Nadia Chauhan, the dynamic force behind Parle Agro’s impressive brand portfolio, has charted an extraordinary path in the business world. As the daughter of Prakash Chauhan, Chairman and Managing Director of Parle Agro, Nadia has made significant contributions to the company, particularly with Frooti, which has become one of India’s most iconic soft drink brands.
Born in California and raised in Mumbai, Nadia’s journey is a blend of international exposure and deep-rooted family heritage in India. She pursued her education in commerce at H.R. College in Mumbai before formally joining the family business in 2003. Nadia’s early involvement in Parle Agro, often spending time at the company’s Mumbai headquarters after school, was instrumental in shaping her business acumen and understanding of the industry.
Parle Agro, established in 1929 by Nadia’s great-grandfather Mohanlal Chauhan, has a rich history. Initially focused on the confectionery business, the company expanded into beverages under Mohanlal’s youngest son, Jayantilal Chauhan, in 1959. Over the decades, the Chauhan family built an impressive portfolio of beverage brands, including Thums Up, Limca, Gold Spot, Citra, and Maaza. These brands became household names in India and were later sold to Coca-Cola in the 1990s.
The strategic division of the family business saw Ramesh Chauhan, Jayantilal’s son, take over Bisleri, while Prakash Chauhan, Nadia’s father, led Parle Agro. Under Prakash’s leadership, Parle Agro focused on developing and expanding its own line of beverage products. Nadia’s deep involvement in the company began early, as her father actively groomed her for future leadership roles, integrating her into the family enterprise from a young age.
Today, Nadia Chauhan serves as the Chief Marketing Officer and Joint Managing Director of Parle Agro, working alongside her sister Schauna Chauhan, who holds the position of CEO. Together, they spearhead the company’s growth and innovation, continuing to build on Parle Agro’s legacy. Nadia’s strategic vision and marketing prowess have been pivotal in revitalizing and expanding Parle Agro’s product line, ensuring the company’s sustained prominence in the competitive beverage industry.
Reflecting on her journey and the legacy of Parle Agro, Nadia emphasizes the blend of tradition and modernity that defines their approach. “Our roots give us strength, and our vision for the future drives us forward,” she remarks. Under her leadership, Parle Agro continues to thrive, blending its rich heritage with contemporary business strategies to meet the evolving demands of the market.
