Unveiling TATA's Hidden Holdings: 7 Lifestyle Brands You Never Knew Were in Their Portfolio!

For decades, this multi-billion-dollar global conglomerate has remained a prominent player in the business world, exerting a more profound influence on our daily lives than we might realize. It significantly shapes our consumption habits and the brands we prefer. With a rich 155-year history, the Tata Group stands as a venerable name and legacy, serving as a leading Indian multinational conglomerate across numerous sectors and industries.

Tata Group's Global Reach and Impact

Spanning operations across more than 100 nations, the Tata group encompasses around 30 companies within its fold, with Tata Sons serving as the primary investment holding firm and sponsor of Tata Enterprises. As per official company reports, philanthropic trusts, dedicated to nurturing the realms of arts, culture, livelihood generation, education, and healthcare, collectively hold a substantial 66% equity share capital in Tata Sons. For the fiscal year 2022–2023, the cumulative revenue generated by all Tata entities amounted to a staggering $150 billion (equivalent to Rs 12 trillion), providing gainful employment to over a million individuals worldwide. Each Tata company's board of directors assumes the pivotal roles of governing and supervising the organization. Notably, as of July 31, 2023, the Tata Group's official website affirms the presence of 29 publicly traded Tata companies, commanding a collective market valuation of $300 billion (equivalent to Rs 24 trillion).

Below is a compilation of brands commonly encountered in daily life, yet their affiliation with Tata's extensive trillion-dollar conglomerate might have gone unnoticed.

Starbucks

Starbucks, a beloved brand among Generation Z and a globally recognized coffee icon, is a Tata-affiliated enterprise. When one thinks of coffee, Starbucks naturally comes to mind. This renowned coffee giant made its debut in India in October 2012 through a collaborative effort between Tata Consumer Products Ltd. and Starbucks Coffee Company, and it is referred to as "Tata Starbucks" within the Indian market.

ZARA

ZARA embodies the essence of fashion, capturing the hearts of style enthusiasts worldwide. This brand, renowned for its presence on red carpets and in everyday office attire, has established itself as a fashion powerhouse. Surprisingly, it falls under the Tata Group's umbrella, a titan in the business world. Zara, a major global fashion label, operates within the vast distribution empire of Inditex, a Spanish fashion conglomerate. In a strategic partnership known as Inditex Trent, Inditex collaborates with Tata's Trent, overseeing the management of 21 Zara outlets across India.

Westside

In 1998, Tata's cosmetics firm, Lakmé, acquired Littlewoods International (India) Private Limited (LIIPL), a clothing retailer, from the UK-based Littlewoods International Limited. Subsequently, they merged Lakmé Exports Limited with LIIPL, forming Trent Limited. This Indian retail conglomerate, now under the Tata Group's ownership, operates its flagship store, rebranded as Westside. Notably, in the same year, Tata divested their Lakmé shares to HUL. Trent Limited has since become one of India's largest and swiftest expanding retail chains, encompassing a diverse array of brands, as per industry reports.

ZUDIO

The allure of stylish yet affordable fashion is drawing an increasing number of young individuals to opt for ZUDIO, a brand falling under Trent Limited, a division of the Tata Group, one of India's largest conglomerates, which owns this retail clothing line.

Big Basket

Tata Group currently possesses BigBasket, an online supermarket headquartered in Bangalore, India, established in 2011 as India's pioneer online grocery provider. The registered company behind this enterprise is Supermarket Grocery Supplies Pvt. Ltd. In 2021, Tata Group acquired BigBasket through a subsidiary, securing a 64% stake in the company, which they initially acquired when it operated as a software startup.

Fastrack

With a presence in 158 distinctive Fastrack outlets spanning over 79 cities, along with authorised multi-brand stores and an online platform, Fastrack has established a nationwide retail footprint. Recognised as the preeminent youth fashion brand in the country, Fastrack originated as a sub-brand of Titan Watches, under the umbrella of the Titan Company—a collaboration between the Tata Group and the Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO). It has since evolved to become the preferred choice among the youth of India.

Cult.fit

Cult enhances the joy and ease of exercise through elite trainers and a diverse range of group fitness classes, spanning from yoga to boxing. They employ do-it-yourself (DIY) workout DVDs, enabling workouts both at Cult centers and at home, delivering a top-tier experience through cutting-edge technology. Tata has extended support to Cult.fit, investing in this fitness startup and holding a minority ownership stake.

Taj Hotels

The Indian Hotels Company Limited, headquartered in Mumbai, India, serves as the parent entity for the luxurious Taj Hotels chain. Founded in 1902 by Jamsetji Tata, it is a proud member of the Tata Group.

Jaguar

Tata Motors, an Indian company, currently holds ownership of Jaguar, a brand originally of British origin. In 2008, Tata Motors acquired Jaguar and Land Rover from Ford, forming Jaguar Land Rover. Despite changes in ownership over the years, Jaguar's headquarters remains situated in Coventry, England, and the majority of its vehicles are still manufactured in this location.