Reshaping The Future Of Snacking In India
Snack maker 4700BC pioneered the introduction of flavoured popcorn in India and to date, it stands as the sole successful advocate challenging the notion that popcorn is solely a movie snack.
Despite the crowded shelf spaces filled with numerous similar products, 4700BC has remained resilient due to its unwavering confidence in the quality of its offerings and the ideology the brand stands for.
4700BC began life as Zea Maize in 2012. Chirag Gupta, its founder, renamed it 4700BC to honour the historical roots of popcorn, which dates back to 4700 BC.
Says Gupta, “As the founder of a snack company, my vision for India is centred on redefining snack consumption habits and fostering a culture of innovation and quality in the industry. I aim to contribute to a healthier and more diverse snacking landscape that resonates with the evolving preferences of the Indian consumer.”
The last three years have been significant in shaping the future of snacking in the country. The current generation has changed the way they snack, the way they perceive this phenomenon and their relationship with food in general due to a rise in health-conscious snacking, a growing preference for plant-based and vegan snack alternatives, and
introduction and acceptance of unique and exotic flavours including regional and global fusions.
“Our overarching goal is to reshape the landscape of snack consumption in India. Yet, altering habits is a gradual process that demands both patience and persistence,” states Gupta, adding, “I aim to align with the entrepreneurial ecosystem, technological advancements and changing consumer preferences to leverage them to contribute to India's entrepreneurial narrative and the snack industry's evolution.”
4700BC had a quarter-on-quarter growth of about 31 per cent and the brand is confident that this percentage will only continue to increase.
Gupta firmly believes that assembling the right team is a game-changer and the unwavering support he received from his team has been pivotal in all the company’s endeavours. “Not once have I encountered a ‘This is impossible’ attitude; instead, their can-do approach has been the driving force behind our numerous achievements,” says Gupta.
Despite the hurdles, the company remains steadfast in its commitment to this transformative journey, firmly believing that its dedication to quality and a pioneering approach will continue to set it apart in the dynamic and competitive market.
“My motivation went beyond just business; it was about bringing a unique and premium popcorn experience to India. The venture was a combination of personal passion, long-term dreams and a commitment to introducing a novel product to the Indian market,” Gupta concludes.
