AIR MILES

Business Traveller India talks to Yasser Ali, CEO and Founder of Amore Gelato about his Shark Tank experience, venturing into the business of ice creams and more.

What was your experience of appearing on Shark Tank like?

It was a thrilling, surreal yet overwhelming experience. Everything you learn as an entrepreneur and a business owner is put to test in front of the Sharks. All of them have di erent personalities and business acumen but the questions they ask are some of the most challenging and detailed. To summarise the experience, it was exciting and scary all at the same time. When you are on that stage in front of the Sharks, it seems like a blur but the support and the love you get after the shark tank is incredible and overwhelming.

Could you please tell us about which interests of yours pushed you to found Amore Gelato?

I’ve always been very passionate about ice cream, growing up I would have ice cream almost every day. I wanted the customers to love and enjoy ice creams the way I did. Realising that India needed good and authentic ice cream was my biggest motivation to found Amore.

What has the journey so far been like in introducing gourmet and vegan gelatos and sorbettos to the Indian market?

Knowledge is power, I believe. A well-informed customer makes the right choice. We began our journey by educating the masses and breaking preconceived notions. The idea that vegan or sucrose-free ice creams taste bad is not true. They taste fantastic! People also think gelato is gelatin-based or it’s not vegetarian. Being a brand, you really have to inform, educate, and enlighten your customers, creating an irreplaceable demand for your product.

Tell us a few things that we would always find in your carry-on luggage?

My profession allows me to travel a lot, so I prefer to pack light. Usually, when I travel domestically, I do not check the bags in. I pack exactly how much I need for places I'm going to visit. I have my essentials, toiletries, some clothes, my computer accessories, medicines and headphones.

How important is travel in your life and what destination is next on your bucket list?

Travelling according to me is very important as it exposes one to new cultures and experiences. I have travelled quite a bit throughout my life, both for work as well as for leisure. Having a brand that is so deeply rooted in Italian culture, Italy is almost like a second home. I also travel a lot to the United States of America. With Amore expanding in India, I travel extensively within the market. As far as what's next on my bucket list, I would like to say Zanzibar.

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