In a major development in India’s booming health and wellness sector, Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) has acquired the remaining 49% stake in plant-based nutrition brand OZiva for ₹824 crore. With this transaction, OZiva becomes a wholly owned subsidiary of the FMCG giant, marking another strategic expansion in HUL’s premium health portfolio.
The acquisition underlines HUL’s growing focus on high-potential wellness brands as Indian consumers increasingly shift towards preventive healthcare, clean-label supplements, and plant-based nutrition solutions.
HUL Strengthens Its Wellness Portfolio
HUL had initially acquired a 51% controlling stake in OZiva in 2022. At the time, the company expressed its intention to scale the brand aggressively using its deep distribution network, marketing expertise, and category experience. Now, by purchasing the remaining 49% stake for ₹824 crore, HUL has consolidated full ownership of the fast-growing D2C brand.
This move aligns with HUL’s broader strategy of making “fewer, bigger bets” in high-growth segments such as health, beauty, and wellbeing. The wellness category has witnessed significant expansion in India, driven by rising health awareness, urban lifestyle shifts, and increasing disposable income among young consumers.
OZiva, founded in 2019, carved a niche by offering plant-based protein powders, supplements, and health products tailored for men and women. The brand positioned itself as a clean, transparent, and science-backed nutrition company, which resonated strongly with digital-first consumers.
Rapid Growth Under HUL’s Backing
Since HUL’s initial investment, OZiva has recorded strong financial growth. The brand reportedly witnessed a sharp increase in revenue in FY25, with substantial year-on-year expansion. Losses also narrowed considerably as scale improved and operational efficiencies kicked in.
The integration with HUL enabled OZiva to expand beyond its online-focused distribution model. While the brand initially thrived as a direct-to-consumer (D2C) player, it has gradually strengthened its offline retail presence, benefiting from HUL’s extensive distribution reach across India.
Industry observers note that the wellness and nutrition segment is one of the most attractive consumer categories today. As more Indians adopt fitness-oriented lifestyles and preventive healthcare practices, demand for supplements and plant-based nutrition products continues to rise.
Portfolio Reshuffle Signals Strategic Focus
Alongside the full acquisition of OZiva, HUL has also approved the sale of its minority stake in Nutritionalab Private Limited, the parent company of Wellbeing Nutrition, to USV Private Limited for ₹307 crore. The divestment indicates HUL’s preference to concentrate resources on brands where it holds a controlling stake.
Such portfolio reshuffling demonstrates a clear strategy: scale brands where HUL has deeper operational control while divesting smaller, non-controlling investments. This approach strengthens focus, simplifies integration, and improves capital allocation efficiency.
What This Means for India’s Wellness Market
HUL’s complete takeover of OZiva reflects the larger consolidation trend in India’s fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) landscape. Established giants are increasingly acquiring digitally native startups to capture new-age consumers and high-margin categories.
With full ownership, HUL is expected to further expand OZiva’s product portfolio, drive innovation, and increase penetration in both metro and non-metro markets. The brand may also benefit from stronger R&D capabilities and global sourcing advantages under HUL’s ecosystem.
For the Indian startup ecosystem, this acquisition signals strong exit opportunities in the health and nutrition space. It also highlights how traditional FMCG leaders are actively adapting to evolving consumer preferences by embracing wellness-focused brands.
As competition intensifies in the plant-based and nutritional supplement category, HUL’s move positions OZiva to compete more aggressively, backed by one of India’s most powerful distribution and marketing networks.
Overall, the ₹824 crore acquisition is not just a financial transaction but a strategic consolidation move that reaffirms HUL’s long-term commitment to India’s fast-growing health and wellbeing segment.