Discovery takes stake in India’s FoodFood

Arthur Bastings

Discovery has taken a majority stake in FoodFood, the Indian culinary net.

The deal sees Discovery join forces with Indian foodie star Sanjeev Kapoor, who will be a minority shareholder in the channel and stay on as a presenter and ambassador.

Specifically, Discovery has bought a majority stake in Turmeric Vision, which operates FoodFood.

The net will sit alongside its other lifestyle offerings in India, which include TLC and ID.

Discovery said it will support FoodFood’s 100-local programming strategy, and it will sell ads on the channel.

India’s iconic food personality, pioneer of food programming on television, celebrated entrepreneur and author of best-selling cookbooks, Sanjeev Kapoor, will continue to star in and produce programming for FoodFood as its brand ambassador, and will remain a minority shareholder in the business.

Arthur Bastings, president & managing director, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific, said, “We are excited to partner with the exceptionally talented team, including culinary guru Sanjeev Kapoor, who singlehandedly revolutionised the food television genre in India.

“Sanjeev’s creative flair and personality combined with Discovery’s content and operational expertise is the perfect recipe for FoodFood’s evolution.”

Bastings added that Discovery plans to take the channel brand beyond India. “We look forward to deepening FoodFood’s engagement, particularly in digital, and widening its community outside of India,” he said.

The deal needs regulatory approval.