2021 | Vol. 11 | Issue 03 Choices Choices
Brick-and-mortar stores vs. Online shopping
Future Forecast
Robotics and Retail: What does the future look like?
India's
RETAIL Companies
IG
2021
International
Editor’s Note R
etailing may be traced back to the barter system, which involved the trading of items. The business function has evolved from producer-to-consumer to business-to-consumer as human civilization progressed.
THE EVEREVOLVING RETAIL INDUSTRY
In India, the barter system is regarded as the oldest method of retail. Then there are the retail forms that have been a part of the Indian landscape since the medieval period, such as Haats, Mandis, and Melas. For centuries, the majority of items were sold in these retail formats of the local marketplace, which functioned on a weekly basis by showcasing their produce. Because the travel was long and slow, people relied on local sources of supply for perishable items. Customers journeyed considerable distances for regular items and specialty things, while traders fetched from overseas. International trade has been there since the dawn of humankind. Aside from these local marketplaces, peddlers traveled large distances to deliver supplies to areas where goods were in limited supply. With revolutionary changes occurring since long in the global economy and the increased necessity of commercial operation seven days a week, 24 hours a day, the retail industry has been through a paradigm shift around the world.
Sayali Sangewar Managing editor
sayali.sangewar@insightssuccess.in
Today’s globe has become a global village; consumerism has significantly influenced the modern retail company, and technological advancements have produced immense possibilities to conduct retail. With the introduction of the internet, the retail industry has grown dramatically. This has benefitted the scaling of economies as well as the development of commerce beyond geographical borders at the B2B and B2C levels. Online shopping has seen an upward growth in the past few years, and it is growing by the day. Several studies have shown that the Indian retail market is one of the world’s most happening marketplaces. The retail industry is one of the institutions of the Indian economy, contributing to a growth rate of around 10% of total GDP and an employment rate of approximately 8%. The Indian retail business is predicted to have a promising future, with several chances for advancement and expansion. To know more about the retail industry, this
edition of Insights Success brings you some exceptional companies with detailed knowledge about the domain. Let’s dive into this edition titled, India's Fastest Growing Retail Companies - 2021, to learn the know-how of this vast field. With the varied knowledge and expert opinions, we are sure you will enjoy the ongoing shifts of the retail industry. Have a fruitful read!
Articles
Choices Choices
Brick-and-mortar stores vs. Online shopping
16
Future Forecast
Robotics and Retail: What does the future look like?
24
20 Fipola Providing the Best Services with a Solid Customer base
C O N T E N T S
28
Nature Pearls Pvt. Ltd. An Unmatched Expertise in Organic Agri-business
Expanding the Exotic Fresh Fruit Industry
08
COVER STORY
Editor-in-Chief Sumita Sarkar Deputy Editor Abhishaj Sajeev Managing Editor Sayali Sangewar
sales@insightssuccess.com
Assisting Editor Aditya Umale
NOVEMBER, 2021
Contributing Writer Abhishek Joshi
Corporate Offices: Designing Head Vishal Pawar Designer Rashmi Singh
Operations Head Megha Mishra
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Asst. Manager Ashwini Pahurkar Business Development Lead Neha Bhadane Business Development Executive Shubhangi Tenkale
Technical Head Prachi Mokashi Technical Specialist Amar Sawant
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Digital Marketing Manager Amol Wadekar SME-SMO Executive Atul Dhoran Circulation Manager Tanaji
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India's 2021
Retail Companies Company Name
Management
Brief
IG International Pvt Ltd
Tarun Arora Director
IG International is one of the top fresh fruits importers in India. With 50+ years of experience, it has developed an efficient supply chain of providing high-quality fresh fruits.
Fipola Retail
Sushil Kanugolu Founder and CEO
Fipola's mission is to redefine meat retailing in the country by delivering premium products and best in class customer service within a hygienic and convenient shopping environment.
NATURE PEARLS PRIVATE LIMITED
Ajay Katyal Managing Director
Nature Pearls brings ecological sustainability, green farming and a wholesome food experience are the mainstay of its vision and dedication.
Ecohoy
Aayush S Founder
Ecohoy strives to divert people’s attention to the environment and aim to catalyze change, not tomorrow but today and beginning now.
Dinshaw's
Jimmy Rana Managing Director
Dinshaw's are together here to delight and satisfy all consumers by continuous improvement of product quality product innovation product presentation.
Expanding the Exotic Fresh Fruit Industry
Cover Story
Our goal is to see IG become the largest volume player in the fresh fruit business in Asia
India's 2021
Retail Companies
D
o you know consumption of two Kiwi fruits daily provides more fiber than a bowl of bran cereal? There is a plethora of nutritious and juicy fruits that are produced all over the world that are unique to every respective country, right from ‘Creamy Avocados’ to ‘Pulpy Plum.’ Every fruit contributes significantly to the wellbeing of the human body. Consumption of fruits replenishes the body and provides energy that can prevent certain illnesses. In India we can find a wide variety of fruits, however it lacks the availability of the premium nutritious fruits that are produced outside India. This gap is filled by IG International, which is one of the largest importers of Fresh Fruits in India. It offers premium fruits that are freshly imported from various countries. In existence for more than 50 years, IG has built a robust supply chain with a strong overseas procurement network and strategic sourcing on one side—and an extensive distribution network throughout India, on the other. “We source our produce—premium club varieties and exotic fresh fruits, from reputed growers, cultivars, and marketers from across the world. With more than 50 varieties, we have one of the most extensive ranges of imported fruits that we offer to our Indian consumers. says Mr. Tarun Arora, Director of IG International Pvt. Ltd. The company has the largest number of wholesale outlets in the imported fresh fruits industry in India. Its distribution
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We should be able to proactively think about how we can move ahead with technology
network spans deep and wide across India’s geography with a presence in both organized as well as informal markets. Mr. Arora’s visionary thought process, extraordinary experience and acumen has transformed the market of fresh produce globally. He advises, “Work hard for what you want because it will not come to you without a fight. You have to be strong and courageous and know that you can do anything you put your mind to.” IG has made large infrastructural investments in cold chain logistics. Its cold storage and temperature-controlled warehousing are strategically located throughout India and is supported by an extensive fleet of refrigerated trucks that enables it to extend its reach to the farthest corners of the country. Apart from the physical presence, it also markets the products on e-commerce platforms. To broaden the supply, the company has ventured into orchards and growers with its farms in India and the Czech Republic—producing licensed premium club variety Blueberries, Apples, Cherries, and other fruits. IG is committed to environmental and sustainable growth that reflects in the long-term as well as day-to-day operational activities. It has integrated the policies and strategic planning with sustainable development practices. “To cherish the fruit of a golden tomorrow, for us and our next generation, we are doing whatever it takes to minimize the environmental impact,” says Mr. Arora. The Idea Behind its Presence With the coming of digital markets and e-commerce, venturing into e-retail was the natural choice for expansion. And the pandemic gave a huge push. There has been a significant shift in the way people shop, going digital from the traditional method, and as perishable like vegetables, milk and groceries started getting available in e-shops, there was no looking back. The pandemic also altered people’s preferences making healthy food choices a more common practice. With IG’s delivery and last-mile fulfillment mechanism already in place, its products perfectly match the healthy trend, and found it very appropriate to venture into retailing. Products Offered The company offers the highest quality freshly imported fruits to its customers. It has more than 50 varieties of
premium fruits from around the world in its portfolio which it makes available to its customers throughout India the entire year. It is also the pioneer in introducing newer variants of fresh fruits in India. These varieties are produced by genetics and crossbreeding. As and when such fruits are available in global markets, that are certified safe for human consumption, then the company brings them home for its Indian consumers. Constructive Challenges When asked about the challenges faced by the company when entering the retail sector to which, Mr. Arora said “The greatest challenge is our product itself, which is perishable. To preserve the freshness of the product, to keep the fruits fresh and safe for consumption from faraway distant orchards to the doorstep of our customer is a challenge we have to overcome every day.” “With our extensive fleet of reefer trucks, we effectively manage our last-mile deliveries. Besides the other challenges like attracting new customers, retaining
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One needs to learn from their failures and have the endurance to move in the direction of the business model
customers, and keeping up with their changing expectations, threat from competitors, etc., are always there unlike in any other business,” says Mr Arora. The Pandemic Hope The pandemic has had a significant impact on the lives and livelihoods of almost everyone, and it had its fair share in the business as well. Operational challenges mounted due to restricted movement and disrupted supply lines during the pandemic. As the pandemic unfolded the focus continued to be on the company’s people’s health and safety, ensuring uninterrupted supplies of imported fruits, meeting the demand arising out of evolving consumer needs, caring for the communities in which it operates, and finally, protecting its business model. There was a significant change in what consumers buy and where they shop — from online shopping to rising concern about health, hygiene, sanitation, and nutrition, it strives to meet these changing needs. It does so by launching innovations, shifting to newer ways of reaching consumers, and connecting with communities. Furthermore, over decades of international trade of fresh produce made IG resilient and adaptive. It has to always live with the unpredictable nature of fluctuating demand for highly perishable products. So, the pandemic was just one more thing that required a determined and resolute response. Not the kind of crisis anyone expected, of course, but also not a situation that undermined the basic need to deliver food to market. At IG, the ability to adapt, not just to endure sailed it through this crisis. It was quick to respond to the need for safety both for its employees and the customers as well. The company vaccinated its workers as soon as vaccines were made available to the corporates. It made the working places safe by following the safety mandates as laid down by the authorities, gifting its regular customers with safety kits, and assuring them through regular communication that its outlets are safe places to visit. And finally, the relentless commitment and dedication of every member of the IG family helped the business overcome the many challenges of the past years. Advice for the Young When asked about the advice for young generation entrepreneurs who want to make a mark in the retail sector
to which he said, "Retail is ever-expanding and there to stay. There is room for everyone. But you must have a clear business model to succeed. You may see many failures before you succeed.” Creating a sense of purpose for oneself along with working hard and smart is the essence according to Mr Arora. Future Thrill Mr. Arora says “The organized fresh produce industry is nascent in India, compared to the West, or China, Singapore, etc. Our goal is to turn this challenge into an opportunity and become a household name, a brand.” The company wants everyone in India - be it a buyer, a seller, or a consumer to recall IG as the first name for imported fruits and the value it delivers. “With the changes that are happening all around us, we have no choice but to participate in the process. For example, the way digitization and technology have gripped us all, any presence outside its ambit is unthinkable,” adds Mr Arora. For the company to be in the leading position, he thinks that they should be able to foresee the change before they are pushed into it. Present Situation In India, the retail sector is evolving every day. With growing awareness among consumers, rise in disposable incomes, changing behavior and lifestyles, consumers are becoming more demanding. The retailers need to respond to meet this new customer by being more innovative and by finding newer ways to sell. The company is witnessing the integration of online and offline formats at the retailer’s end. Almost every retailer is adopting digital ways at a breathtaking pace and is investing in technology to improve the quality of services. Retailers are transforming merchandise, adopting new marketing techniques, changing presence and appeal to remain relevant for their customers. The company sees this evolution, this disruption, to open new opportunities and drive change in the sector. At IG, the ability to adapt, not just to endure sailed it through this crisis. It was quick to respond to the need for safety both for its employees and the customers as well. The company vaccinated its workers as soon as vaccines were made available to the corporates. It made the working places safe by following the safety mandates as laid down by the authorities, gifting its regular
““
We have to just keep ourself on our toes, always!
customers with safety kits, and assuring them through regular communication that its outlets are safe places to visit. And finally, the relentless commitment and dedication of every member of the IG family helped the business overcome the many challenges of the past years. Advice for the Young When asked about the advice for young generation entrepreneurs who want to make a mark in the retail sector to which he said, "Retail is ever-expanding and there to stay. There is room for everyone. But you must have a clear business model to succeed. You may see many failures before you succeed.” Creating a sense of purpose for oneself along with working hard and smart is the essence according to Mr Arora. Future Thrill Mr. Arora says “The organized fresh produce industry is nascent in India, compared to the West, or China, Singapore, etc. Our goal is to turn this challenge into an opportunity and become a household name, a brand.” The company wants everyone in India - be it a buyer, a seller, or a consumer to recall IG as the first name for imported fruits and the value it delivers. “With the changes that are happening all around us, we have no choice but to participate in the process. For example, the way digitization and technology have gripped us all, any presence outside its ambit is unthinkable,” adds Mr Arora. For the company to be in the leading position, he
thinks that they should be able to foresee the change before they are pushed into it. Present Situation In India, the retail sector is evolving every day. With growing awareness among consumers, rise in disposable incomes, changing behavior and lifestyles, consumers are becoming more demanding. The retailers need to respond to meet this new customer by being more innovative and by finding newer ways to sell. The company is witnessing the integration of online and offline formats at the retailer’s end. Almost every retailer is adopting digital ways at a breathtaking pace and is investing in technology to improve the quality of services. Retailers are transforming merchandise, adopting new marketing techniques, changing presence and appeal to remain relevant for their customers. The company sees this evolution, this disruption, to open new opportunities and drive change in the sector.
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rick -andrtar stores
m
vs.
Online shopping
16 NOVEMBER 2021
Choices Choices
W
hen it comes to shopping and accessible business, the e-commerce platforms and walkin stores are conveniently accessible. Though, it is up to the individuals what choices they make, and which platform they refer at their first thought. Well, having a basic idea of the differences and similarities between these stores will guide you to make your choices.
The basic difference between brick-and-mortar stores vs. online shopping In simple words, brick-and-mortar store is a term which is referred to as walk-in shops, where customers can physically check-in and explore the products before buying anything. All the departmental stores, shopping malls, streets shops fall under this category. On the other hand, online shopping is a portal where people can explore and filter the products as per their requirements. E-commerce, a virtual platform on the internet provides diverse options in all categories like clothing, healthcare, basic accessories, and much more. Let us explore more and know the key differences between these two business platforms. Location The most important fundamental that differentiates two types of businesses is where these businesses are selling or want to sell their products.
17 NOVEMBER 2021
eCommerce business: eCommerce is a platform for the stores that sell their products online, providing access to their customers to shop from anywhere. Online stores have a huge advantage over physical retail shops as they are fulfilling their customer requirements globally. Another big reason why eCommerce platforms flourish is that it allows the customer to buy the products by reducing the time and additional efforts with suitable delivery options. eCommerce is undoubtedly an excellent solution, but the customers cannot physically check the products until they are delivered to their doorstep and especially when an individual wants to buy something, for example, clothes. Customers cannot try it until the product is delivered and if there is any issue with the size, it is a loophole in the return and exchange process. This might make the customer hesitant to buy.
Brick-and-mortar stores: Normally referred to as walk-in stores, where customers can physically check and buy the products in person. However, customers must visit these stores at their locations, where they exist, to buy the products as per their requirements. Limitations to these stores are they can only cater for the customers who are walking in and exploring their products.
These stores also have a limitation of convenience as they are only accessible to the customers who reside nearby or within a few miles, where the store is located. Another important thing is customers can only buy the products to which that store is related with. So, it is not, ‘one-stop, buy all’ place, whereas eCommerce has a variety of products related with distinct categories that customers can buy in one go. Customer connections Any business should be able to establish a stable relationship with the customer to generate higher revenues. eCommerce connections: This platform cannot see the clients physically, so it is more important for the sellers using eCommerce to get creative to establish a stable and valuable seller-customer connection. Popular methods mostly include the use of social media, texts, e-mails, live chats, and phone calls. These methods can reach customers over a wide range of channels, which is excellent to establish new connections. Walk-in store connections: Physical stores have an advantage, where they can have a face-to-face conversation with their clients. They can also utilize social media platforms and other means of communication like e-mails, texts, etc. to update their customers about the latest updates, ongoing offers, with additional discounts.
tele-commercials. This is the best way possible to reach a global audience, in a brief time. Using social media advertisements is an effective way to increase customer engagement. Walk-in store marketing: These stores also use social media channels, with an additional touch of traditional methods like print media, broadcast promotions, and digital signage for their advertisements. These methods are effective for promotions and advertisements in targeting a specific audience of a particular location. Operation expenses Let it be an eCommerce platform or a brick-and-mortar store, there is an initial amount that these companies must invest for executing their operations properly. eCommerce operation expenses: Several expenses for an eCommerce platform include charges of website handling, social media promotions, and additional marketing. Operating costs include shipping charges, storage maintenance, distribution, and application handling charges. Additional rental charges also apply if a specific eCommerce store is utilizing office space. Walk-in store operation expenses: Mostly, walk-in stores ought to look after rental and shop maintenance charges monthly, quarterly, or yearly, depending on the lease. Additional costs include salaries of the employees and amenities which they are providing within their store.
Marketing Marketing and promotion of the brand is the most crucial factor in any business as it is the base to target customers, which leads to the establishment of the brand and maintaining a good image within their target audience.
Looking at the fundamentals and working principles, aforementioned are the factors that differ in eCommerce and brick-and-mortar stores, and it is up to the individuals what choice they make, and which platform for shopping or business they refer at their first thought.
eCommerce marketing: Most of the online stores choose to promote their business with social media promotion or - Abhishek Joshi
18 NOVEMBER 2021
Providing the Best Services with a Solid Customer base
Many functions take place while preserving/processing the meat. Retailers make sure that the meat is fresh, cleaned thoroughly, preserved correctly, and packaged well. The best is served to the clients. After the pandemic, it is more important to take care of the food you are eating and where you are buying it. Meat is one of the most important food types that is treasured in India. In many regions of India, meat is the staple food. Fipola is one retailing company that provides several options to buy meat in different regions. It ensures quality and hygiene and is one of the best in the retail meat market. Fipola deals with all kinds of products related to Meat, Seafood, Gravies, Sauces, Cold Cuts, Masala, and all accessory products that make it a Meat Super Store. Fipola Retail India, an omnichannel meat D2C (Direct to consumer) meat and seafood retail business centred is in South India. Fipola's objective has always been to redefine meat retailing in the country by providing quality goods and best-in-class customer service in a clean and pleasant shopping environment. The Visionary Genesis Fipola’s inception story started in 2016, when Sushil Kanugolu, Founder and CEO of Fipola, after his
20 NOVEMBER 2021
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We envision this company to become the strongest leading Meat Super Store in India and later in South Asia
“
W
hat comes to your mind when you buy meat? Freshness, Hygiene, Healthy meat are a few of the concerns that arise in the mind while buying. Will you prefer purchasing meat from a roadside vendor or a butcher shop, or a retailer?
business study in Manchester, United Kingdom, returned to India with his experience working in meat retail from the UK. He took over his 37-year-old family business of seafood exports and gave it a modern form, and successfully turned it into a roaring affair. With this confidence, he started Fipola Retail India, south India’s first modern meat retail company in Chennai. After the inception of Fipola Retail India, several other players also entered into rendering similar kinds of service to customers. Many failed, and some are still struggling to prove a point. But like Sushil, today India believes that meat retail has to take this modern step, and from millions of unorganized meat retails, the organized
India's Fastest Growing Retail Companies- 2021
Sushil Kanugolu Founder and CEO
21 NOVEMBER 2021
ones will stand out and thrive in the future. The business was always bootstrapped for the initial four years. But, now, as the company has leaped several folds, funding has been necessary to first spread across South India and then progressively in the entire country.
journey. In the last year, it also diversified into three more companies like Mediumrare, Grill House, and SourceFresh. It also started expanding its stores to other cities like Coimbatore, Hyderabad, Vellore Puducherry, Tirupur; and in future to Bengaluru.
Overcoming Obstacles Every business had faced its rise and falls during COVID-19. Organizing resources to work for procuring raw materials to sell has always been a challenge during the fearsome pandemic. But Fipola stood out from all others and proved a point by selling essential goods that were necessary for its customers during the lockdown. In fact, it started doing better than normal times. The pandemic has become an opportunity rather than a reason to slow down.
Advice from the Best During these hardest times that the human race has ever faced since its evolution, today, surviving is the biggest challenge for anyone. After emerging victorious over other business players, Sushil Kanugolu wants to give a tip to the world, “Do not waste time waiting for the good times to come back or do not stay back with living in your glorious past, spring up immediately with time and environment and bounce back. Think of an idea that can survive in the circumstances and work towards it. It may be entirely different from what you have been doing. But it does not matter. Bouncing back and surviving is the most important thing here.”
Fipola has its own unique ways to retain its customers or even increase them organically. The no-tolerance policy for customer complaints help its customer contact teams realize that the customer is the most important part of the puzzle. “We replace or refund our goods to every challenge faced by the customer during their purchase journey,” says Sushil. Leading to a Bright Future Fipola has already started seeing the great fruits of its
“I suggest the safest bit is to cling to a business involving essential commodities, which can never let you down. There is even no competition for n-number of players thronging up on any essential goods business, as it is the only thing that human race will strive for in times like these,” says Sushil.
R
24 NOVEMBER 2021
b
ti s
and
Future Forecast
Retail: What does the
?
future look like
I
n the recent developments, we have experienced: robots taking over assembly units in the automobile industry, health care units, with enhanced automation and boosting up the performance of their services. The evolution in technology has its impact on robotics today has successfully created a multi-dimensional system with an integration of digital elements such as cloud technology and analytics. The advantage of these factors is pointing towards enhanced automation and is creating efficient progress in the retail supply chain and retailers have already realized, this technology can expand and lead to a bigger picture of the retail industry as robotics can drive innovation and can be infused into every stage of the retail value chain to fuel sustainable growth. Nonetheless, artificial intelligence, enhanced automation, analytics, and machine learning can drive customer engagement to a succeeding level. Enhancing the logistics and supply chains Robotics are driving innovation, from logistics and supply chains to basic operations in stores, merchandising, and
25 NOVEMBER 2021
improving customer experiences, to help and boost up all the top and bottom-line outcomes. Online retailers are developing user-personalized AI systems for customers and businesses, pointing towards the improvement of their services. There is surety of bulk load in work with consistency in the retail industry which opens doors to infuse the use of robotics for their end-to-end operations. It will eventually provide the company with sufficient speed and help the corporation to maintain zero-defect logistics, product picking and delivery and minimize the negative experience, to fulfil the customers’ requirements properly. Robotics in the retail value chain Robotics will transform the distribution centre operations with their incredible speed and accuracy as the new generations of robotics, automation tools and technologies have the capability to process valuable information and increase productivity. From single to multiple task execution in an efficient manner, robotics can track and minimize complex tasks precisely with effective solutions.
This will result in an increase in productivity with minimal effort. Robotics has the capabilities to handle and execute operations such as monitoring the stock and the inventory that will enable the retail supplies to achieve sizeable savings from stock-out shortages, losses, and shrinkage due to some manual administrative errors, which robotics can rectify in the initial stage while updating the stocklists. It also offers flexibility to the retailers to upgrade the sales functions upgrades, to drive up for higher sale numbers with an objective that will enhance the equity of the organization. As the robotic services are increasing day-by-day in executing warehouse operations to shops upfront, embedded artificial intelligence used in robotics will allow drastic transformation in retails with respect to their customer interactions. Whereas the sensor-based robots will assist the customers to fulfil their requirements with a personalized product recommendation as they constantly monitor the data from the customers using the internet of things. These AI systems can fetch the interest of their customers with their purchase history and recent interactions with the category of the products they are looking for. Intelligence in merchandising and in-store operations The humanoid robots that will be driven by AI, would be designed, and programmed to chat with their customers and provide them with certain recommendations. Setting up a good example of how robots will drive and enhance customer engagement and experience. It will help the retailers to monitor the demands and new emerging trends in the products driving the market. These robots will also use their robotic arms to pick up the merchandise from the stores that customers choose through the touch screen devices installed in the stores. The digital
26 NOVEMBER 2021
revolution in the retail industry will set up new techniques to personalize customers’ shopping experience with the intersection of robotics with multiple enhanced features like the internet of things and AI. The innovative applications and the impact of robotics in the industry will offer tremendous potential and widespread opportunities. The robots will track, monitor, and analyse customer requirements and operational robotics will reduce the efforts with their exceptional programming to boost up and manage the operations. Such innovations will be bound to provide benefits for customers and the retails, significantly. Enhancing customer experiences The organizations will rethink the means that are currently adopted to analyse customer requirements and points of interest. Dedicated marketing intelligence departments will process the data by the internet of things, sensors, cookies that will track customer insights and provide effective solutions that will eventually increase customer services, efficient automation for effective follow-up process, quick recognition of the issues with a solution to correct customer issues. Also, the use of virtual reality and augmented reality will be used on a bigger scale to provide an engaging and attractive experience for the customers in the virtual environment. Future-ready Robots also have the ability to manipulate and demonstrate efficient functioning in a complex working environment where creative skills are a necessity. Robotics in retail has moved to facial and voice recognition features with enhanced interpretations, responses, and improved reactions. However, this technology will excel the functioning of the retail industry in the future, as the technology is constantly upgrading itself to greater heights. - Abhishek Joshi
India's Fastest Growing Retail Companies- 2021
Pvt. Ltd.
An Unmatched Expertise in Organic Agri-business
N
ature’s best gift to mankind is food. How do you want your food to be? Organic, fresh, and in its purest form, right? Today, new methods have evolved to yield crops, but all of them are not organic. It is of utmost importance to have food in its purest form. The wholesome experience of food should be the vision of every agri-business. One company with the same concept is Nature Pearls Pvt Ltd. Nature Pearls brings food in its purest, cleanest, and most natural form. At Nature Pearls, careful planning of food at the farm level and integrated production techniques coupled with its years of experience in the organic industry ensure a healthy, salubrious, and virtuous experience for the discerning food connoisseurs across the globe. Initial Stages Nature Pearls started in 2014 with the top management possessing more than
28 NOVEMBER 2021
26 years of rich experience in the rice and organic food industry. Nature Pearls began by exporting organic rice from India and has grown to become one of India's top organic rice and food exporters through a sustainable and farmer-oriented strategy.
organic farming and its international commercial possibilities. Then came the next goal in 2014 when he founded his venture ‘Nature Pearls – An Organic Food Venture.’
As for the short-term, the company’s goal is to predominantly become a customer service and quality-oriented company, as the team wants their customers to have the best experience in dealing with the company. The longterm goal is to diversify into a much newer and more value-added product range, expand its sales globally, set up a state-of-the-art organic facility, and most vitally release its own brand of natural food range in India and international markets.
During the first several years, the team's main issue was persuading large farmers to use organic farming. Because of their previous experiences, they were quite nervous and did not want to take a chance or be duped. After a lot of research, the team at Nature Pearls learned that small and marginal farmers are most suitable for organic farming. They were already using less chemical farming and expecting far lower yields. As a result, the team discovered that they had much room for growth and development.
A Man with Unique Vision Ajay Katyal, Managing Director, has worked in international agriculture since 1994. But it was not until 1999 that he became aware of the notion of
Ajay has carried out all these activities personally along with his colleagues in the initial years. The team had to travel across states, cities, and more. Due to the above efforts, they could establish
venture is all set to get its name
Ajay Katyal, Managing Director
The food
Hummed Worldwide and relish
Global Legacy India’s best organic farming projects in which most of the farmers were so involved as if it was their project. Ajay is an industry maestro with over 26 years of experience in the agribusiness and speciality food sectors in India and overseas. As a pioneer in worldwide company development and marketing, with a focus on agribusiness, organic, and speciality food goods. He was instrumental in creating
29 NOVEMBER 2021
one of India's first organic agricultural ventures and guiding it to worldwide prominence. He is a Mechanical Engineer by training, but he is passionate about company growth and organic farming. The Success Saga Continues Nature Pearls began exporting organic rice from India in 2014, with senior management having more than 26 years of rich expertise in the rice
sector, and has since become one of the top organic rice exporters in India, with a sustainable and farmer-oriented strategy. Nature Pearls seizes the next stage of worldwide expansion in a variety of organic food goods such as ready-to-eat gourmet meals, flours, spices, pulses, and other grains, among others. The most crucial component of the agricultural system is the seed. The organic food company has also had the opportunity to build organic seed
production in its operations, which has significantly aided in improving the yields of organic crops. Ajay has been in charge of a 360degree business expansion based on long-term and sustainable growth concepts. The company's growth plan entails the addition of new items as well as other value additions to its existing product line. He is also in charge of the development and implementation of organic farming initiatives in terms of crops, location, farmer group profile, and so on. Sustaining the Hurdles The challenges include dealing with the constant shutdown, hygiene, food fraud due to urge in demand coupled with the economic downturn. Some made it a priority to get food on shelves and tables as inexpensively as possible, which opened the way for dishonest operators to enter. To ensure that food safety hazards are evaluated and managed, food firms will need to update their processes and staff on any changes.
Advice for a Better Future Ajay has been a professional since the beginning of his career. Later, he became business head, who was responsible for the 360-degree evolution of the business and its success, just like a CEO in any large organization. It means he had been a quasi-entrepreneur in the later part of his career before he founded Nature Pearls and became an entrepreneur. When asked for advice to the young generation, Ajay said, “My advice to a youngster is - please find your passion and follow it unless you are successful. To be successful in one's professional career, one must make constant and relentless efforts. Never, ever give up.” “Hard effort is required in the first five years of a career, followed by specialization and instillation of leadership traits in the next five years, and then success is certain for you to become a leader in your field of work,” adds Ajay.
A Journey well-described Nature Pearls is an industry expert that is now working with over 25,000 farmers across seven Indian states based on the crop being cultivated, and its connection with the farmers dates back to the year 2000. Farmers are treated as partners. In its quest to discover more traditional agricultural ways, the firm leads the way in the country's agriculture industry. It does this through a socioeconomic and development programme for the agricultural community, which includes supplying high-quality seeds and bio-inputs, technical support for on-farm inputs, and training from external specialists on novel farming practices, among other things. It also helps in deploying unmatched infrastructure to handle brilliant produce and delivering the same with invaluable commitment.
Awards and Recognition *
Most Talented CMO's of India in Sustainable Food Category
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50 Most Talented CMO's of India under Sustainable Food Sector
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The largest exporter of Organic Foods from India (Apr 2007 & Oct 2011)- honored by APEDA - Ministry of Commerce (Govt. of India)
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Second Best Organic company in Exports awarded by ICCOA at The Jaivik India 2018
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Awarded as Emerging Company in Indian Achiever’s Awards 2020
30 NOVEMBER 2021