India's Fastest Growing Retail Companies - 2021, to learn the know-how of this vast field. With the varied knowledge and expert opinions, we are sure you will enjoy the ongoing shifts of the retail industry

1. 2021 | Vol. 11 | Issue 03
International
IG
India's
RETAIL
Companies
2021
Future Forecast
Robotics and Retail: What
does the future look like?
Choices Choices
Brick-and-mortar stores
vs. Online shopping

4. Editor’s Note
etailing may be traced back to the barter system,
Rwhich involved the trading of items. The business
function has evolved from producer-to-consumer
to business-to-consumer as human civilization progressed.
In India, the barter system is regarded as the oldest method
of retail. Then there are the retail forms that have been a
part of the Indian landscape since the medieval period, such
as Haats, Mandis, and Melas. For centuries, the majority of
items were sold in these retail formats of the local
marketplace, which functioned on a weekly basis by
showcasing their produce. Because the travel was long and
slow, people relied on local sources of supply for perishable
items. Customers journeyed considerable distances for
regular items and specialty things, while traders fetched
from overseas. International trade has been there since the
dawn of humankind. Aside from these local marketplaces,
peddlers traveled large distances to deliver supplies to areas
where goods were in limited supply.
With revolutionary changes occurring since long in the
global economy and the increased necessity of commercial
operation seven days a week, 24 hours a day, the retail
industry has been through a paradigm shift around the
world.
THE EVER-
EVOLVING
RETAIL
INDUSTRY

5. Today’s globe has become a global village; consumerism
has significantly influenced the modern retail company, and
technological advancements have produced immense
possibilities to conduct retail. With the introduction of the
internet, the retail industry has grown dramatically. This has
benefitted the scaling of economies as well as the
development of commerce beyond geographical borders at
the B2B and B2C levels. Online shopping has seen an
upward growth in the past few years, and it is growing by
the day.
Several studies have shown that the Indian retail market is
one of the world’s most happening marketplaces. The retail
industry is one of the institutions of the Indian economy,
contributing to a growth rate of around 10% of total GDP
and an employment rate of approximately 8%.
The Indian retail business is predicted to have a promising
future, with several chances for advancement and
expansion. To know more about the retail industry, this
edition of Insights Success brings you some exceptional
companies with detailed knowledge about the domain.
Let’s dive into this edition titled, India's Fastest Growing
Retail Companies - 2021, to learn the know-how of this
vast field. With the varied knowledge and expert opinions,
we are sure you will enjoy the ongoing shifts of the retail
industry.
Have a fruitful read!
Sayali Sangewar
Managing editor
sayali.sangewar@insightssuccess.in

6. Articles
Fipola
Providing the Best Services
with a Solid Customer base
Nature Pearls Pvt. Ltd.
An Unmatched Expertise
in Organic Agri-business
C O N T
E N T S
Future Forecast
Robotics and Retail: What
does the future look like?
Choices Choices
Brick-and-mortar stores
vs. Online shopping
20
28
16
24

7. Expanding the Exotic
Fresh Fruit Industry
COVER
STORY
08

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Editor-in-Chief Sumita Sarkar
Deputy Editor Abhishaj Sajeev
Managing Editor Sayali Sangewar
Assisting Editor Aditya Umale
Contributing Writer Abhishek Joshi
Designing Head Vishal Pawar
Designer Rashmi Singh
Operations Head Megha Mishra
Asst. Manager Ashwini Pahurkar
Business Development Lead Neha Bhadane
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NOVEMBER, 2021
We are also available on

9. Management Brief
Company Name
Tarun Arora
Director
NATURE PEARLS
PRIVATE LIMITED
Sushil Kanugolu
Founder and CEO
Ecohoy
Fipola Retail
Ajay Katyal
Managing Director
IG International is one of the top fresh fruits importers in India.
With 50+ years of experience, it has developed an efficient
supply chain of providing high-quality fresh fruits.
Fipola's mission is to redefine meat retailing in the country by
delivering premium products and best in class customer service
within a hygienic and convenient shopping environment.
Nature Pearls brings ecological sustainability, green farming
and a wholesome food experience are the mainstay of its vision
and dedication.
Ecohoy strives to divert people’s attention to the environment
and aim to catalyze change, not tomorrow but today and
beginning now.
IG International
Pvt Ltd
Aayush S
Founder
Dinshaw's
Dinshaw's are together here to delight and satisfy all consumers
by continuous improvement of product quality product
innovation product presentation.
Jimmy Rana
Managing Director
India's
Retail
Companies
2021

10. Our goal is
to see IG
become the
largest volume
player in the
fresh fruit
business in
Asia
Cover
Story
Expanding the Exotic Fresh Fruit Industry

12. Do you know consumption of two Kiwi fruits daily
provides more fiber than a bowl of bran cereal?
There is a plethora of nutritious and juicy fruits
that are produced all over the world that are unique to every
respective country, right from ‘Creamy Avocados’ to ‘Pulpy
Plum.’ Every fruit contributes significantly to the wellbeing
of the human body. Consumption of fruits replenishes the
body and provides energy that can prevent certain illnesses.
In India we can find a wide variety of fruits, however it
lacks the availability of the premium nutritious fruits that
are produced outside India. This gap is filled by IG
International, which is one of the largest importers of
Fresh Fruits in India. It offers premium fruits that are
freshly imported from various countries.
In existence for more than 50 years, IG has built a robust
supply chain with a strong overseas procurement network
and strategic sourcing on one side—and an extensive
distribution network throughout India, on the other.
“We source our produce—premium club varieties and
exotic fresh fruits, from reputed growers, cultivars, and
marketers from across the world. With more than 50
varieties, we have one of the most extensive ranges of
imported fruits that we offer to our Indian consumers. says
Mr. Tarun Arora, Director of IG International Pvt. Ltd.
The company has the largest number of wholesale outlets in
the imported fresh fruits industry in India. Its distribution
network spans deep and wide across India’s geography with
a presence in both organized as well as informal markets.
Mr. Arora’s visionary thought process, extraordinary
experience and acumen has transformed the market of fresh
produce globally. He advises, “Work hard for what you
want because it will not come to you without a fight. You
have to be strong and courageous and know that you can do
anything you put your mind to.”
IG has made large infrastructural investments in cold chain
logistics. Its cold storage and temperature-controlled
warehousing are strategically located throughout India and
is supported by an extensive fleet of refrigerated trucks that
enables it to extend its reach to the farthest corners of the
country. Apart from the physical presence, it also markets
the products on e-commerce platforms.
To broaden the supply, the company has ventured into
orchards and growers with its farms in India and the Czech
Republic—producing licensed premium club variety
Blueberries, Apples, Cherries, and other fruits.
IG is committed to environmental and sustainable growth
that reflects in the long-term as well as day-to-day
operational activities. It has integrated the policies and
strategic planning with sustainable development practices.
“To cherish the fruit of a golden tomorrow, for us and our
next generation, we are doing whatever it takes to minimize
the environmental impact,” says Mr. Arora.
The Idea Behind its Presence
With the coming of digital markets and e-commerce,
venturing into e-retail was the natural choice for expansion.
And the pandemic gave a huge push. There has been a
significant shift in the way people shop, going digital from
the traditional method, and as perishable like vegetables,
milk and groceries started getting available in e-shops, there
was no looking back.
The pandemic also altered people’s preferences making
healthy food choices a more common practice. With IG’s
delivery and last-mile fulfillment mechanism already in
place, its products perfectly match the healthy trend, and
found it very appropriate to venture into retailing.
Products Offered
The company offers the highest quality freshly imported
fruits to its customers. It has more than 50 varieties of
We should be
able to proactively
think about how
we can move
ahead with
technology
“
“
India's
Retail
Companies
2021

13. premium fruits from around the world in its portfolio which
it makes available to its customers throughout India the
entire year. It is also the pioneer in introducing newer
variants of fresh fruits in India. These varieties are
produced by genetics and crossbreeding. As and when such
fruits are available in global markets, that are certified safe
for human consumption, then the company brings them
home for its Indian consumers.
Constructive Challenges
When asked about the challenges faced by the company
when entering the retail sector to which, Mr. Arora said -
“The greatest challenge is our product itself, which is
perishable. To preserve the freshness of the product, to keep
the fruits fresh and safe for consumption from faraway
distant orchards to the doorstep of our customer is a
challenge we have to overcome every day.”
“With our extensive fleet of reefer trucks, we effectively
manage our last-mile deliveries. Besides the other
challenges like attracting new customers, retaining
“
“One needs to learn
from their failures
and have the
endurance to move
in the direction of
the business model

14. customers, and keeping up with their changing
expectations, threat from competitors, etc., are always there
unlike in any other business,” says Mr Arora.
The Pandemic Hope
The pandemic has had a significant impact on the lives and
livelihoods of almost everyone, and it had its fair share in
the business as well.
Operational challenges mounted due to restricted movement
and disrupted supply lines during the pandemic. As the
pandemic unfolded the focus continued to be on the
company’s people’s health and safety, ensuring
uninterrupted supplies of imported fruits, meeting the
demand arising out of evolving consumer needs, caring for
the communities in which it operates, and finally, protecting
its business model.
There was a significant change in what consumers buy and
where they shop — from online shopping to rising concern
about health, hygiene, sanitation, and nutrition, it strives to
meet these changing needs. It does so by launching
innovations, shifting to newer ways of reaching consumers,
and connecting with communities.
Furthermore, over decades of international trade of fresh
produce made IG resilient and adaptive. It has to always
live with the unpredictable nature of fluctuating demand for
highly perishable products. So, the pandemic was just one
more thing that required a determined and resolute
response. Not the kind of crisis anyone expected, of course,
but also not a situation that undermined the basic need to
deliver food to market.
At IG, the ability to adapt, not just to endure sailed it
through this crisis. It was quick to respond to the need for
safety both for its employees and the customers as well. The
company vaccinated its workers as soon as vaccines were
made available to the corporates.
It made the working places safe by following the safety
mandates as laid down by the authorities, gifting its regular
customers with safety kits, and assuring them through
regular communication that its outlets are safe places to
visit. And finally, the relentless commitment and dedication
of every member of the IG family helped the business
overcome the many challenges of the past years.
Advice for the Young
When asked about the advice for young generation
entrepreneurs who want to make a mark in the retail sector
to which he said, "Retail is ever-expanding and there to
stay. There is room for everyone. But you must have a clear
business model to succeed. You may see many failures
before you succeed.” Creating a sense of purpose for
oneself along with working hard and smart is the essence
according to Mr Arora.
Future Thrill
Mr. Arora says “The organized fresh produce industry is
nascent in India, compared to the West, or China,
Singapore, etc. Our goal is to turn this challenge into an
opportunity and become a household name, a brand.” The
company wants everyone in India - be it a buyer, a seller, or
a consumer to recall IG as the first name for imported fruits
and the value it delivers.
“With the changes that are happening all around us, we
have no choice but to participate in the process. For
example, the way digitization and technology have gripped
us all, any presence outside its ambit is unthinkable,” adds
Mr Arora. For the company to be in the leading position, he
thinks that they should be able to foresee the change before
they are pushed into it.
Present Situation
In India, the retail sector is evolving every day. With
growing awareness among consumers, rise in disposable
incomes, changing behavior and lifestyles, consumers are
becoming more demanding. The retailers need to respond to
meet this new customer by being more innovative and by
finding newer ways to sell.
The company is witnessing the integration of online and
offline formats at the retailer’s end. Almost every retailer is
adopting digital ways at a breathtaking pace and is
investing in technology to improve the quality of services.
Retailers are transforming merchandise, adopting new
marketing techniques, changing presence and appeal to
remain relevant for their customers. The company sees this
evolution, this disruption, to open new opportunities and
drive change in the sector.
At IG, the ability to adapt, not just to endure sailed it
through this crisis. It was quick to respond to the need for
safety both for its employees and the customers as well. The
company vaccinated its workers as soon as vaccines were
made available to the corporates.
It made the working places safe by following the safety
mandates as laid down by the authorities, gifting its regular

15. thinks that they should be able to foresee the change before
they are pushed into it.
Present Situation
In India, the retail sector is evolving every day. With
growing awareness among consumers, rise in disposable
incomes, changing behavior and lifestyles, consumers are
becoming more demanding. The retailers need to respond to
meet this new customer by being more innovative and by
finding newer ways to sell.
The company is witnessing the integration of online and
offline formats at the retailer’s end. Almost every retailer is
adopting digital ways at a breathtaking pace and is
investing in technology to improve the quality of services.
Retailers are transforming merchandise, adopting new
marketing techniques, changing presence and appeal to
remain relevant for their customers. The company sees this
evolution, this disruption, to open new opportunities and
drive change in the sector.
customers with safety kits, and assuring them through
regular communication that its outlets are safe places to
visit. And finally, the relentless commitment and dedication
of every member of the IG family helped the business
overcome the many challenges of the past years.
Advice for the Young
When asked about the advice for young generation
entrepreneurs who want to make a mark in the retail sector
to which he said, "Retail is ever-expanding and there to
stay. There is room for everyone. But you must have a clear
business model to succeed. You may see many failures
before you succeed.” Creating a sense of purpose for
oneself along with working hard and smart is the essence
according to Mr Arora.
Future Thrill
Mr. Arora says “The organized fresh produce industry is
nascent in India, compared to the West, or China,
Singapore, etc. Our goal is to turn this challenge into an
opportunity and become a household name, a brand.” The
company wants everyone in India - be it a buyer, a seller, or
a consumer to recall IG as the first name for imported fruits
and the value it delivers.
“With the changes that are happening all around us, we
have no choice but to participate in the process. For
example, the way digitization and technology have gripped
us all, any presence outside its ambit is unthinkable,” adds
Mr Arora. For the company to be in the leading position, he
“
“We have to
just keep
ourself on our
toes, always!

16. Subscribe Today
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18. rick-and-
m rtar stores
vs.
Online
Online
Online
shopping
16 NOVEMBER 2021

19. eCommerce business: eCommerce is a platform for the
stores that sell their products online, providing access to
their customers to shop from anywhere. Online stores have
a huge advantage over physical retail shops as they are
fulfilling their customer requirements globally.
Another big reason why eCommerce platforms flourish is
that it allows the customer to buy the products by reducing
the time and additional efforts with suitable delivery
options.
eCommerce is undoubtedly an excellent solution, but the
customers cannot physically check the products until they
are delivered to their doorstep and especially when an
individual wants to buy something, for example, clothes.
Customers cannot try it until the product is delivered and if
there is any issue with the size, it is a loophole in the return
and exchange process. This might make the customer
hesitant to buy.
Brick-and-mortar stores: Normally referred to as walk-in
stores, where customers can physically check and buy the
products in person. However, customers must visit these
stores at their locations, where they exist, to buy the
products as per their requirements. Limitations to these
stores are they can only cater for the customers who are
walking in and exploring their products.
Choices Choices
hen it comes to shopping and accessible
Wbusiness, the e-commerce platforms and walk-
in stores are conveniently accessible. Though, it
is up to the individuals what choices they make, and which
platform they refer at their first thought. Well, having a
basic idea of the differences and similarities between these
stores will guide you to make your choices.
The basic difference between brick-and-mortar stores
vs. online shopping
In simple words, brick-and-mortar store is a term which is
referred to as walk-in shops, where customers can
physically check-in and explore the products before buying
anything.
All the departmental stores, shopping malls, streets shops
fall under this category. On the other hand, online shopping
is a portal where people can explore and filter the products
as per their requirements.
E-commerce, a virtual platform on the internet provides
diverse options in all categories like clothing, healthcare,
basic accessories, and much more. Let us explore more and
know the key differences between these two business
platforms.
Location
The most important fundamental that differentiates two
types of businesses is where these businesses are selling or
want to sell their products.
17 NOVEMBER 2021

20. These stores also have a limitation of convenience as they
are only accessible to the customers who reside nearby or
within a few miles, where the store is located.
Another important thing is customers can only buy the
products to which that store is related with. So, it is not,
‘one-stop, buy all’ place, whereas eCommerce has a variety
of products related with distinct categories that customers
can buy in one go.
Customer connections
Any business should be able to establish a stable
relationship with the customer to generate higher revenues.
eCommerce connections: This platform cannot see the
clients physically, so it is more important for the sellers
using eCommerce to get creative to establish a stable and
valuable seller-customer connection. Popular methods
mostly include the use of social media, texts, e-mails, live
chats, and phone calls. These methods can reach customers
over a wide range of channels, which is excellent to
establish new connections.
Walk-in store connections: Physical stores have an
advantage, where they can have a face-to-face conversation
with their clients. They can also utilize social media
platforms and other means of communication like e-mails,
texts, etc. to update their customers about the latest updates,
ongoing offers, with additional discounts.
Marketing
Marketing and promotion of the brand is the most crucial
factor in any business as it is the base to target customers,
which leads to the establishment of the brand and
maintaining a good image within their target audience.
eCommerce marketing: Most of the online stores choose
to promote their business with social media promotion or
tele-commercials. This is the best way possible to reach a
global audience, in a brief time. Using social media
advertisements is an effective way to increase customer
engagement.
Walk-in store marketing: These stores also use social
media channels, with an additional touch of traditional
methods like print media, broadcast promotions, and digital
signage for their advertisements. These methods are
effective for promotions and advertisements in targeting a
specific audience of a particular location.
Operation expenses
Let it be an eCommerce platform or a brick-and-mortar
store, there is an initial amount that these companies must
invest for executing their operations properly.
eCommerce operation expenses: Several expenses for an
eCommerce platform include charges of website handling,
social media promotions, and additional marketing.
Operating costs include shipping charges, storage
maintenance, distribution, and application handling charges.
Additional rental charges also apply if a specific
eCommerce store is utilizing office space.
Walk-in store operation expenses: Mostly, walk-in stores
ought to look after rental and shop maintenance charges
monthly, quarterly, or yearly, depending on the lease.
Additional costs include salaries of the employees and
amenities which they are providing within their store.
Looking at the fundamentals and working principles,
aforementioned are the factors that differ in eCommerce
and brick-and-mortar stores, and it is up to the individuals
what choice they make, and which platform for shopping or
business they refer at their first thought.
- Abhishek Joshi
18 NOVEMBER 2021

22. Providing the Best Services with a Solid Customer base
What comes to your mind when you buy meat?
Freshness, Hygiene, Healthy meat are a few
of the concerns that arise in the mind while
buying. Will you prefer purchasing meat from a roadside
vendor or a butcher shop, or a retailer?
Many functions take place while preserving/processing
the meat. Retailers make sure that the meat is fresh,
cleaned thoroughly, preserved correctly, and packaged
well. The best is served to the clients. After the
pandemic, it is more important to take care of the food
you are eating and where you are buying it. Meat is one
of the most important food types that is treasured in
India.
In many regions of India, meat is the staple food. Fipola
is one retailing company that provides several options to
buy meat in different regions. It ensures quality and
hygiene and is one of the best in the retail meat market.
Fipola deals with all kinds of products related to Meat,
Seafood, Gravies, Sauces, Cold Cuts, Masala, and all
accessory products that make it a Meat Super Store.
Fipola Retail India, an omnichannel meat D2C (Direct to
consumer) meat and seafood retail business centred is in
South India. Fipola's objective has always been to
redefine meat retailing in the country by providing
quality goods and best-in-class customer service in a
clean and pleasant shopping environment.
The Visionary Genesis
Fipola’s inception story started in 2016, when Sushil
Kanugolu, Founder and CEO of Fipola, after his
business study in Manchester, United Kingdom, returned
to India with his experience working in meat retail from
the UK. He took over his 37-year-old family business of
seafood exports and gave it a modern form, and
successfully turned it into a roaring affair. With this
confidence, he started Fipola Retail India, south India’s
first modern meat retail company in Chennai.
After the inception of Fipola Retail India, several other
players also entered into rendering similar kinds of
service to customers. Many failed, and some are still
struggling to prove a point. But like Sushil, today India
believes that meat retail has to take this modern step, and
from millions of unorganized meat retails, the organized
We envision this
company to become
the strongest leading
Meat Super Store
in India and later
in South Asia
“
“
20 NOVEMBER 2021

23. India's Fastest Growing Retail Companies- 2021
Sushil Kanugolu
Founder and CEO
21 NOVEMBER 2021

24. ones will stand out and thrive in the future. The business
was always bootstrapped for the initial four years. But,
now, as the company has leaped several folds, funding
has been necessary to first spread across South India and
then progressively in the entire country.
Overcoming Obstacles
Every business had faced its rise and falls during
COVID-19. Organizing resources to work for procuring
raw materials to sell has always been a challenge during
the fearsome pandemic. But Fipola stood out from all
others and proved a point by selling essential goods that
were necessary for its customers during the lockdown. In
fact, it started doing better than normal times. The
pandemic has become an opportunity rather than a
reason to slow down.
Fipola has its own unique ways to retain its customers or
even increase them organically. The no-tolerance policy
for customer complaints help its customer contact teams
realize that the customer is the most important part of the
puzzle. “We replace or refund our goods to every
challenge faced by the customer during their purchase
journey,” says Sushil.
Leading to a Bright Future
Fipola has already started seeing the great fruits of its
journey. In the last year, it also diversified into three
more companies like Mediumrare, Grill House, and
SourceFresh. It also started expanding its stores to other
cities like Coimbatore, Hyderabad, Vellore Puducherry,
Tirupur; and in future to Bengaluru.
Advice from the Best
During these hardest times that the human race has ever
faced since its evolution, today, surviving is the biggest
challenge for anyone. After emerging victorious over
other business players, Sushil Kanugolu wants to give a
tip to the world, “Do not waste time waiting for the good
times to come back or do not stay back with living in
your glorious past, spring up immediately with time and
environment and bounce back. Think of an idea that can
survive in the circumstances and work towards it. It may
be entirely different from what you have been doing. But
it does not matter. Bouncing back and surviving is the
most important thing here.”
“I suggest the safest bit is to cling to a business involving
essential commodities, which can never let you down.
There is even no competition for n-number of players
thronging up on any essential goods business, as it is the
only thing that human race will strive for in times like
these,” says Sushil.

26. R b ti s
and
24 NOVEMBER 2021

27. In the recent developments, we have experienced:
robots taking over assembly units in the automobile
industry, health care units, with enhanced automation
and boosting up the performance of their services. The
evolution in technology has its impact on robotics today has
successfully created a multi-dimensional system with an
integration of digital elements such as cloud technology and
analytics.
The advantage of these factors is pointing towards
enhanced automation and is creating efficient progress in
the retail supply chain and retailers have already realized,
this technology can expand and lead to a bigger picture of
the retail industry as robotics can drive innovation and can
be infused into every stage of the retail value chain to fuel
sustainable growth. Nonetheless, artificial intelligence,
enhanced automation, analytics, and machine learning can
drive customer engagement to a succeeding level.
Enhancing the logistics and supply chains
Robotics are driving innovation, from logistics and supply
chains to basic operations in stores, merchandising, and
improving customer experiences, to help and boost up all
the top and bottom-line outcomes. Online retailers are
developing user-personalized AI systems for customers and
businesses, pointing towards the improvement of their
services.
There is surety of bulk load in work with consistency in the
retail industry which opens doors to infuse the use of
robotics for their end-to-end operations. It will eventually
provide the company with sufficient speed and help the
corporation to maintain zero-defect logistics, product
picking and delivery and minimize the negative experience,
to fulfil the customers’ requirements properly.
Robotics in the retail value chain
Robotics will transform the distribution centre operations
with their incredible speed and accuracy as the new
generations of robotics, automation tools and technologies
have the capability to process valuable information and
increase productivity. From single to multiple task
execution in an efficient manner, robotics can track and
minimize complex tasks precisely with effective solutions.
Retail:
Future Forecast
What does the
future look like
?
25 NOVEMBER 2021

28. revolution in the retail industry will set up new techniques
to personalize customers’ shopping experience with the
intersection of robotics with multiple enhanced features like
the internet of things and AI.
The innovative applications and the impact of robotics in
the industry will offer tremendous potential and widespread
opportunities. The robots will track, monitor, and analyse
customer requirements and operational robotics will reduce
the efforts with their exceptional programming to boost up
and manage the operations. Such innovations will be bound
to provide benefits for customers and the retails,
significantly.
Enhancing customer experiences
The organizations will rethink the means that are currently
adopted to analyse customer requirements and points of
interest. Dedicated marketing intelligence departments will
process the data by the internet of things, sensors, cookies
that will track customer insights and provide effective
solutions that will eventually increase customer services,
efficient automation for effective follow-up process, quick
recognition of the issues with a solution to correct customer
issues. Also, the use of virtual reality and augmented reality
will be used on a bigger scale to provide an engaging and
attractive experience for the customers in the virtual
environment.
Future-ready
Robots also have the ability to manipulate and demonstrate
efficient functioning in a complex working environment
where creative skills are a necessity. Robotics in retail has
moved to facial and voice recognition features with
enhanced interpretations, responses, and improved
reactions. However, this technology will excel the
functioning of the retail industry in the future, as the
technology is constantly upgrading itself to greater heights.
- Abhishek Joshi
This will result in an increase in productivity with minimal
effort.
Robotics has the capabilities to handle and execute
operations such as monitoring the stock and the inventory
that will enable the retail supplies to achieve sizeable
savings from stock-out shortages, losses, and shrinkage due
to some manual administrative errors, which robotics can
rectify in the initial stage while updating the stocklists.
It also offers flexibility to the retailers to upgrade the sales
functions upgrades, to drive up for higher sale numbers
with an objective that will enhance the equity of the
organization.
As the robotic services are increasing day-by-day in
executing warehouse operations to shops upfront,
embedded artificial intelligence used in robotics will allow
drastic transformation in retails with respect to their
customer interactions. Whereas the sensor-based robots will
assist the customers to fulfil their requirements with a
personalized product recommendation as they constantly
monitor the data from the customers using the internet of
things. These AI systems can fetch the interest of their
customers with their purchase history and recent
interactions with the category of the products they are
looking for.
Intelligence in merchandising and in-store operations
The humanoid robots that will be driven by AI, would be
designed, and programmed to chat with their customers and
provide them with certain recommendations. Setting up a
good example of how robots will drive and enhance
customer engagement and experience. It will help the
retailers to monitor the demands and new emerging trends
in the products driving the market.
These robots will also use their robotic arms to pick up the
merchandise from the stores that customers choose through
the touch screen devices installed in the stores. The digital
26 NOVEMBER 2021

30. An Unmatched Expertise in Organic Agri-business
Pvt. Ltd.
Nature’s best gift to mankind is
food. How do you want your
food to be? Organic, fresh,
and in its purest form, right? Today,
new methods have evolved to yield
crops, but all of them are not organic.
It is of utmost importance to have food
in its purest form. The wholesome
experience of food should be the vision
of every agri-business. One company
with the same concept is Nature
Pearls Pvt Ltd.
Nature Pearls brings food in its purest,
cleanest, and most natural form. At
Nature Pearls, careful planning of food
at the farm level and integrated
production techniques coupled with its
years of experience in the organic
industry ensure a healthy, salubrious,
and virtuous experience for the
discerning food connoisseurs across
the globe.
Initial Stages
Nature Pearls started in 2014 with the
top management possessing more than
26 years of rich experience in the rice
and organic food industry. Nature
Pearls began by exporting organic rice
from India and has grown to become
one of India's top organic rice and food
exporters through a sustainable and
farmer-oriented strategy.
As for the short-term, the company’s
goal is to predominantly become a
customer service and quality-oriented
company, as the team wants their
customers to have the best experience
in dealing with the company. The long-
term goal is to diversify into a much
newer and more value-added product
range, expand its sales globally, set up
a state-of-the-art organic facility, and
most vitally release its own brand of
natural food range in India and
international markets.
A Man with Unique Vision
Ajay Katyal, Managing Director, has
worked in international agriculture
since 1994. But it was not until 1999
that he became aware of the notion of
organic farming and its international
commercial possibilities. Then came
the next goal in 2014 when he founded
his venture ‘Nature Pearls – An
Organic Food Venture.’
During the first several years, the
team's main issue was persuading large
farmers to use organic farming.
Because of their previous experiences,
they were quite nervous and did not
want to take a chance or be duped.
After a lot of research, the team at
Nature Pearls learned that small and
marginal farmers are most suitable for
organic farming. They were already
using less chemical farming and
expecting far lower yields. As a result,
the team discovered that they had
much room for growth and
development.
Ajay has carried out all these activities
personally along with his colleagues in
the initial years. The team had to travel
across states, cities, and more. Due to
the above efforts, they could establish
India's Fastest Growing Retail Companies- 2021
28 NOVEMBER 2021

31. Ajay
Katyal,
Managing
Director
The food
venture is
all set to get
its name
Hummed
Worldwide
and relish
G L
lobal egacy
India’s best organic farming projects in
which most of the farmers were so
involved as if it was their project.
Ajay is an industry maestro with over
26 years of experience in the agri-
business and speciality food sectors in
India and overseas. As a pioneer in
worldwide company development and
marketing, with a focus on agri-
business, organic, and speciality food
goods. He was instrumental in creating
one of India's first organic agricultural
ventures and guiding it to worldwide
prominence. He is a Mechanical
Engineer by training, but he is
passionate about company growth and
organic farming.
The Success Saga Continues
Nature Pearls began exporting organic
rice from India in 2014, with senior
management having more than 26
years of rich expertise in the rice
sector, and has since become one of the
top organic rice exporters in India, with
a sustainable and farmer-oriented
strategy. Nature Pearls seizes the next
stage of worldwide expansion in a
variety of organic food goods such as
ready-to-eat gourmet meals, flours,
spices, pulses, and other grains, among
others. The most crucial component of
the agricultural system is the seed. The
organic food company has also had the
opportunity to build organic seed
29 NOVEMBER 2021

32. production in its operations, which has
significantly aided in improving the
yields of organic crops.
Ajay has been in charge of a 360-
degree business expansion based on
long-term and sustainable growth
concepts. The company's growth plan
entails the addition of new items as
well as other value additions to its
existing product line. He is also in
charge of the development and
implementation of organic farming
initiatives in terms of crops, location,
farmer group profile, and so on.
Sustaining the Hurdles
The challenges include dealing with
the constant shutdown, hygiene, food
fraud due to urge in demand coupled
with the economic downturn. Some
made it a priority to get food on
shelves and tables as inexpensively as
possible, which opened the way for
dishonest operators to enter. To ensure
that food safety hazards are evaluated
and managed, food firms will need to
update their processes and staff on any
changes.
A R
wards and ecognition
* Most Talented CMO's of India in Sustainable Food Category
* 50 Most Talented CMO's of India under Sustainable Food Sector
* The largest exporter of Organic Foods from India (Apr 2007 & Oct 2011)- honored
by APEDA - Ministry of Commerce (Govt. of India)
* Second Best Organic company in Exports awarded by ICCOA at The Jaivik India
2018
* Awarded as Emerging Company in Indian Achiever’s Awards 2020
Advice for a Better Future
Ajay has been a professional since the
beginning of his career. Later, he
became business head, who was
responsible for the 360-degree
evolution of the business and its
success, just like a CEO in any large
organization. It means he had been a
quasi-entrepreneur in the later part of
his career before he founded Nature
Pearls and became an entrepreneur.
When asked for advice to the young
generation, Ajay said, “My advice to a
youngster is - please find your passion
and follow it unless you are successful.
To be successful in one's professional
career, one must make constant and
relentless efforts. Never, ever give up.”
“Hard effort is required in the first five
years of a career, followed by
specialization and instillation of
leadership traits in the next five years,
and then success is certain for you to
become a leader in your field of work,”
adds Ajay.
A Journey well-described
Nature Pearls is an industry expert that
is now working with over 25,000
farmers across seven Indian states
based on the crop being cultivated, and
its connection with the farmers dates
back to the year 2000. Farmers are
treated as partners. In its quest to
discover more traditional agricultural
ways, the firm leads the way in the
country's agriculture industry. It does
this through a socioeconomic and
development programme for the
agricultural community, which
includes supplying high-quality seeds
and bio-inputs, technical support for
on-farm inputs, and training from
external specialists on novel farming
practices, among other things. It also
helps in deploying unmatched
infrastructure to handle brilliant
produce and delivering the same with
invaluable commitment.
30 NOVEMBER 2021