Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Anuja Prabhu, Director & Co-Founder of Anaya Achal, located in Mangalore, Karnataka, India.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a family-run unit that processes, markets, and exports organic cashew kernels and cashew products. The organic project called AchalOrg was conceptualized in 1996 and completed 25 years in 2021. It is a completely sustainable farm-to-fork approach for promoting locally grown Indian cashew nuts, which are certified organic. The value chain ensures that the farmers not only get the right price but also adopt sustainable and organic farming practices that promote both income and ecology and help in the development of local farming communities. Since the process is also handled by us, we can ensure transparency in the entire chain, from procurement of raw nuts to supply of kernels. The consumers are ensured certified organic kernels that are manufactured with the best care and highest quality standards. We supply customers in India, Germany, South Korea, Japan, Switzerland, and Kuwait. My company Anaya Achal was started in 2021 to market and promote this venture, specifically in India, where awareness of organic products and sustainable supply chains are still in a latent stage.
Tell us about yourself
The business was started by my father and grandfather. I saw the passion with which they worked on this project not only as a business but with the view that it was better for the farming community and rural communities where we generated employment, especially for women, as well as a long-term vision of sustainability and ecological development. We have several companies in the family to manage the project. I started Anaya Achal to promote and market this venture which I find to be thoughtful and heartwarming. I feel that the more people know about the source of where their food comes from and how it affects people along the supply chain, the more conscious they will be of their choices. Food is more than just what you eat. It's also about how it is grown, processed, and transported to you. There are costs that come with ensuring quality and fair prices to growers. My motivation comes from wanting to share this information with as many people as possible and create an awareness where people look at what they consume beyond convenience, gimmicks, and price points.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I get to learn a lot and the personal growth and knowledge that I receive as I go along the way, as well as the ability to celebrate small successes, watch people benefit from your work, and learn valuable lessons from setbacks, are all accomplishments in my eyes.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The responsibility. There are people relying on you, people whose livelihood depends on you and what you do. Your every decision affects them, and you have to be careful to ensure your decisions have positive outcomes for all involved.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Have a clear goal and vision for what you wish to achieve.
- Don't do something that your heart is not fully into.
- Work with people you trust, who have the same vision as you, and with whom you can communicate effectively and professionally.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://achalorg.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anayabyachal
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anayabyachal
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/anaya-by-achal
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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