When you encounter a particular brand for an extended period of time, you can’t help but think it’s Indian. So, today, we’re debunking some prevalent fallacies about Indian brands that are owned by foreign corporations.
10 Popular Desi Products Owned by Foreign Brands, From Kurkure to Maggi
Harpic and Dettol
Have you ever come across an Indian home without a Dettol or Hapric product? I haven’t done so. It’s a popular misconception that cleaning supplies are manufactured in India. Reckitt Benckiser, a British firm, actually owns them. Both brands were first presented by the corporation in 1933.
Kurkure
This spicy chatpata snack is one-of-a-kind. Remember when we were youngsters and there was a rumour that it was made of plastic? LOL. Kurkure, however, is not Indian, even though it has a desi flavour. PepsiCo, an American corporation, owns the brand. Lays and Uncle Chipps are also owned by PepsiCo.
Indian Motorcycle
The name is merely a ruse. Indian Motorcycle was formed in 1901 in the United States. Native Americans are referred to by the moniker.
Kodak
When you think of analogue photography, Kodak comes to mind. The company was established in 1888. Kodak is an American corporation that makes photographic products, contrary to popular belief.
Star TV
Walt Disney Studios owns Star TV Star India, which includes stations like Star Plus and Star Gold (on which our mothers used to watch soap operas). Hutchison Whampoa and Li Ka-Shing formed the company in 1990 as a joint venture. However, after changing ownership, The Walt Disney Company purchased it in 2017. My life feels like a lie all of a sudden.
Bata Shoes
Who’d have guessed Bata Shoes, the well-known footwear brand, isn’t Indian? I’ve always sported their chappals. It is a Czech Republic-based family business owned by the Batas.
Maggi
Indians and Maggi have a love storey that could definitely be made into a film. We’re enamoured with it and believe it is ours. Maggi, on the other hand, is owned by Nestle, a large Swiss corporation. Nestle also owns Milkybar, Milkmaid, Nescafe, and other brands.
Taj Mahal Chai, Vim, Vaseline
Hindustan Unilever Limited owns most of the brands we use in our home, including Vaseline, Vim, Ponds, Kissan, Lux, and others. The name is a misnomer; it belongs to Unilever, a multinational corporation based in the United States.
Knorr
Knorr is owned by the German arm of the American company Unilever, and is known for soups such Chicken Sweet Corn.
Maaza
It is undeniable that everyone adores Maaza. While the mango drink was first introduced in India in 1976, it was purchased by the American Coca-Cola Company in 1993 from Parle Bisleri. Limca, Citra, Thums Up, and Gold Spot were also acquired by the business.
