Beyond Bread and Biscuits

Beyond Bread and Biscuits Hansavivek BR ITA NNIA INDUSTRIES has received a letter of intent from government which will allow it to set up a soya processing plant at Vidisha in MP on the terms that the management had requested. Work on site has started. When completed in 1986, the new soya business will serve to reduce imports of edible oils and proteins and will also earn foreign exchange from export of soya meal. The company is also planning to extend its exports of cashew and other nuts. Both these projects are expected to significantly increase the company's turnover and profits. The company's principal business is, and is likely long to remain, production of biscuits and bread. The government's present policies rely solely on the small scale sector for additional supplies in these areas. However, according to Chairman A R Pendry, the small business sector, seems likely to prove incapable of meeting the needs of the market. Many small scale units set up in recent past have become bankrupt and many are unable to maintain reasonable standards of hygiene. None seems able to create a varied range of products. Pendry looks forward to some relaxation of regulations which prevent Britannia from developing as the company's management believes it should.