A Legacy of Leadership and Enterprise
In Andhra Pradesh, politics and business often intertwine — none more prominently than in the family of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. Beyond his decades-long political influence, Naidu’s family has quietly built one of India’s leading dairy companies: Heritage Foods Limited. At the center of this enterprise is Nara Bhuvaneshwari, Naidu’s wife and the daughter of Telugu film icon and TDP founder N.T. Rama Rao.
Founded in 1992, Heritage Foods has grown from a regional dairy business into a major player in the Indian FMCG sector. While Chandrababu Naidu focused on political strategy, Bhuvaneshwari played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s business trajectory. Over time, her strategic vision and management helped Heritage Foods expand into value-added dairy products and animal nutrition, all while becoming a wealth generator for the family.
A ₹79 Crore Windfall: How the Stock Surge Played Out
In a striking financial development, Heritage Foods’ shares jumped over 7% to ₹493.25, resulting in an instant paper gain of approximately ₹79 crore for Bhuvaneshwari, who holds 2.26 crore shares or a 24.37% stake in the company. The Naidu family collectively holds 35.71%, making them the primary shareholders.
The surge came on the heels of the company’s Q1 FY25 earnings report, which, despite showing a 30.7% dip in profit (₹40.5 crore vs. ₹58.4 crore YoY), was met with investor optimism due to the company’s long-term growth narrative and strategic announcements.
Inside Heritage Foods: Strategy, Growth & Challenges
Heritage Foods operates across multiple dairy verticals — from milk and curd to high-margin value-added products (VAPs) like yogurt, paneer, and ghee. While the April–June quarter saw a dip in profitability due to unseasonal rains that impacted demand, the company has shown strong fundamentals and a diversified product portfolio.
Executive Director Brahmani Nara, Naidu’s daughter-in-law, noted that June marked a turnaround, and the company remains bullish on future growth. A key move reinforcing this confidence was the board’s approval to increase its stake in Heritage Nutrivet (HNFPL) to 94.4%, granting full strategic control over its animal nutrition business — a crucial link in the dairy value chain.
This acquisition aligns with Heritage’s broader goal of securing upstream and downstream control, allowing the company to better manage supply chains and quality, especially in the yogurt and nutraceutical segments.
A Blend of Legacy, Business Acumen, and Market Savvy
The recent ₹79 crore valuation gain for Nara Bhuvaneshwari underscores more than just a stock market rally — it reflects the success of a family enterprise deeply embedded in Andhra Pradesh’s economic and political landscape. While Chandrababu Naidu shapes the state’s future in governance, his wife and family continue to build economic value through strategic, long-term business moves.
As Heritage Foods navigates changing market dynamics and climate-related disruptions, the company’s focus on integration, innovation, and resilience may keep it well-positioned — not just as a family-run success story, but as a key player in India’s growing dairy economy.
(With agency inputs)
