The world is moving forward at a fast pace, and in the meantime, the tastes that have been handed down are all fading into memory. While families like Anand Bharadwaj and Nalini Parthiban yearn for the flavors of their grandmother's kitchen, today's generation does not have the time to devote to the cooking process required for these traditional dishes.
The struggle is not only theirs, but the same is the case with many who try to preserve the rich tapestry of South Indian culinary heritage while navigating the complexities of contemporary lifestyles. Compounding the problem is the market's shift towards western snacking options that are often loaded with preservatives, forgetting the nutritional value and taste of traditional South Indian snacks. The availability of truly authentic, preservative-free South Indian sweets and snacks is dwindling, making it increasingly difficult for those looking to stay connected to their cultural roots to find suitable alternatives.
Offers authentic South Indian desserts
Chennai-based direct-to-consumer (D2C) brand Sweet Karam Coffee has carved a niche in the Indian snacking market by offering authentic South Indian desserts, snacks and in-house filter coffee blends. Founded in 2015 by Anand Bharadwaj and Nalini Parthiban, the brand pays tribute to the beloved culinary traditions of South India and aims to bring the flavors of grandmother's cooking to modern homes.
Company travel
The inception of Sweet Karam Coffee was inspired by the founders' personal experiences and the recognition of a gap in the market for authentic, preservative-free South Indian snacks that people around the world could enjoy. Sweet Karam Coffee's journey began with a deep appreciation for traditional South Indian recipes that are slowly fading away from the daily lives of busy modern families.
Driven by nostalgia and a passion for authentic South Indian food, Anand and Nalini set out on a mission to revive these traditional cuisines. They recognized the challenge many individuals face in finding the time to prepare traditional snacks the way they deserve. It was this realization that led them to establish Sweet Karam Coffee with the goal of providing a snack that is close to home-made food without the use of palm oil or preservatives.
From the savory delights of Madras Mixture and Ribbon Pakoda to the sweet delight of Peanut Chikki, the brand has managed to capture the essence of the South Indian snack. The use of traditional ingredients and cooking methods ensures that each product retains the authentic taste and quality found in a South Indian home.
Different packaging method
The brand's commitment to authenticity extends to its packaging, using modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and nitrogen-flushed packaging to extend the shelf life of its products without compromising on freshness.
One of the key differentiators of Sweet Karam Coffee is its focus on health and sustainability. By avoiding palm oil and preservatives, the brand caters to a growing consumer base that is conscious about the ingredients in their food. This approach not only appeals to health-conscious individuals, but also resonates with those who want to enjoy traditional snacks without the guilt.
In addition, Sweet Karam Coffee has been at the forefront of incorporating millet-based snacks and sugar-free options into its product range in line with current health trends and dietary preferences. Empowering local farmers and homeowners is at the heart of Sweet Karam Coffee's business model. The brand has established direct relationships with farmers, especially for sourcing millet products, ensuring the snacks are organic and sustainable.
Direct source model
This direct sourcing model benefits smallholder farmers by providing them with a reliable market for their produce. Also, Sweet Karam Coffee collaborates with talented home chefs, enabling them to scale their operations and reach a larger audience. This symbiotic relationship not only supports the livelihood of these entrepreneurs but also helps preserve traditional cooking methods. The growth trajectory of Sweet Karam Coffee has been remarkable and the brand has achieved remarkable milestones since its inception.
With over 100,000 customers and a presence in 32 major countries including the US, UK, Canada, Singapore and UAE, Sweet Karam Coffee has successfully brought the flavors of South India to a global audience. The brand's success can be attributed to its strong online presence, leveraging its website and app to reach consumers directly. This D2C model has allowed Sweet Karam Coffee to retain control over its brand experience, ensuring customers receive high-quality products and services.
The focus is now on expanding within India and internationally. A $1.5 million pre-Series A funding round from Fireside Ventures will fuel the brand's growth, enabling it to explore offline retail opportunities and expand its product portfolio.
