Guwahati: Ever heard of KRISPER Foodie? This Guwahati-based firm is taking on the massive banana chips industry of South India by developing its own chips made from locally sourced bananas from Assam that offer a unique taste.

Manoj Kumar, the man behind KRISPER Foodie, says he has registered his firm as a Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME). 

"We are specializing in the production of banana chips and KRISPER Foodie is set to redefine the snack industry with its distinct offerings", he told Business North East on the sidelines of the third edition of CONNECT.X, a gathering of entrepreneurs hosted by the IIM Calcutta Innovation Park in Guwahati.

"While traditional banana chips are predominantly manufactured in regions like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and others regions in South India, we recognize the untapped potential of the banana market", Kumar said. Banana is considered an important horticulture crop grown in Assam with significant socio-cultural importance. The production of bananas in Assam accounts for about 2.4 percent of the fruit's total production in the country.

By utilizing locally sourced Assam bananas, KRISPER Foodie ensures a fresh and distinctive taste, catering to both regional preferences and supporting local farmers, according to Kumar.

When asked about his journey, Kumar said he began his enterprise with a modest investment of Rs 75,000. "I initially set up a commercial production line equipped with essential machinery", he said. "Now, my company boasts impressive gross margins of nearly 48 percent, with net margins of nearly 41 percent."

Currently focusing on Guwahati and neighboring districts like Nagaon and Nalbari, we have ambitious plans for market expansion, said Kumar. The company has already ventured into markets beyond Assam, sending samples to cities like Mumbai, Telangana, Gujarat, and Jaipur with plans for future outreach.

"We have a z certification for zero defect, zero effect quality", said Kumar. "Moreover, the company adheres to strict regulatory standards, securing essential certifications such as FSSAI food license, water quality testing, GST certification, and trade licenses."

The company has three in-house employees and two dedicated suppliers and says it believes in contributing to employment generation while fostering economic growth. Manoj Kumar aims to increase production and sales, targeting a minimum turnover of Rs 25 Lakh by the next fiscal year, he told Business North East.

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