. The company’s unwavering commitment to quality and innovation has been pivotal in its success.
Ramdev emphasized, “We are resolute in our mission to enhance investor value, expand our distribution networks, drive sales, foster innovation, and expand our online presence. Premiumization will be a key focus moving forward.”
Despite facing stiff competition and regulatory challenges, Patanjali remains a dominant force in the industry. The company’s strong presence has prompted global and local players like HUL, L’Oréal, Colgate Palmolive, and Dabur to bolster their ayurvedic offerings.
In recent years, Patanjali has undergone a strategic transformation, diversifying its leadership team and bringing in seasoned professionals to steer the company towards sustained growth and success.
Sanjeev Asthana, Patanjali’s CEO, debunked claims of declining market share, asserting the company’s robust position in key segments such as herbal toothpaste, biscuits, skincare, and homecare. He proudly stated, “We hold a two-thirds share in the herbal toothpaste market and have witnessed explosive growth in various product categories.”
Patanjali’s packaged consumer business has witnessed a meteoric rise, with a remarkable growth rate of 15-20% and revenues doubling over the past 3.5 years, reaching a staggering Rs 31,000 crore. Asthana added, “Our market share and distribution networks are continually expanding, driving our growth momentum.”