Marico (A): From Small Family Business to National Brand

In this caselet, we trace the journey of the Mariwala family business, Bombay Oil Industries, from its origins in trading and exports to building manufacturing capabilities and launching iconic brands like Parachute and Saffola. The business was initially built on trust, operating through a joint ownership and management model. However, as subsequent generations entered the business, differences in opinion began to emerge. The fourth-generation member Harsh Mariwala’s efforts to drive change from within offer valuable lessons on navigating generational shifts, professionalization and scaling within a traditional family business setup. This case ends with the family at an impasse, raising questions about how they can move forward while balancing differing ambitions, legacy, ownership and growth.