The Gourmet Jar Gets Seed Funding from Chandigarh Angels Network

New Delhi-based The Gourmet Jar has raised an undisclosed amount from Chandigarh Angels Network (CAN). The raised funding will be utilized to build a team, scale operations and add global customers. Substantial amount of current fund raise will be used for marketing and brand building.

The Gourmet Jar offers a range of premium preserves & condiments, in unique flavour combinations, that are handmade in small batches, using all-natural ingredients and no preservatives or additives.

The Gourmet Jar was conceptualized in 2012 by Apeksha Jain, an economics graduate from LSR and a French Teacher, who then followed her passion for food & cooking after she discovered the artisanal style of jams and preserves during her one year stay in France.

The company currently retails from modern trade outlets and premium general stores across India. Their products are sold online through their own portal, as well as on Amazon and Big basket. You can also find The Gourmet Jar products served in some of the top hotel chains across the country. Currently operating out of Noida, the brand has produced over 200,000 jars over the past two years.

The team is looking to launch new products, to increase percentage of sales from the e-commerce channel and gifting space, and to enter the global market.

The startup currently have 16 employees in its team and also plans to hire 10 people across various functions by April 2017.

“We are delighted that angels at CAN believed in our concept and share our vision to make The Gourmet Jar a leading player in the condiment space. They come on board with vast experience and their expertise and insights will support us in taking our brand to the next level. Their hands on approach to mentor startup like ours will be an added advantage. We are highly enthused and see this as an affirmation of the opportunity that The Gourmet Jar presents,” said Apeksha Jain, Founder, Apeksha Jain.

“Chandigarh Angels Network is excited to be a part of The Gourmet Jar’s expansion plans and help scale it to the next level. The investors of CAN are enthusiastic to commit comprehensive support to the rising entrepreneurial ecosystem of India not just by investing in passionate startups like TGJ but also by nurturing, mentoring and providing the right platform for  young startups to thrive,” said Karam Naresh Singh, a participating investor and Director, Bhagat Group.