With its consistent quality , Cremica Foods Industries Limited has established itself as a premium food products company in India .
Cremica Foods Industries Limited is a well established food products company from India and is involved in both food retailing and food servicing. the company is highly innovative and does not compromise on quality, which is the reason it was voted the #1 player in mayonnaise and the #3 player in tomato ketchup which are two all time favourite dips with any fast food. It is due to these factors that prestigious firms such as McDonald’s chose to associate themselves in a joint venture with Cremica.
Another reason why Cremica has become a favourite is because it understands the sentiments of its customers. It was the first firm to launch Vegetarian Mayonnaise thus catering to a large population of vegetarians in the country. It is also the creator of the much liked Opera Kettle Crisps which is India’s first cottage style chips and was rated one of the best products by renowned food critic Mr. Vir Sanghvi. Cremica Jam has been rated the number one in India.
The company has rightly understood the citizens’ love for spicy food and has launched Indian flavoured sandwich mayonnaises with flavours like tandoori, mint, tangy pickle and korma which became a huge hit within a few months.
The First Step
Mrs Rajni Bector was very passionate about cooking, especially making ice creams and turned this hobby into a small backyard enterprise. This later developed into the CREMICA group in 1978 with the help of her husband Mr Akshay Bector, a B.E in Industrial & Production Engineering, who is currently the Chairman and Managing Director of Cremica Food Industries Ltd.
Mr.Bector’s initial endeavours included the establishment of a modern bread plant which was soon followed by a world class biscuit plant. His focus remained on expanding the business which saw him soon joining hands with Mc-Donald’s to become one of their biggest suppliers in India. In the course of the last two decades, the Cremica group has established itself as a leading food products conglomerate in the country, through its range of products, its internationally certified production facilities, the consistency of its quality, and its unmatched expertise in the industry.
The business and products
Cremica manufactures a wide range of high-quality Indian gravies and curries, tomato ketchup, sauces, bread spreads, mayonnaise, thousand island, spreads, syrups, toppings, salad dressings, Indian snacks, fruit & flavoured syrups for milk and thick shakes, ice creams, desserts etc.
As the business is entirely based on innovation and quality, it is no surprise that Cremica is an approved supplier to one of the World’s leading FMCG brands.
“We are aiming for Rs 1,000 crore turnovers by 2020. We are looking at entering new product categories and also increase our distribution reach. Cremica Food Industries is looking at ramping up its distribution network to 1, 00,000 outlets in three years from 15,000 at present.” Mr Bector says excitedly about his plans for the future.
USP of Cremica
Cremica is fast becoming the favourite among households in India due to their uncompromising quality and great taste. It has a vast array of selected products that provide only the best to the
industry. Today, Cremica is known for its unique recipes, health-oriented ingredients and state- of- the art standards.
Operations
Cremica, famous for its innovation has been recognised internationally by McDonald’s. The R&D and the high tech machinery are their greatest investments. This makes the company highly profitable and it is a great achievement that the company is able to meet all its funding requirements from its own generations.
The company has its production operations in many parts of India. They have two Tomato Processing Lines in Punjab and the upcoming large scale Cremica Food Park Project is planned in Himachal Pradesh. The specialities in their operations have made them the largest food service brand in India. It has extended its reach successfully to all level of food services such as hotels, modern trade and bakery segments.
Current Market Scenario and its Challenges
According to the creators, the current market is highly competitive and it enables the growth of only the fittest. Currently, the biggest challenges they are facing are the grim economic conditions. However, Cremica has been successful as being recognised by International agencies and critics for their quality and innovation. This is why they are one of the largest food service suppliers, especially to major QSR brands.
Future Plans
“We are aiming for Rs 1,000 crore turnover by 2020. We are also looking at entering new product categories and also increase out distribution reach” says Mr.Bector. Cremica is looking at ramping up its distribution network to 1,00,000 outlets in three years from 15,000 at present. The company also plans to invest Rs. 95 Crores in their UNA (Himachal Pradesh) food park and
an additional Rs. 50 crores in setting up a new line for ketchup and mayonnaise manufacturing in the pipeline.
Advice to young entrepreneurs
Mr Bector says tha it is highly satisfying to become an entrepreneur. “It seems so good to give the value back to society, being an entrepreneur,” he says happily. His advice to budding entrepreneurs is short and strong. “Be honest and do a good job,” he says enthusiastically
Text: Nima Muraleedharan Photos: Various Sources