The DS Group has 21 production units, 12 agri-based sites and 24 depots spread across India. From a multifarious range of F&B products to idyllic hospitality ventures to splendid Flexi Packaging manufacturing units; the legacy of the DS Group has indeed come full circle with the success of all its diverse endeavors.

Leading the Way
The DS Group has established and preserved its market leadership in the chewing tobacco segment with brands like BABA and Tulsi. The Group forayed into the mouth freshener category with Tansen, which was later expanded by adding Rajnigandha – world’s largest selling premium Pan Masala. BABA Supari and, BABA Black Supari subsequently enhanced the mouth freshener portfolio. Rajnigandha further extended the product offering by adding Rajnigandha Clove and Rajnigandha Saffron. Today these brands have become the preferred choice of connoisseurs around the world.

Aligning its offerings with the new generation, the Group entered the confectionary business with Pass Pass Chingles. The Brand Pass Pass was repositioned to encompass a broader portfolio of confectionary products. From traditional natural mouth fresheners to the fun-filled chewing gum‘Chingles’ in mini and maxi avatars; DS confections offer the choicest innovative flavours for all age groups. ‘Pulse’, the Kachcha Aam flavoured candy with a tangy twist, marked the Group’s foray into the hard boiled candy segment followed by Guava, Orange, Pineapple and Litchiflavours. FRU, the soft chew fruit jelly in seven different flavours, further augmented the confectionary basket. Rajnigandha Pearls, the saffron blended, silver coated cardamom seeds; and BABA Elaichi that are blended with special flavours & spices, stirs the taste-buds with a unique and exotic taste, complete the product offering of the confectionary business. ‘Tulsi Royal Khajoor Plus’ is the latest offering under the category.

‘Catch’, a name to reckon with, features as one of the premium F&B brands of the country todaythat has a wide array of spices and beverages in its portfolio. Catch marked its debut with Pepper and Catch Salt tabletop dispenser category in 1987 and have maintained its leadership position in this segment. Known for their distinctive flavours and tantalizing aromas, the spices are curatedwith the unique Low Temperature Grinding (LTG) technology that prevents the evaporation of volatile & delicate oils from spices. This helps in retaining their original aroma giving a wholesome, authentic flavour to the food. The raw materials for the Catch spices are procured from the source locations and no “fillers” are used while grinding. Hence, the spices are available in the purest and highest potency. The complete assortment comprises a variety of sprinklers and a diverse range of whole, ground and blended spices and Catch Grinds.

Catch Spring Water is the nation’s first ever ‘Natural Spring Water’ bottled at the source in the Himalayas. The wide range of beverages made from the ‘Catch Natural Spring Water’ is available under the Catch umbrella. Catch ‘Catch Clear Flavoured Spring Water’, perfected by blending natural fruit flavours with sparkling spring water, is caffeine free and calorie free; thus a favoured choice of the health-conscious consumers. The range was followed by ‘Catch Club Soda’, ‘Catch Tonic Water’, India’s first zero calorie Tonic Water and many more.

The electronically beaten 100% pure vegetarian Catch silver and gold Leaves were introduced for the first time in India by the DS Group.

Offering world-class experience, the Group has made a significant progress in the Hospitality arena. The Group made its debut in the rapidly growing hospitality sector with The Manu Maharani, in 2000; which is a super deluxe property in Nainital, epitomizing impeccable service and premium facilities. The resort at Jim Corbett, Namah, is already one of the favourites of the discerning traveler. The Group opened the first five star Hotelof the North East region, Hotel ‘Radisson Blu’, at Guwahati and a business hotel, ‘Crowne Plaza’ at Jaipur subsequently.. The Group has also acquired a property at Kolkata Airport, where a budget hotel is under construction. In addition to the above ventures, land has also been acquired in other cities with plans to set up hotels and resorts in future.

Packaging is another area of diversification for the Group. An eco friendly revolutionary packaging plant to make rigid biodegradable cans was set up in India in 2001, in association with Canpac – a leading Switzerland based packaging major. This eco-friendly packaging material is lightweight and corrosion free, and is used for packaging in the food industry.

Another ultra-modern Flexible Packaging Unit in Assam manufactures laminates and pouches used for packaging consumer products like snacks, soaps, shampoos, etc. The plant was set up in 2007 and has an installed capacity of 4800 MT annually.

Taking forward its strategic expansion in the Infrastructure sector and comprehending the potential of the Cement industry, the Group is setting up two Cement Plants at Meghalya with a combined capacity of 2 Million Tonnes per annum (MTPA) – one at Jaintia Hills and the other at Garo Hills in Meghalaya. Coal based Captive Power Plant of 20 MW capacity will also be set-up at Jaintia to meet the power requirement of cement plant. In addition to this, the Group is setting up a 240 MW Thermal Power Plant in Meghalaya and 2 Hydro Power projects of 10MW and 15 MW respectively.

The Group grows Medicinal & Aromatic plants on waste, semi-arid and fallow lands of Madhya Pradesh using modern technology as a part of its Agri business. The Company has successfully regenerated one of the endangered forest species, ‘Sandalwood’ in Central India and has established the largest Sandalwood plantation as an Agro-forestry model in India. The company is focusing on water harvesting & conservation to raise the water table in the area. Further, it has ventured into Hydroponics, a revolutionary method of farming using less water and soil. This Green House technology provides a controlled and favourable environment for crops to grow and gives a high yield in all seasons. Flowers like Jasmine and Rose for captive use and a variety of fruits and vegetables under the brand “Nature’s Miracle” are also grown employing this technology. The entire produce is 100% natural and contains zero GMOs. The farming is done at hi-tech green house facilities in the National Capital Region.

The DS Group’s Dairy Plant at Reengus, Sikarspreads over an area of 10.2 acres and has a capacity to handle approximately 6 lakh liters of milk per day and the Dairy plant at Udaipur, Rajasthan has a capacity to process upto 2 lakh liters of milk per day. The Plants conforms to the highest hygiene standards. The DS Dairy Plant atReengushas premium, quality and process certifications such as FSSC: 22000:2013, EIA approved by Ministry for Milk and Milk products, Agmark, BIS Certification, FSSAI License, etc. Sold under the brand Ksheer, the current product basket contains UHT Milk, Cow &Desi Ghee, Fresh Milk, Chach, Masala Chach, Dahi, Paneer, Khoya, Flavoured milk, Dairy Whitener & Sweet Lassi. Another Dairy brand Dairymax caters primarily to B2B customers. Skimmed milk powder is the product available under this brand.

Moving beyond business, the DS Group constantly nurtures its responsibility as a committed corporate citizen by regarding Corporate Social Responsibility as an integral part of its business objectives. The DS Group believes in building sustainable communities that are economically, environmentally, and socially healthy and resilient. Water Conservation is the main stay of CSR initiatives of the Group. Livelihood Enhancement and Community Development for long term and sustainable impact all over the country are the other areas of CSR intervention.