When Induben Sumanlal Jhaveri started his company, the motto was very clear. Kakula 1965 BUSINESS – “Sell only what you are willing to feed your children”.
For more than 50 years, her company has operated on exactly this principle.
“It all started in a small room in her house in Ahmedabad, where she could weigh up to 5 kg by herself. Kakula Ankit Javeri, the third generation owner of the business and Induben’s grandson, better india.
“She started this business to financially support her family. he adds.
was so loved Kakula She made the name of the snack an adjective — Induben ‘Khakhrawala’ (Kakula-Manufacturer).
For those who are inexperienced, Kakula dried and roasted versions of PapadA common snack in Gujarati and Jain households, crackers are made by mixing flour, salt and masala, and then adding oil and water to form it into a dough.
When Induben started, she traditionally had only a handful of flavors available. Methi (Fenugreek) and Zira (cumin). But today, jalapeño cheese, Pav Bhaji, Pani Puri, more.
origin story
In 65, mother of three, Induben embarked on her entrepreneurial journey at the age of 43.
Induben’s eldest son, Nisit Javeri, also took part in the project, but he said it was out of necessity.
After hearing the story of her grandmother from her father, Hillen, Nisit said: Cufflas In order to sell daily, she also manages the household budget. Her day started before dawn and often ended after her family finished their day.
He continued, “Given that she was born into a conservative family, progress outside of her home was not considered a good thing. made fun of her on several occasions, but for her, working to improve conditions in her family was her only driving force.”
Known for his extraordinary culinary skills, Induben worked hard from 1965 to 1970 and was able to move to Mitakali in the upmarket neighborhood of Navrangpura, Ahmedabad.
She remained in charge until her death in 1981 at the age of 53.
When she first established her business, the over-the-counter market was Cufflas It was very limited, says Ankit. This proved to be another hurdle that entrepreneurs were able to overcome with consistent quality and value for money, he added.
After Induben’s death, it was her daughter-in-law, Smitaben, who continued the tradition and made it even stronger.
“In 1990 my father and mother [Smitaben] Decided to expand the business and invested in a store near his home. To achieve this, his father quit his job in a textile factory and spent time and money setting up his first shop,” recalls Nisit.
Kahala, Tepla, etc.
Ankit marvels at his grandmother’s entrepreneurial spirit and recalls taking out a loan to buy a scooter for his father. [Hiren] So he could make deliveries all over the city.
“At a time when women were mostly confined to housework, she definitely paved the way for herself and others with a desire to make a difference.”
Until 2010, Ankit never considered joining the family business. He said, “While I was in college, I thought I would join the corporate sector. When I joined Induben Khakharawala, he only had one store. I am proud of it.”
Nisit and Ankit started in the business in early 2000, but the duo took full responsibility after Hillen retired from active duty.
At this point, Satyen Shah, a qualified engineer, also joined the business as a partner. Regarding how the brand has expanded, he said: Even those traveling from Ahmedabad to other places carried these around sometimes as gifts and sometimes just for themselves. ”
A 25,000 square foot manufacturing unit was acquired in 2010 as part of an expansion plan.
Over 650 products today Kakula It is on sale at the store.
These include various types of Namkeen’s (savory), Severity, Gatiyah, Dhokra, Chakri, Pickles and chutneys, sweets, ready-to-eat food mixes and bakery products.
Munir Shah, 40, from Ahmedabad, said: Kakula Many other snacks of Induben Khakhrawala. We are always taken care of at home. Even when I travel abroad, the first thing I take with me is the dry snacks from this outlet.”
he continues.However, ghee KakulaOne of their areas of expertise, , continues to be at its best. ”
Some of Induben Khakhrawala’s processes are now automated, but the focus is on maintaining the same quality that the visionary entrepreneur started with.to keep fresh Kakula, They come in vacuum-sealed packets, which also helps keep them fresh longer, especially for those who carry these packets overseas.
Induben Khakhrawala has over 18 stores across India and exports its products to over 8 countries including USA, UK, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Singapore, Thailand and Dubai.
The company employs more than 200 people and is particularly focused on hiring women, he adds.
Commenting on how the current owners are expanding Induben’s vision of offering authentic homemade snacks, Satyen said: We do the same to help people see how our products are made. prize. Kakulabuild a factory? ”
If you want to order at Induben Khakhrawala, click here.
All images courtesy of Induben Khakhrawala
(edited by Divya Sethu)