Starting with exports to markets with sizeable Indian immigrant communities, he aims to make papad at par with ever-present snacks on supermarket shelves.
Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India] September 3: Bhagwati Group, a leading name in the Indian food industry, has launched papad under the brand name Kem Chho in international markets. Driven by Agastya Patel, the fourth generation of Bhagwati Group’s promoter family, this expansion marks a significant milestone for the group and introduces traditional Indian flavours to a global audience.
Agastya Patel, who is currently studying, has taken a keen interest in expanding the family business by focusing on products that resonate with international consumers. His innovative approach has modernised papad production while maintaining its authentic taste and ensuring sustainability.
“India’s rich culinary heritage has always fascinated me, and I believe our traditional foods have a lot to offer the global market. Papad is an Indian product and has been part of our routine diets for ages, but its potential to resonate with international consumers is immense. My vision was to create a product that not only retains its traditional flavour but also meets the highest standards of hygiene and sustainability, and I am happy we have been able to achieve this,” said Agastya Patel.
Agastya’s journey began with identifying untapped international markets that showed significant sales potential for papad. Recognising similarities between the consumer market for papad and potato chips, a hugely successful product globally, he saw an opportunity to position the papad as a convenient, snackable food with a unique appeal.
However, Agastya quickly realised that to capture the international market, it was essential to address the quality and hygiene challenges often associated with traditional papad production. To achieve this, he spearheaded the development of a fully automated production line, eliminating the need for human intervention in the most hygiene-sensitive areas. This innovation ensured that the authentic flavour of hand-made papad was preserved, even as the production process became more modern and controlled.
In addition to quality, sustainability was a key focus for Agastya. He sought out recyclable packaging solutions that would minimise the environmental impact without compromising on cost or product longevity. Through close collaboration with machine manufacturers, Agastya developed packaging that is both recyclable and cost-effective, a small but significant step towards reducing the environmental footprint, which also extended the shelf life of papad.
Bhagwati Group is now exporting papad under the Kem Chho brand in Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, countries that have a large Indian diaspora. The group plans to enter the US and other markets shortly, sharing a taste of India with consumers around the world.
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