Keventer has also tied-up with Nunhems, the company which produces seeds for professional growers. Nunhems will grow hybrid variety of water melon seeds for Keventer.

In another significant development, Keventer is planning to increase its stake in Andrew Yule-promoted lubricant outfit Tide Water Oil.

Currently Keventer holds close to 10 per cent stake in Tide Water Oil.

Andrew Yule is planning to divest its stake in Tide Water as a part of the restructuring process. The company was originally floated as a joint venture with Caltex (now Chevron) 60 years back. Chevron still holds 22 per cent stake in Tide Water through a subsidiary called Four Star Oil.

According to sources, "Keventer has appointed Ernst & Young, KPMG, and others to assist it in the bidding process and in developments after that. The intention is to have a controlling stake in Tide Water Oil.

However, there are other biggies like Reliance Industries, French oil giant Total, US oil giant Chevron, and Hinduja group bidding for Tide Water Oil. But if the deal comes through, Keventer will be able to diversify its business portfolio further and get into marketing and distribution of lubricants. A final call will be taken sometime in October."

As of now, with products like ‘Frooti', and ‘Appy', Keventer is planning to introduce newer packaging options with tetra packs that will be priced between Rs 40-55 for one litre.

The company will increase prices by 7-18 per cent for all its products, including its edible oil and packaged water brands, due to the inflation woes. The company last increased prices eight years ago.