Securing the Fusion of Flavor and Nourishment in the Conventional Indian Snack Food Industry
Sonali Kocharekar, the founder of Appetite Food the Indian Snack Food Industry, holds a degree in Pharmacy and has over 12 years of experience as a practising dietician and nutritionist in the pharmaceutical industry. After working as a data research analyst in the pharmaceutical domain, she transitioned to the food industry as an entrepreneur. Despite facing several challenges as a single mother and business owner, Sonali attributes her success to her patience and confidence and encourages other female entrepreneurs to adopt the same mindset. We are grateful to Sonali for speaking with us at Western Connect on behalf of Appetite Food.
What inspired you to establish Appetite Foods and venture into the food industry? Also, what drives you today?
Growing up, I have always been mindful of my food choices, and my parents played a crucial role in shaping my belief in the importance of good healthy nutrition for a happy and fulfilling life. My passion for healthy food and nutrition developed early in my professional career, which began about 12 years ago. I was intrigued by finding healthier alternatives to the greasy snacks and processed foods that were the only options available in my workplace. This curiosity led me to view the Indian food industry nutritionally. I soon discovered a growing niche for healthy food options that deliver on taste and nutrition – catering to our Indian palate’s preferences.
Sonali Kocharekar decided to quit the work to follow my passion and plunge myself 100% into starting a venture whose primary aim would be enhancing overall health and well-being through healthy and nutritious food choices. This ideology drives me even today. We are proud that not only do our products more than satisfy Indian standards of food and health, but they are also achieving broad recognition in a market that hasn’t always been favourable to promoting healthy food options.
What challenges did you face when starting your business, particularly as a single mother and woman entrepreneur?
Starting any business has its own set of challenges. But, as a single mother, the challenges were even more significant. Sometimes I had to balance my work and take care of my child’s needs, which was not always easy. However, being a woman entrepreneur in the food industry is a unique challenge. One has to deal with preconceived notions and biases, but I did not let them hold me back. I focused on my passion for healthy food and nutrition and believed in my abilities. This mindset allowed me to persevere through any obstacle that came my way.
What is unique about Appetite Food products, and how do they differ from traditional Indian snack foods?
Appetite Food is all about combining taste and nutrition in the traditional Indian snack food space. Our products are preservative-free and have immunity-boosting super ingredients like Basil (Tulsi), Ginseng (Ashwagandha) & Spirulina. We also ensure that our products are aligned with modern dietary trends, making them healthy and nutritious. What sets us apart is that we do not compromise on taste. We understand the importance of flavours in Indian cuisine and strive to keep the traditional taste while adding a healthy twist.
What are your plans for Appetite Food, and how do you plan to expand your business?
Our goal is to become a leading health food brand in India synonymous with taste and nutrition. We plan to expand our product line and explore more innovative ways of using superfoods in traditional Indian snacks. We also plan to increase our online food services and retail presence. We believe in the Atmanirbhar Bharat program’s vision and aim to contribute by creating job opportunities for local communities while promoting healthy food choices.