ITC Limited, formerly known as the Imperial Tobacco Company of India, is an Indian multinational conglomerate that has its headquarters in Kolkata, West Bengal. ITC full form is Indian Tobacco company. ITC owner- Sanjiv Puri is the Chairman & Managing Director of ITC Limited. The company operates in various sectors such as Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), Hotels, Paperboards and Packaging, Agri-Business, and Information Technology. ITC’s journey from being a tobacco company to a diversified conglomerate is an interesting one, and it spans over a century.

ITC, originally standing for Indian Tobacco Company, started as Imperial Tobacco Ltd. Currently chaired by Sanjiv Puri (the ITC owner’s name), ITC is one of India's largest multinational conglomerates headquartered in Kolkata. The company has undergone a significant transformation, evolving from a tobacco company into a diversified enterprise with interests in agribusiness, packaging, consumer goods, hospitality, and information technology.

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The company's roots date back to 1910, when it was established as Imperial Tobacco Company of India Limited. As the name suggests, the company initially focused on tobacco products, such as cigars and cigarettes.

The 1970s marked the beginning of ITC's diversification. It started stepping into different sectors, marking its growth and expansion. For example, in 1975, ITC opened its first hotel, called Chola Sheraton (Chennai), foraying into the hospitality segment.

The 1980s saw ITC expand into the paper and packaging industries and initiate agribusiness activities, including the export of agricultural products. This decade established ITC's presence beyond the tobacco industry.

The 1990s were a period of restructuring for ITC, setting the stage for future growth. The early 2000s witnessed the launch of the "Classmate" brand, marking ITC's entry into the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector. This era marked the company's experiment in fast-moving consumer goods with products like stationary, packaged foods, and spices.

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ITC Limited, founded in 1910 has since evolved into a diversified conglomerate. Over the last three decades, ITC has expanded into sectors like hospitality, agribusiness, packaging, and FMCG, reflecting its commitment to innovation and sustainable growth.

1910: Establishment of ITC as a private limited company.

1925: Company dedicated to leaf and tobacco business and packaging and printing.

1954: Acquisition of the company's production division.

1970: Modification in company's name to India Tobacco Co. Ltd. from Imperial Tobacco Co. Ltd.

1974: The company's name was once again changed to ITC Ltd.

1975: Entered into the hospitality sector.

1979: The company's paperboard business started.

1985: The company's first establishment beyond Indian borders, with the establishment of Surya Tobacco Co. (Nepal).

1990: Growth and expansion of agri-business with initiatives like “Choupal Pradarshan Khet” and e-Choupal.

2000: Introduction of Wills Sport, a luxury line for men's and women's apparel.

2001: The beginning of “Kitchens of India” and the launch of ready-to-eat products.

2002: Launch of Classmate.

2002: Extended support to small businesses with the launch of safety matches like Mangaldeep, AIM, and incense sticks.

2005: Entry into the Personal Care business with brands like ‘Fiama’ and ‘Vivel’.

2008: Launched an eco-friendly paper called the “Paperkraft luxury business paper”.

2010: Expanded its tobacco product line and launched a hand-rolled cigar called Armenteros.

2022: Stood as one of India’s most profitable businesses in fast-moving consumer goods, with gross sales and a net profit of Rs. 90,104 crores and Rs. 15,058 crores, respectively.

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As a major Indian conglomerate, ITC operates a diverse range of subsidiaries. Here is a list of the ITC Limited subsidiaries that play a crucial role in expanding ITC's market presence and driving its growth across multiple industries.

• ITC Infotech: Technology-based division with a focus on services like software building and digital development.
• ITC Hotels: An ITC Limited subsidiary in the hospitality sector with popular luxury hotels spread across the country.
• ITC Paperboards and Speciality Paper: Responsible for the paper and packaging business, manufacturing papers, writing pads, boards, and more.
• ITC Agribusiness: The agri-based division is responsible for obtaining, processing, and exporting agri-goods like coffee, wheat, and spices.
• ITC Food: Subsidiary for packaged products like biscuits, snacks, and more.
• ITC Infratech: Subsidiary for infrastructure building like industry parks and SEZs.
• ITC Global Holdings: The subsidiary holds foreign businesses, including trade and export of several products, such as paper items, agri products, and more.

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ITC Ltd. started in the tobacco business but has become a massive name in the Indian market with a wide range of products. From day one, the company has prioritised innovation and experimentation, driving its expansion across various sectors. The company’s focus on sustainability has played a big part in its success and kept it steady over the years.

With a long list of subsidiaries under the umbrella of ITC, the company is considered to be well-established. It comes with the assurance of stability in the coming years, making it one of the most popular companies in the stock market.