In a world where fast food and unhealthy eating habits dominate, finding the perfect balance between deliciousness and healthiness in your diet can feel like an insurmountable challenge. But, as the saying goes, “Tasty food doesn’t mean it has to be unhealthy,” and Amit Gupta, the Founder of Native Roots, took this idea to heart. His journey from a fitness enthusiast dissatisfied with the options available to him to building a thriving brand that provides both nutrition and taste is a testament to dedication, innovation, and the art of curating from scratch.
A Quest for the Ideal Fuel:
Amit Gupta’s quest for the perfect nutritional balance began with his frustration over the lack of truly healthy options in the market. As a fitness enthusiast, he sought food that not only tasted great but also provided the necessary nutrients for peak performance. Disappointed by products that claimed to be “healthy” but were laden with chemicals, sugars, and unhealthy fats, Amit decided to take matters into his own hands.
Creating products that catered to his specific needs, Amit soon found that his training group members were also eager to get their hands on these wholesome alternatives. It became apparent that the struggle he faced was a common one among active individuals.
As health-consciousness grows among the Indian population, people are actively seeking nutrition that can fuel their workouts and sustain them throughout the day. Amit’s discovery of millet, a nutritious and versatile ingredient, would prove to be a game-changer.
In a candid conversation with SnackFax, Amit revealed that the core philosophy of Native Roots was always centered around natural ingredients, void of refined sugars, oils, and preservatives. This philosophy is evident in all their products. Furthermore, they strive to create products with balanced macronutrient profiles, featuring complex carbs, healthy fats, and an adequate protein profile.
Overcoming Challenges:
Amit reveals that building trust with customers stands as the foremost challenge in the food sector’s early stages. To overcome this hurdle, Native Roots employed a strategic approach, focusing on getting people to experience their products firsthand. Once customers savored the delectable, natural, and healthy offerings, loyalty followed suit.
Another hurdle lay in finding innovative, cost-effective methods of customer engagement. As a bootstrapped startup, Native Roots couldn’t allocate hefty budgets for marketing and sampling. Instead, they engaged with their target audience at fitness and running events, forging meaningful connections.
Building the right team proved equally vital. Instead of emphasizing skillset alone, Amit advises seeking trustworthy, committed, honest individuals who take ownership of their work. Hiring the wrong personnel can drain precious time better invested in business growth.
The brand’s journey, predominantly organic, has thrived on word of mouth and fitness event pop-ups. While the majority of customers hail from Delhi/NCR, Native Roots also serves a growing international clientele. With positive customer feedback and robust repeat purchases, the brand now aims to expand its distribution through online channels and e-commerce platforms.
Why Native Roots Stands Out?
Native Roots’ unique selling proposition (USP) is crystal clear: it’s a brand created by fitness enthusiasts for health-conscious individuals. Each product is developed in consultation with customers, a fusion of passion for food and dedication to health. Their product range offers healthier alternatives to everyday snacks like namkeen, cookies, and laddoos, responding directly to customer demand.
The brand strives to remain attuned to evolving consumer preferences, understanding that health-consciousness is a steadfast trait. With founders deeply entrenched in the fitness community, Native Roots maintains an intimate connection with customers’ needs and preferences. Customers are actively involved throughout the product development process, ensuring that every offering aligns perfectly with their desires.
A Final Word of Wisdom:
When asked about advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, Amit shares his wisdom: “Find a problem you genuinely care about solving. People trust those who genuinely want to solve their problems, especially in the realm of health and wellness. Additionally, never compromise on product quality in the pursuit of scaling your business, as it can impact people’s health.”
The success of Native Roots is a testament to its quality, as delighted consumers continue to endorse the brand. Native Roots began with the noble mission of serving the fitness community, and it has been rewarded with the community’s unwavering love and support. In an industry fraught with challenges, Native Roots stands as a shining example of how a dedication to health and flavor can change the game for the better.