Friday, December 5, 2025

MAGSONS MOVES AS ONE: From Goa to Gujarat, A New Chapter Begins

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R S Roy
R S Roy
R S Roy serves as Editorial Advisor at IMAGES Group

In a bold move that signals its readiness for the big league, Magson Retail and Distribution Ltd. has acquired Goa’s legacy retail chain Magsons Supercentre in a Rs. 30 crore slump sale deal. The acquisition gives the premium grocery and lifestyle retailer a footprint of 41+ stores across four states, with combined revenues crossing Rs. 130 crore.

With the integration of a strong coastal brand and the addition of premium liquor and gourmet offerings, Magson is consolidating its position as a serious player in India’s high-margin food and lifestyle retail space.

From Regional to Multi-Zonal

Started in Gujarat in 2009 by Rajesh Francis and Manish Pancholi, Magson was built to serve India’s rising demand for imported, frozen, and gourmet foods. With strongholds in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan, the brand is known for its nimble formats, curated assortment, and profitable unit economics.

Now, with the acquisition of Goa-based Magsons Supercentre—founded by Kirit and Andrea Maganlal—Magson gains not just geography but legacy, lifestyle credibility, and liquor licensing in a state where retail is as much about experience as essentials.

What the Deal Brings

  • Stores Acquired: 10 company-owned + 2 franchise
  • Customer Base: 1.25+ lakh loyal Goan shoppers
  • Workforce Added: 150+ employees
  • SKU Expansion: From ~7,000 to 20,000+ products
  • Brand Assets: “Magsons” + aspirational liquor format “Champagne & Cigars (C&C)”

The Goa acquisition also enhances category depth—especially in liquor, cigars, and premium gifting—and sets the foundation for Magson’s southern expansion.

Magson’s Post-Acquisition Snapshot

MetricStatus Post-Acquisition
Total Store Count41+ outlets
States Present InGujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Goa
FY24 Combined RevenueRs. 130+ crore
Total Employees450+
Active Customers2.25 lakh+
Product CategoriesGourmet, Frozen, FMCG, Liquor, Gifting

Multi-Format Precision

Unlike hypermarkets chasing scale through size, Magson has focused on modular, margin-friendly formats, each tailored to specific consumption behaviour:

  • Magson (Flagship Gourmet):
    1,200 sq. ft. premium food stores in high-affluence areas
  • Nasta Bazar:
    500–700 sq. ft. impulse stores near residential and transit zones
  • My Chocolate World:
    300–500 sq. ft. premium gifting and confectionery hubs for malls and airports

All stores are built on leased premises, with site selection based on demographic data, catchment income, and product affinity.

Leadership with Depth

Magson’s growth engine blends deep retail experience with entrepreneurial agility:

  • Rajesh Francis – Strategic expansion
  • Manish Pancholi – Financial controls and compliance
  • Nirav Choudhry – CFO & Director – Purchase
  • Raaj Maganlal – Original Magsons founder now leading white-label innovation
  • Saibal Banerjee (CEO) – Brings experience from Foodhall, Spencer’s, Wellness Forever
  • Kirit Maganlal – Continuing to head Goa operations post-integration

What’s Next?

The Goa deal is not just a growth story—it’s a blueprint for Magson’s national vision. Plans in motion include:

  • Scaling private labels across states
  • Expanding the SuperCard loyalty program to Goa
  • Creating sourcing synergies across western and coastal India
  • Collaborating with global gourmet and duty-free brands
  • Exploring acquisitions of family-led specialty chains
  • Using Goa as a launchpad into southern markets

Magson’s Rs. 30 crore investment isn’t just about acquiring stores—it’s about acquiring identity, geography, and long-term strategic muscle. As premium food retail becomes more experience-driven and regionally nuanced, Magson’s consolidated footprint and focused formats give it a clear edge.

Rs. 300 crore may just be the next milestone—but the playbook Magson is building points to a much larger canvas.

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