Crafting tomorrow
since 1897
Enduring institutions embrace what Jim Collins calls the “Genius of the And.” Purpose and performance. Poetry and engineering. Values and value creation.
This spirit has shaped Godrej since 1897. It began with Ardeshir Godrej, who walked away from a promising legal career rather than affirm a small lie. Turning instead to entrepreneurship, he set out to make surgical instruments in India that could rival imported ones. When asked to stamp them “Made in England,” he refused and chose to shut the idea down rather than compromise his purpose to “Make in India” with quality and integrity.
Not long after, another insight would lead him to a different opportunity and the founding of Godrej, an institution rooted in the belief that business can be a force for good and help craft a better tomorrow.
1897
1918
1921
1922
1938
1943
1951
1963
1988
1990
1991
1994
1997
2001
2008
2010
2011
2012
2013
2015
2016
2017
2020
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
1897
The key to success
A newspaper article on rising burglaries drew Ardeshir to Chor Bazaar, where he studied locks. Each was handmade, unique, and inconsistent. Then came the insight that would become his key to success.
Locks did not need endless variation. Every lock would be uniform, machine-made, and precise. The key alone would be unique. Ardeshir also innovated and patented the leverless lock, far more reliable than British designs whose springs and levers rusted and jammed in India's humid climate. Ingenious simplicity unlocked greater value.
On 7 May 1897, production began at Lalbaug in Mumbai, the first Godrej factory.
1918
A soap for India
Committed to the spirit of make ‘in’ and ‘for’ India, Ardeshir began questioning why soap had to be made from tallow (animal fat) rather than vegetable oils. Imported soaps relied on tallow, common abroad but culturally sensitive in India. A vegetable oil soap would be widely acceptable to Indian households.
After years of determined experimentation, he succeeded. During the Spanish Flu of 1918, Ardeshir launched the world’s first commercial vegetable oil soap. With characteristic humility, he named it Godrej No. 2, believing he could still do better.
Godrej No. 1 remains one of India’s largest consumer brands today, creating delight in millions of homes.
1921
Committed to India’s freedom movement
Ardeshir gave much of his profits back to India’s freedom movement, contributing to causes such as the Tilak Swaraj Fund, even when warned it could hurt business under British rule. He stood firm.
That spirit of trusteeship continued through the philanthropic trusts established in the 1970s and lives on today through the Godrej Foundation’s approximately 15 percent ownership stake in the Group.
1922
A special letter from Gandhi
One of our most treasured moments: Mahatma Gandhi, in a letter to a favour-seeking competitor, wrote: "I hold my brother Godrej in such high regard that if your enterprise is likely to harm him in any way, I regret very much that I cannot give you my blessings."
1922
Endorsed by India’s freedom fighters
Godrej soaps were endorsed by leaders of the freedom movement, including Rabindranath Tagore, Annie Besant, and C. Rajagopalachari.
1938
Securing futures
A provident fund for employees was introduced at Godrej, fourteen years before it became mandatory in India. Responsibility preceded regulation.
1943
Pirojshanagar
Ardeshir’s brother, Pirojsha, invested in Vikhroli, envisioning not merely an industrial site but a modern and forward-looking township. The 2,000 acres of mangroves placed in a philanthropic foundation continue to serve as the lungs of Mumbai.
Vikhroli stands as proof that urban life and nature can coexist in harmony. The Godrej Properties development, The Trees in Vikhroli, includes our global headquarters, Godrej One, alongside residential, hospitality, retail, and cultural spaces.
1951
Safeguarding the voice of a democratic nation
Godrej manufactured 1.7 million ballot boxes for India’s first general election. For a Group born from the spirit of swaraj, it was a proud moment to support a young democracy as it crafted its tomorrow.
1963
Godrej Chemicals
1988
Quality matters
Total Quality Management was formally introduced at Godrej. Quality moved from intent to institution.
1990
Godrej Properties
Godrej Propertjes was established, bringing the Group’s philosophy of innovation and excellence to the real estate industry.
Today, it is India’s largest listed residential real estate developer by booking value, guided by the purpose of crafting spaces that spark joy, one community, one family, one home at a time.
1991
Godrej Agrovet
Godrej Agrovet was incorporated with the purpose of crafting abundance through innovation that empowers farmers and nourishes the nation.
Today, it operates across animal feed, crop protection, dairy, food, and oil palm, and is the country’s largest producer of crude palm oil and the leading player in animal feed.
1994
Mosquitoes, the world’s deadliest animals
We acquired Translektra, bringing the Goodknight and HIT brands into the Group. Over time, this has become one of the Group’s most significant value creation journeys.
Today, we continue the commitment to protecting families from vector-borne diseases and Godrej Consumer Products is the leading player in household insecticides in India and Indonesia.
1997
Turning 100
We celebrate our 100th birthday and remind ourselves that we are only as good as what we do next.
2001
First public market listing: Godrej Consumer Products and Godrej Industries
The erstwhile Godrej Soaps was demerged into two businesses: Godrej Consumer Products and Godrej Industries, marking the Group’s first public listings.
Today, Godrej Consumer Products is a leading FMCG company in emerging markets. It serves over 1.1 billion consumers globally in more than 80 countries, driven by the purpose of crafting the goodness of health and beauty.
Godrej Industries is the holding and operating company of the Godrej Industries Group.
2008
It’s time for Africa
Godrej Consumer Products made the Group’s first African acquisitions, entering the fascinating world of hair extensions and hair care for women of African origin. Today, we are a leading player in ethnic hair care in Sub-Saharan Africa.
2010
Indonesia
Godrej Consumer Products broadened its international footprint and entered the Indonesian market by acquiring PT Megasari Makmur, a leading home and personal care player. Today, Godrej Indonesia’s products reach approximately 1 in 4 households across the country.
2010
Godrej Properties is listed
In a key milestone, Godrej Properties was publicly listed.
2011
Godrej DEI Lab
The Godrej India Culture Lab ran as a successful 10-year experiment that created a new exploratory cultural space located within the Godrej headquarters in Vikhroli. It subsequently evolved into the Godrej Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Lab.
The Lab advances inclusion and builds ecosystems of change across the Group and beyond. It works to create workplaces where everyone feels seen, valued, and able to flourish, focusing on advancing equity for women, people with disabilities, and LGBTQI+ communities.
This commitment is rooted in the spirit of our founder, who believed that enterprise must expand opportunity and dignity. As India imagined swaraj, he imagined capability and progress that included its people. His idea of ‘India Included’ continues to guide us, in India and across the global communities we serve.
2011
Good & Green
The programme advances decarbonisation, circularity, and inclusive growth.
It reflects the belief that business must create lasting value for society and the planet.
2012
Godrej LOUD
Passionate people make for passionate Godrejites. Godrej LOUD (Live Out Ur Dream), our distinctive take on recruitment, launches in India, kickstarting the search for young people with powerful personal dreams. This was subsequently hosted in Indonesia and Africa.
2013
Padma Bhushan
Adi Godrej, then Chairperson of the Godrej Group, was awarded the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award in India, for "distinguished service of a high order".
2015
Godrej One
Godrej Properties and Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects create Godrej One, our new global headquarters at Vikhroli in Mumbai.
2016
Godrej Ventures
Godrej Fund Management, now known as Godrej Ventures, was set up as the real estate private equity arm of the Group, specialising in managing institutional capital to develop residential and commercial properties across India.
The business continues to scale, inspired by the purpose of crafting inspiring spaces that elevate creativity, community and sustainability.
2017
Godrej Foundation
The Godrej Foundation is an independent philanthropic trust with approximately 15 percent shareholding in the Godrej Industries Group, dedicated to strengthening the foundations of a prosperous India. Formed in 2017 as a part of restructuring from a previous trust.
The Foundation focuses on four pillars: catalysing economic growth; nurturing exceptional young people from low-income backgrounds to realise their full potential through ‘Tomorrow Makers’; expanding economic agency and livelihoods for communities facing systemic barriers through ‘India Included’; and supporting solutions which contribute to solving wicked problems through ‘Tomorrow Grants’.
2017
Godrej Agrovet is listed
Godrej Agrovet becomes the fourth Godrej company to be publicly listed.
2020
Godrej Capital
2022
Godrej Living
Godrej Living was founded as a specialised facilities management firm that provides sustainable, technology-driven residential community services in India.
2023
Expanding our play in deodorants and sexual wellness
Godrej Consumer Products entered into an agreement to acquire the FMCG business of Raymond Consumer Care Limited, a leading player in the deodorants and sexual wellness categories in India, with the brands Park Avenue and Kamasutra. The acquisition complements our existing categories and has the potential to deliver double-digit, multi-decade growth.
2024
Godrej Industries Group
The Godrej Group announced an ownership realignment of the Godrej family shareholdings to maximise strategic direction, focus, agility, and create long-term value for stakeholders. The Group is now owned, operated, and managed as two distinct business groups: the Godrej Industries Group and the Godrej Enterprises Group.
The Godrej Industries Group serves over 1.1 billion consumers globally through businesses that span diverse sectors, including FMCG, real estate, agriculture, financial services, chemicals, and real estate private equity.
2024
Godrej Pet Care
Godrej Pet Care was established as a subsidiary of Godrej Consumer Products to enter the fast-growing pet care category in India.
The venture brings together Godrej Agrovet’s expertise in animal nutrition with Godrej Consumer Products’ strengths in marketing, innovation, and distribution. It reflects a long-term commitment to emerging consumer needs, with a focus on providing trusted nutrition and care for India’s growing pet population
2025
Bringing Buddha’s relics back to India
We were honoured to contribute to the historic moment when the Government of India announced the return of the relics of Gautam Buddha to India.
Discovered in 1898, the Piprahwa Relics are considered one of the most remarkable archaeological finds of all time; timeless symbols of peace, compassion, and the shared heritage of humanity. Our partnership with the Government in bringing these sacred relics home reflects our belief in preserving cultural legacies for future generations.
2025
Godrej Housing Finance
Godrej Capital now operates through two lending businesses: Godrej Finance Limited, a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC), and Godrej Housing Finance Limited, a Housing Finance Company (HFC) that provides affordable home loans and housing finance solutions for residential purchases.
2025
Film Studios Management
Godrej Ventures entered a partnership with the Government of Maharashtra for the development of a state-of-the-art film, television, and media campus in Panvel. Aligned with the Mumbai 3.0 vision, the aim is to build a vibrant ecosystem that attracts global talent, empowers local creators, and positions Panvel as a cultural and commercial hub. The proposed investment is INR 2,000 crore, with the potential to generate an estimated 2,500 jobs.
2026
Recommitting to our purpose and values
As the Group enters a new phase of growth, it reaffirms its belief that business is a force for good.
