VST Industries
Indian company
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
VST Industries Ltd is an Indian publicly-listed company which manufactures and distributes cigarettes.[4] The company is headquartered in Hyderabad.
| |
| Company type | Public |
|---|---|
| ISIN | INE710A01016[1] |
| Industry | Conglomerate |
| Founded | 10 November 1930 (as Vazir Sultan Tobacco Company Limited) |
| Founder | Vazir Sultan |
| Headquarters | Azamabad, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.[2] |
Key people |
|
| Products | Tobacco |
| Revenue |  US$117 million [3] |
Number of employees | 784 |
| Website | https://vsthyd.com |
VST Industries started off as the Vazir Sultan Tobacco Company, and became an affiliate undertaking of British American Tobacco group of the United Kingdom,[5][6] It became fully independent and registered as VST Industries Ltd in 1983.[7][8] British American Tobacco, through its subsidiaries, owns a 32.16% stake in the company.
History
The company was incorporated on 10 November 1930 as The Vazir Sultan Tobacco Company Limited under the Hyderabad Companies Act No. IV of 1320 Fasli.[9] In April 1983, it was renamed VST Industries Limited.[10] Over the decades, the company established a presence in the Indian cigarette manufacturing industry with a portfolio of regional and national brands.[11]
Tobacco leaf operations
VST Industries is also engaged in the trading and processing of unmanufactured tobacco. According to the company, tobacco leaf procurement and processing form a key component of its operations, supporting both domestic cigarette manufacturing and exports to international markets.[12]
The company states that it works with a large network of contracted farmers across tobacco-growing regions in southern India and has developed specialised tobacco varieties, including Indian Oriental tobacco and Dark Fire Cured tobacco, for use in domestic and export markets.[13] VST reports that its tobacco leaf business achieved a turnover of ₹472 crore in FY 2024–25, representing year-on-year growth.[13]
Operations
VST Industries’ principal business activities include the manufacture and trading of cigarettes and unmanufactured tobacco.[14] The company operates manufacturing facilities at Azamabad, Hyderabad, and Toopran in Telangana. The Toopran facility, which integrates primary and secondary manufacturing divisions, became fully operational during FY 2024–25.[13]
According to the company, VST distributes its products through a nationwide network of wholesale dealers and retail outlets and maintains regional offices in major Indian cities. Unmanufactured tobacco is also exported to overseas markets.[15]
Products and brands
Financial performance
Corporate social responsibility and ESG
VST Industries publishes an annual ESG report outlining its environmental, social and governance initiatives.[20] According to the company, its CSR activities include programmes in healthcare, education, rural development and environmental sustainability. The company reported CSR expenditure of ₹844 lakh during FY 2024–25.[21]
Governance
The company is governed by a board comprising executive, non-executive and independent directors. As of April 2025, Naresh Kumar Sethi serves as Chairman of the Board and Sanjay Wali serves as Whole-time Director and Chief Executive Officer.[22]
