In 1962, G Munusamy arrived in Chennai with just Rs 1, beginning a journey that would eventually lead to the creation of Kaleesuwari Refinery, the company behind the Gold Winner edible oil brand. More than six decades later, the business has grown into a company with consolidated revenue of Rs 5,862 crore in FY25, according to Tracxn data.
Munusamy was 15 when he left home to look for work. His first job was at a grocery shop, where he learnt the basics of trading, inventory management and customer relationships. Rather than formal business training, his early education came from observing how a shop operated and understanding what customers wanted.
In a YouTube podcast with Gobinath, Munusamy recalled the values instilled in him by his parents, who encouraged him to earn his livelihood through his own labour rather than depend on handouts.
That experience shaped his approach to business, particularly his emphasis on understanding the market and maintaining close control over operations.
Munusamy moved from employment to running his own business in 1968. Kaleesuwari's business journey subsequently took shape in Chennai, where the company established its presence in edible oils in 1973.