In a world dominated by fast food and convenience, where nutrition often takes a back seat, there are individuals who dare to challenge the status quo. Karishma Bhalla & Avartan Bokil, the Founders of foodstrong, are visionaries on a mission to revolutionize the way India eats. Their brainchild, foodstrong, isn’t just another food and beverage company; it’s a testament to her unwavering passion for food and her unwavering commitment to making healthier choices accessible to all.
They describe themselves as “slightly nuts.” They made a bold decision to leave behind thriving corporate careers for the love of good food, and they haven’t looked back since. Food isn’t just a business; it’s a passion that fuels their every endeavor.
In a candid conversation with Snackfax, Karishma shared her journey from the corporate world to culinary entrepreneurship. She’s the kind of person who believes in following her heart, and her heart led her straight to the world of gastronomy.
Karishma’s inspiration for foodstrong came during her time researching consumer diaries on the eating habits of average Indian families. Her findings were both eye-opening and disconcerting. She discovered that more than half of Indian families consumed twice the daily calorie requirement but fell short by over 50% in protein intake.
However, things took a positive turn in 2018 when they conducted a follow-up study. This time, more people were inclined toward a healthier lifestyle. This shift in consumer awareness and demand lit the spark for foodstrong.
An Old-School Approach to Eating Right:
foodstrong is more than just a brand; it’s a philosophy. Karishma and Avartan believe that eating right should never mean making compromises. Their products are a testament to this belief. Everything they offer is free of GMOs, antibiotics, and hormones. Even their protein shakes are devoid of soy, preservatives, or added colors.
What sets foodstrong apart is their unwavering commitment to quality. Every ingredient is meticulously handpicked by their team, ensuring that only the highest quality and most effective ingredients make it into their products.
Understanding the Indian Consumer:
Karishma recognizes the unique characteristics of the Indian consumer. They are fiercely loyal but often plagued by trust issues, especially when it comes to their food. Indian consumers are discerning, seeking value even in the smallest expenditures.
However, Karishma also knows that educating consumers about the value of quality ingredients is essential. She believes in simplifying complex ideas to convey the true worth of a product. In her own words, “Our brand is simple yet complex. It’s not about the price; it’s about the value.”
The foodstrong Legacy:
Today, foodstrong is more than just a brand; it’s a movement. It’s a testament to Karishma & Avartan’s unwavering passion for food and their commitment to making healthier choices accessible to all. Through foodstrong, she’s not only changing the way India eats but also inspiring a generation to make better choices for themselves and their families.
foodstrong stands strong as a brand name that not only Indian consumers are familiar with but also have faith in, with their wide range of products like protein shakes, breakfast mixers, and delicious cafe ranges like Mango Protein Pineapple Smoothie, Tangy Orange cooler, Creamsicle smoothie, and more. These products not only look irresistibly delicious but are also guilt-free and refreshing.
Apart from that, Karishma constantly checks the performance of her products through a simple strategy – interacting with customers and the sales team every Tuesday to gather feedback. This strategy keeps her in touch with consumer trends, demands, and competing brands, ensuring that foodstrong stays at the forefront of the market.
Karishma’s journey from a corporate career to culinary entrepreneurship serves as a shining example of following one’s heart and passion. Her story is a reminder that sometimes, taking that leap of faith and pursuing what you love can lead to something truly extraordinary. foodstrong isn’t just changing the way India eats; it’s changing lives, one healthy choice at a time.
