In a significant move within the Indian consumer goods space, global private equity firm Apax Partners has made a substantial investment in the popular fresh food brand, iD Fresh Food. The deal, valued at over ₹1,500 crore, marks a pivotal moment for the Bengaluru-based company known for its ready-to-cook idli and dosa batter.
Details of the Strategic Investment
The investment, finalized on 05 January 2026, will see the Apax Funds acquire a minority stake in iD Fresh Food. The shares are being purchased from two of the company's existing institutional investors: Premji Invest, the investment arm of Wipro founder Azim Premji, and TPG NewQuest. It is crucial to note that both Premji Invest and TPG NewQuest are not exiting completely but will remain invested in the company alongside the new investor.
The founding team, led by co-founder and CEO PC Musthafa and his cousins, will continue to hold a significant stake and manage the company's operations and strategic direction. This structure ensures continuity and stability for the brand that has become a household name across India and in international markets.
What This Means for iD Fresh Food's Future
This infusion of over ₹1,500 crore in capital is expected to accelerate iD Fresh Food's growth trajectory. The funds will likely be deployed towards several key areas:
- Expansion of manufacturing and supply chain capabilities to meet rising demand.
- Geographic growth, both within India and in existing international markets like the USA, UAE, and UK.
- Product portfolio diversification beyond its core batter range into other fresh, convenient food categories.
- Strengthening brand presence through marketing and deeper retail penetration.
The entry of a global investor like Apax Partners brings not just capital but also extensive experience in scaling consumer brands globally. This partnership is seen as a strong endorsement of iD Fresh Food's business model, its focus on purity and quality, and its potential for further market leadership.
A Vote of Confidence in the Indian FMCG Sector
This transaction underscores the robust investor appetite for successful, founder-led Indian consumer brands. The fact that prominent investors like Premji Invest and TPG NewQuest are retaining part of their stakes signals a shared belief in the company's long-term value creation potential. For Apax Partners, this deal represents a strategic entry into one of India's most promising and fast-growing food tech and FMCG narratives.
The journey of iD Fresh Food, from a small venture solving the problem of fresh batter for Bangalore's households to a national and international brand attracting top-tier global private equity, is a remarkable entrepreneurial story. With the backing of Apax and the continued support of its existing investors and founders, the company is now poised for its next ambitious chapter of growth.
