About ABI Group · Est. 1993
33 years of building, from Thoothukudi.
ABI Group of Companies was established in 1993 with a vision to render an array of services and to reach a large consumer base with various products. What began as a single distribution venture is today a family of businesses across manufacturing, food, media, retail, services and community.
Our story
Our first venture was the distribution of soft drinks — work that, through sincerity and dedication, grew exponentially. Alongside it we began transporting fresh water from our own bore wells to hotels, industries and the harbour. Both taught us what would define every ABI business since: reliability, and respect for the people we serve.
Inspired by that success, we entered entertainment in 2004 with SDR TV, providing quality programmes equipped with the latest technology. ABI TV and ABI Music followed in 2007.
With a vision to diversify, we next turned to manufacturing activated carbon, set up in 2009 as a 100% export-oriented unit. More success followed as the group grew across sectors — from food and retail to media, services and community work.
All our products conform to the standards and quality norms set by the international market. The wide spectrum of chemicals and products we make is pure, safe and available at a cost-effective price. And throughout, ABI has been actively involved in philanthropy — providing education and saving lives through blood donation.
Our founder
Dr. S.D. Ponseelan
Founder, Chairman & Managing Director
Dr. S.D. Ponseelan learned the ropes of business working in his father’s transport business in Tuticorin. In 1993 he laid the foundation of what would grow to become the ABI Group of Companies.
A visionary entrepreneur and committed philanthropist, he paved the way into transport, media, manufacturing and retail — always favouring constant, steady progress over rapid growth, and turning difficulties into opportunities.
“Manpower is one of the precious investments for a company.”
Our journey
From one venture to thirteen.
1993: The first venture
Dr. S.D. Ponseelan founds ABI in Thoothukudi, starting with the distribution of soft drinks and the transport of fresh water to hotels, industries and the harbour.
2004: On air with SDR TV
Inspired by that success, the group enters entertainment with SDR TV — quality local programming equipped with the latest technology.
2007: ABI TV & ABI Music
Two more Tamil channels launch, and ABI Media Network becomes part of everyday life in Thoothukudi.
2008: ABI Solutions
A software and web development company is founded to create technology careers right here in Thoothukudi.
2009: Activated carbon for the world
ABI Technochem, incorporated the year before, begins manufacturing coconut-shell activated carbon as a 100% export-oriented unit.
2009: Caring for families
ABI Fanci Babi opens its doors, and the ABI Blood Donors Club is formed to connect donors with patients in need.
2013: ABI Confectionery
ABI Confectionery is incorporated to make ABI Macroonns — Thoothukudi's much-loved cashew macaroons, made for a new generation.
2020: SDR Restaurant & Cafe
The group brings its hospitality to the table with SDR Restaurant & Cafe on Ettayapuram Road.
Today: A family of thirteen
Confectionery, carbons, retail and solutions — alongside hospitality, transport, a trust and a club that give back.
What we value
As a company, and as individuals, we hold ourselves accountable to our customers, partners and employees — honouring our commitments and striving for the highest quality.
- 01Integrity
- 02Honesty
- 03Openness
- 04Personal excellence
- 05Constructive self-criticism
- 06Continual self-improvement
- 07Mutual respect
- Our visionTo render an array of services and reach a large consumer base with various products.
The group structure
Ten entities under one group — limited companies, proprietorship concerns and non-profit organisations.
Limited companies
Proprietorship concerns
Non-profit organisations
Our home
Thoothukudi, the Pearl City.
Every ABI business is rooted in Thoothukudi (Tuticorin) on the Gulf of Mannar. Our activated carbon plant sits close to the port and about 15 km from the airport — giving our exports short, reliable road and sea links to the world.
Work with us
Partner with a group that has kept its word since 1993 — and is still growing.
