MTR Launches New North Karnataka Range: Groundnut, Nigerseed and Flax Seed Chutney Podi, Masala Khara
Hubballi, August 17, 2026: MTR Foods, the food brand operated by Orkla India Limited, has launched a new range of North Karnataka-inspired food products, strengthening its focus on regional flavours and culinary traditions.
The new range includes Groundnut Chutney Podi (Shenga), Nigerseed Chutney Podi (Gurellu), Flax Seed Chutney Podi (Agasi) and Masala Khara.
The products have been developed specifically for consumers in North Karnataka and are inspired by the region’s traditional food habits.
Four New MTR Products Launched
The new MTR range includes four products:
- MTR Groundnut Chutney Podi (Shenga) – ₹49
- MTR Nigerseed Chutney Podi (Gurellu) – ₹55
- MTR Flax Seed Chutney Podi (Agasi) – ₹49
- MTR Masala Khara – ₹65
According to the company, the products are inspired by flavours commonly consumed across North Karnataka households.
Inspired by North Karnataka’s Culinary Traditions
Chutney podis made from ingredients such as groundnut, nigerseed and flaxseed are traditional staples in North Karnataka cuisine.
They are commonly enjoyed alongside jolada rotti and other regional dishes.
MTR said these products are consumed in nearly 8 out of 10 households in the region, highlighting their role in everyday meals.
The new range has been developed around the thought “Inspired by the kitchens of North Karnataka”, with the objective of bringing familiar regional flavours into a packaged format while maintaining the brand’s focus on quality and consistency.
MTR Expands Its Regional Product Strategy
The launch is part of MTR’s broader effort to celebrate Karnataka’s diverse culinary traditions.
The company has previously introduced products such as MTR Byadagi Chilli and MTR Dharwad Peda, and the latest chutney podi and Masala Khara range further expands its North Karnataka-focused portfolio.
MTR said the products are designed to reflect the region’s distinctive ingredients, flavours and food culture.
Consumer Research Behind New Products
MTR Foods said the new products were developed after studying North Karnataka’s food culture and consumer preferences.
The company worked with homemakers and conducted extensive consumer testing to ensure that the products reflected local tastes and ingredients.
According to MTR, the objective was to combine the flavours consumers are familiar with while maintaining the brand’s promise of authenticity.
CEO Commentary
Sunay Bhasin, CEO, MTR Foods, said the company sees a responsibility to celebrate the diversity of Karnataka’s culinary traditions.
He said every region has its own food culture shaped by generations of recipes, ingredients and eating habits, and MTR aims to make these regional food traditions more accessible through packaged products.
The company also described itself as a custodian of Karnataka’s culinary heritage while focusing on quality, hygiene and consistency.
Where Will the Products Be Available?
The new MTR products will be available through multiple retail and digital channels, including:
- General Trade (GT)
- Modern Trade (MT)
- Namma MTR stores
- Leading e-commerce platforms
The company plans to support the launch with a hyperlocal marketing strategy covering digital content, retail branding, outdoor activations, influencer-led initiatives and on-ground consumer engagement.
MTR’s North Karnataka Focus
The latest launch strengthens MTR’s engagement with consumers in North Karnataka through products specifically developed around local food habits.
By combining regional flavours with packaged-food convenience, MTR is seeking to expand its presence among consumers who prefer familiar traditional foods while also looking for convenience and consistent quality.
About MTR Foods
MTR Foods is a business unit of Orkla India Limited and offers food products across categories including breakfast mixes, spices and masalas, ready-to-eat foods, beverages, sweets and other food products.
The company has a portfolio focused on authentic Indian flavours and serves consumers in India as well as international markets.
Investor Takeaway
For Orkla India, the launch highlights its strategy of using regionalisation and hyperlocal product innovation to strengthen consumer engagement.
The four new products allow MTR to target established consumption habits in North Karnataka while expanding its packaged-food portfolio.
The key factors to watch will be consumer adoption, distribution expansion, repeat purchases and the contribution of regional products to MTR’s overall growth.
Company: Orkla India Limited
NSE Symbol: ORKLAINDIA
BSE Scrip Code: 544595
Launch Date: August 17, 2026
Products: Groundnut Chutney Podi, Nigerseed Chutney Podi, Flax Seed Chutney Podi and Masala Khara
This article is based on Orkla India Limited’s press release dated August 17, 2026. Product prices and availability are as stated by the company in the announcement.