The success story of “Gopal Snacks” is Bipin Hadwani, a Gujarati who created an empire of snacks.
His life might have undergone thousands of changes. However, it takes a few adjustments or just one adjustment to reach the top in life. That is how Bipin Hadwani’s “Gopal Snacks” have succeeded. In the vibrant Gujarati city of Rajkot in 1994, Bipin Hadwani heeded a wise counsel from his father. It’s this:
“Don’t raise prices if you want to earn more; instead, expand your business.” Who would have thought that these phrases would serve as the cornerstone of an empire of snacks that would cause quite a stir in Gujarat?
Hadwani’s fascination with his father’s confectionery business began at an early age. From village to village, traditional Gujarati snacks were being sold. In 1990, this inspiration led the young Hadwani to Rajkot. His father was not entirely sure of his son’s competence.
He began his dream of starting his own business with just Rs 4,500 from his father. Initially, he started a local candy brand with a relative in partnership. It became well-known very fast. But soon, a rift developed between the two due to disagreements over trade policies.
Domestic business
Hadwani persisted though. He and his wife Daksha launched “Gopal Snacks,” a business, in 1994 with a combined capital of 2.5 lakh rupees. With an emphasis on dependability and quality, they started this business from home. For Hadwani, expansion means upholding the morals and traditions of the traditional Gujarati narukkudini rusi, not just increasing output volume. Their diligence paid off. The market for their goods grew as well.
Success isn’t linear, though. An audacious attempt to increase production outside of the city resulted in real issues. When Hadwani realized his error in 2008, he returned to the city. Renamed “Gopal Snacks,” he established a new plant by taking out a sizable loan.
As a result, the trade was able to develop rapidly in the ensuing years.
The “Gopal Snacks” company is expected to generate Rs. 1,306 crore by 2022. They have seven plants spread across three states that produce over sixty different types of snacks. Gopal snacks are also exported to over 70 nations.
450 crores in earnings!
It’s not easy to find junk food or snacks. A highly competitive and challenging market is one that is very big. Chips, or frying, dominated the market to a significant degree. When large corporations entered the fray with their products, considering the purchasing power of the snacks market, “Gobal Snacks” encountered difficulties.
Hadwani also dabbled in the production of chips. Currently, 7% of Gopal Snacks’ sales come from chips. Experts advise against making significant changes to trade. Hadwani, though, is adamant about his father’s business growth counsel. Rather than being simplified, he views his father’s advice as an evolution of the industry.
What matters is that Hadwani’s vision, resilience, and determination to not give up in the face of failure, along with his commitment to authenticity, are what led to the success of “Gopal Snacks,” a company that began with packets of sweets sold for just Rs 1 in nearby villages and evolved into a powerhouse that generates revenue of Rs 450 crore annually without spending money on advertising.
