Biscuits hold a special place in the hearts of many, evoking memories of childhood and home. In Bengali households, biscuits and cookies have become an integral part of breakfast and evening snacks. The industry has a rich history in Bengal, with companies like Kolay Biscuits once dominating the market. Kolay Biscuits was founded by Jagannath Kolay, a prominent Congress leader, in 1948. The company quickly established itself as a major brand in the eastern region, competing with other popular brands like Parle G biscuits.
Kolay Biscuits was known for its high-quality products, including glucose biscuits and Lacto Bonbon lozenges, which were popular not only in India but also abroad. The company’s success was fueled by its innovative packaging, which featured aesthetically pleasing designs and paintings on tin boxes. In the 1970s, the company’s advertisements even featured Bengali matinee idol Uttam Kumar, further increasing its popularity.
However, despite its success, Kolay Biscuits’ journey came to an abrupt end due to family squabbles, fragmentation of property, and inability to withstand increasing competition. The company failed to invest in timely modernization, leading to its decline and eventual closure. Today, Kolay Biscuit Co Pvt Ltd is under liquidation, marking the end of an era for the renowned brand.
The closure of Kolay Biscuits is a significant loss for West Bengal’s industrial scenario, which is already precarious. The company’s demise serves as a reminder of the importance of adapting to changing market conditions and investing in modernization to stay competitive. Nevertheless, the nostalgia associated with the brand remains, with many e-marketing sites still advertising vintage collectible Kolay Biscuits products.
The story of Kolay Biscuits is also closely tied to the history of the Indian biscuit industry, which flourished in the latter half of the 20th century. The idea of “economic swadeshi” emerged in the late 19th century, with the goal of promoting Indian-made products and reducing dependence on foreign goods. This movement gained momentum during the anti-Partition movement in Bengal in 1905 and continued to influence consumer culture in the decades that followed.
In the post-Independence era, many Bengali leaders turned entrepreneurs, and Kolay Biscuits was one of the companies that benefited from this trend. However, the company’s failure to adapt to changing market conditions ultimately led to its demise. As the liquidation process comes to a close, it is clear that the golden era of Kolay Biscuits has come to an end, leaving behind only fond memories of a bygone era.