Himalaya Drug Company (HDC), the only pure herbs company in the country, has ambitious plans to grow the market. This was stated by Ravi Prasad, president and chief executive office (CEO), HDC, in an exclusive chat with Mid Day , “We have a long road ahead and have just begun our journey. The herbal healthcare segment is expanding at 30-35 per cent globally and we hope to grow 25 per cent in the forseeable future.”

The Rs 300 crore group is putting up a new Rs 160 crore US FDA-approved manufacturing unit which will be functional in the next two years and will cater to the growing pharmaceutical and personal care product segments.

Besides the marketing and brand strategy involves reaching the consumer directly through the retail network. Currently HDC has 31 retail shops in operation - owned and franchises. It plans to expand this network by setting up shop-in-shops at large shopping malls, departmental stores and supermarkets across the country.

Ever since it went for a unified brand concept by bringing all the brands under the Himalaya brand in 2001, growth rate has more than doubled. “Previously we were growing at 10-12 per cent and were a Rs 180 crore business. This year we will cross RS 300 crore,” says Prasad.