From MBA Grad To Multi-Crore Success: How A Fresh Twist On Banana Chips Sparked Entrepreneurial Brilliance

Business Innovation By Chaithra B S | 5 min read

Banana Chips

Once upon a time, a man dreamed of sharing the joy of banana chips with the world. But he knew these crispy, crunchy snacks were too delicious to keep to himself, so he started his own business and spread the banana chip love far and wide.

Meet Manas Madhu, a visionary from the idyllic town of Alappuzha who couldn’t shake off his dream of starting a business in his homeland, despite his busy corporate life. But, for him, the answer would always be something in the food industry.

Beyond Snacks: The Traditional Banana Chips

Image: Beyond Snacks

He found his calling in value addition – a concept that involves taking raw commodities and transforming them into premium-end products. So it wasn’t long before he set his sights on Kerala’s traditional fruits, and after much contemplation, he settled on the humble banana.

Thus, in 2018, Manas took the leap of faith and bid farewell to his corporate job, pouring all his time, energy, and passion into his newly-launched company – Beyond Snacks.

Today, this exciting venture is making waves in the market thanks to its delicious banana chips, available in four delectable flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and keep you coming back for more.

If you’re searching for a healthy and tasty snack to munch on, look no further than Beyond Snacks’ heavenly banana chips, crafted with love and care by a real food visionary.

Image: Beyond Snacks

When venturing out of his homeland of Kerala for studies and work, a beloved snack would always accompany him – the humble banana chip. But alas, he found that these savory delights were few and far between in other regions, relegated to local mom-and-pop shops and bakeries. Such a travesty! This is where Beyond Snacks comes in, with a mission to bring the best of authentic banana chips to every corner of the country with a touch of premium quality.

The company sources nendran bananas from farmers in Kerala and other southern states, carefully selecting the best of the bunch based on seasonal availability. Then, these golden beauties are whisked away to their state-of-the-art factory in Kochi, where they are transformed into delectable banana chips, lovingly crafted without any human touch. The result? A crunchy, addictive snack that is sure to satisfy any salty cravings.

But wait, there’s more! Beyond Snacks is not content to rest on its laurels with the classic salted flavor – oh no, they’ve gone above and beyond with exciting new twists like peri peri, salt and black pepper, and sour cream onion and parsley. So, whether you’re munching away on a road trip or simply craving a salty snack, Beyond Snacks has covered you with tantalizing banana chips.

The Magic of Banana Chips

Image: Beyond Snacks

Beyond Snacks isn’t just any ordinary snack company – they’re on a mission to make a difference. By partnering with farmers at the start of the cultivation process, they ensure that the total harvest can be procured and no produce goes to waste. Over the past few months, they’ve processed 170 metric tonnes of delicious, high-quality bananas.

Their unwavering commitment to fair and stable pricing sets them apart from other companies. They never offer less than market value, and their prices won’t drop even if the market does. This gives farmers the confidence they need to continue producing high-quality bananas without worrying about wasted produce in storage.

It may be a slow and steady path, but Beyond Snacks is making waves in the market. In a trial run, their products were placed in a few select retail stores, and it wasn’t long before repeat orders started pouring in.

Even though their smallest packet of 85g was priced at a premium of Rs 60, people kept coming back for more. And it’s no wonder why – with their unwavering dedication to standardization and exceptional taste, Beyond Snacks is precisely what consumers have been waiting for.

The Journey from Kerala to Beyond!

Image: Beyond Snacks

Beyond Snacks had its big break in 2019 at a trade show in Thrissur, and it was a break! They started with a simple, free sampling stall armed with 12 boxes of their delectable chip packets. But before they knew it, they had completely sold out and were left with a store practically bursting at the seams with eager customers clamoring for more.

From then on, their reach grew as more stores began to notice their delicious products. It’s no surprise, really – with their commitment to fair pricing and dedication to high-quality ingredients and processing, Beyond Snacks is a company that’s simply impossible to ignore.

And as their popularity continues to skyrocket, we can only imagine what delicious innovations they’ll bring to the table next.

Pandemic Hit Never Let him Loose Hope!

Image: Beyond Snacks

In the face of the pandemic, Manas experienced a sharp decline in sales just as things started to pick up. However, this setback did not deter them, as they quickly pivoted to major e-commerce platforms, which proved to be a game-changer. In no time, their product soared to the top of best-seller lists on Amazon and Flipkart, paving the way for distribution on other leading platforms such as Bigbasket, Jio Mart, India Mart, The Good Stuff, and more.

From the outset, Manas had its sights set on attracting non-Keralite customers, which has paid off tremendously. Today, their loyal customer base primarily concentrates on bustling metropolises like Bengaluru, Mumbai, Pune, Mysore, and Delhi. Moreover, their reach has extended beyond India, as they have established a presence in countries such as the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Nepal, and Mauritius.

With sales clocking in at a whopping Rs 1 crore monthly, Manas’s success story is not limited to one-time transactions. Repeat customers make up a significant portion of their revenue stream, a testament to the quality of their product and the strength of their brand.

Way Towards Shark Tank

As a passionate follower of the world of business, Manas was an ardent fan of the hit television series Shark Tank USA.

The show provides a platform for budding entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas to a panel of five savvy investors, or “sharks,” who decide whether or not to invest in their business ventures whenManas heard that the show was making its debut in India, he jumped at the chance to apply without hesitation.

After four rounds of rigorous online interviews and a nail-biting audition, Manas was selected to present his business concept. With a captivating pitch, he proposed an investment of Rs 50 lakh in exchange for a 2.5 percent share in equity.

The charismatic co-founders of Bharat Pe, Ashneer Grover, and boAt Lifestyle, Aman Gupta, were keen to get on board with this exciting opportunity. Their involvement in the project proved to be a massive boon for the brand, providing extensive and invaluable free promotion on a large scale.

Thanks to the enthusiastic support of these investors, the company’s products are now available in more than 3,500 retail outlets across Mumbai and Pune. Moreover, the sharks have remained in close contact with Manas, providing him invaluable insights and guidance.

Through Ashneer’s extensive network, they launched in Dubai, a major milestone in the company’s growth trajectory. Overall, Manas’ Shark Tank experience was an exhilarating journey that proved to be a turning point in the company’s fortunes.

The delectable and highly sought-after banana chips from Kerala have earned a reputation far beyond the state’s borders. Recognizing the immense potential of this beloved snack, Madhu set his sights on capturing the hearts and palates of non-Keralite consumers.

Today, a significant portion of the company’s customer base hails from bustling cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, Pune, Mysore, and Delhi. With over 3,500 retail outlets carrying their products in Mumbai and Pune, the brand has cemented its position as a household name in the snack industry.

Beyond Snacks: Taking Authentic Banana Chips from Kerala to the World

Image: Beyond Snacks

Moreover, the company has ventured beyond India’s borders and established a presence in diverse locations such as the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Nepal, and Mauritius. One of the most excellent hallmarks of the company’s success is its ever-growing pool of loyal repeat customers.

Beyond Snacks has stepped towards expanding its customer base by introducing a pocket-friendly pack of chips that costs only Rs 22. By doing so, they aim to make their product accessible to a broader audience. The company also offers combo packs containing all six flavors and family packs of each unique flavor to cater to diverse tastes.

The Beyond Snacks team is tirelessly working towards innovating and introducing new flavors to tantalize the taste buds of their consumers. They are on a mission to revolutionize the reputation of Kerala’s banana chips by giving them a global twist and transforming Beyond Snacks into a household brand. With their unwavering passion and commitment, the team is determined to achieve this lofty goal and make a mark in the fiercely competitive snack industry.

You can buy Beyond Snacks Banana Chips from Amazon.

If you liked reading this story, you could also read about Meet Aparna, Who Is Making Recycled Newspaper Pencil That Will Grow Into A Tree,Will Curb Down Deforestation

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