From being a banker, Vimal Kataria became a food innovator and revolutionized the field of sweets in Udaipur.

Originally from Beawar, Vimal Kataria has been living in Udaipur, Rajasthan for the past 45 years. Initially a banker by profession, his zeal to start his own venture drove him to start Kataria Food Innovators.

Vimal and his family used to love the taste of Aam Papad and it clicked to them that it could be a great business. They started making and selling it from their home and they created a good customer base in a few months.

When from a few kilograms a month to tons, their business flourished exponentially, Vimal and his family decided to add new flavors and items to expand their business.

Vimal talks about how his family supported this idea. His wife was his biggest supporter. His son,  an ex-merchant navy officer, left his job to join his father’s business. He took brand building into his hand. His daughter, a Bachelor of Technology in Food Technology, focused on taking the business overseas and increasing exports. Vimal’s daughter-in-law also joined in and created new chocolate-based products. Expanding to a more organized industrial setup is their next aim.

Vimal says that when he hears from people about the good quality of his products, it makes him proud. People from far-off places often come to him for giving orders. Vimal is happy to see that their innovation has reached different corners of the country.

Vimal mentions that they have faced many difficulties as well. Sometimes, products don’t appeal to customers leaving their investment wasted. Transportation is also an issue as edible items go stale quickly. He also mentions that once one of his competitors copied his product but could not succeed. Vimal believes that honest dedication helps you in overcoming every barrier.

Corona also brought hardships. Vimal says that they had to throw away 70% of their stock because of no sales. However, after the lockdown was lifted, their sales rocketed and they had a good festive season.

His dream is to take his business overseas and increase their exports. Vimal wants this unique  Indian item to reach every corner of the world.

Vimal says along with education, experience is also necessary as both go hand in hand. Practical knowledge helps in applying what we have learned in school and college.

He adds that for unemployed youths, housewives, and food enthusiasts, this field is perfect. This business requires a low initial investment, can be done from home, and the product is always in demand. Vimal advises youth to work hard and in a planned way to achieve success.