The year 2021 marked a turning point in my life and that of my brother Vishwas. In the midst of global uncertainty and a heightened awareness of health, we found our calling. Bhopal, our hometown, became the birthplace of a venture that was more than just a business; it was a commitment to revitalise the age-old wisdom of natural well-being. Thus began the journey of Pavika Organics, a testament to our dedication to enhancing health through the purity of cold-pressed oils. Pavika as a name was dear to me as it is my niece’s name and symbolized ‘purity’.
In an era where health became the forefront of every conversation, the choice to delve into cold-pressed oils felt natural. These oils, known for retaining their nutritional essence, contrast sharply with the heavily processed varieties that dominate the market. Our mission was clear – to offer a healthier, more authentic alternative that resonates with the growing consciousness towards wholesome living.
Starting a new venture, especially without a business background, posed its unique set of difficulties. From bootstrapping the company to setting up the manufacturing and processing units, every step was a lesson in perseverance and innovation.
Initially, we sourced the finest seeds from local farmers in Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, which ensured that each product under Pavika Organics was of the highest quality. With machinery sourced from Gujarat, we ventured into producing mustard, groundnut, sesame, and coconut oil. The mustard variant quickly became a crowd favorite.
As a company, we primarily relied on word-of-mouth publicity among friends and family in our initial days. The cold-pressed oil market, dominated by giants, posed its own set of challenges. In April 2022, I embarked on a transformative journey as I joined the Walmart Vriddhi program that marked a significant milestone in my entrepreneurial journey. This collaboration not only resulted in a remarkable 40% increase in our sales, but it also provided invaluable mentorship. The program’s guidance in areas like marketing, finance, and brand value was instrumental in reshaping our business approach and expanding our market reach.
Through Walmart Vriddhi we onboarded Flipkart and that catapulted our reach beyond Madhya Pradesh. Their expertise aided in enhancing our online presence and pricing our products competitively. The results? A tenfold increase in sales in 2023 compared to the previous year. Our mustard oil found fans in U.P., Bihar, and Delhi, while the southern regions showed a penchant for our coconut and sesame oils.
Perhaps the most impactful aspect of the Walmart Vriddhi program was the opportunity to network with industry experts. These connections opened doors to new possibilities and ways of thinking, enabling us to expand our reach both online and offline. The mentorship received through the program was not merely about business growth; it was about empowering us with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the eCommerce landscape more effectively and strategically.
Our journey has been enriched by Walmart Vriddhi’s unwavering support. The mentorship especially, coupled with financial aid from the PM Mudra scheme in 2022 and insights from the MP Skill Development program, were instrumental in Pavika Organics’ success.
The continuous increase in demand propelled us to expand our production capabilities. Sustainability is on our radar, with eco-friendly packaging solutions like biodegradable cartons in the pipeline.
Our sales on Flipkart and local outlets have been commendable this year. But our aspirations for Pavika Organics extend beyond financial targets. The dream is to establish the brand as a leader in health-focused oils, synonymous with quality and trust. With plans to enhance our infrastructure and explore new markets, we are poised for a future where Pavika Organics becomes an integral part of India’s journey towards healthier living.
