In the vibrant world of culinary delights, side dishes emerge as unsung superheroes. Indeed, side dishes like pickles, chutney powders, and sauces prepared in large quantities and stored transcend their role as mere condiments. Instead, they serve as culinary saviors, swooping to rescue taste buds and nutritional needs.
In the spice-rich land of Kerala, a range of unique side dishes is called chammanthi podi or chutney powders. These delightful flavors are not only delicious but also pack a nutritional punch. We have a retired school teacher, Shri K M Rajan, and his passionate wife, Nisha, exploring entrepreneurial possibilities with their venture, Homestead Viands, that make Kerala’s traditional chutney powders. True to their name, these chutney powders are crafted at home, delivering all the wholesome goodness of homemade food.
Homestead Viands is an MSME unit located at Payyanur in Kerala’s Kannur district. Their first product was launched by the General Manager of the District Industries Centre, Kannur, in August 2023. The offerings encompass a variety of genuine chutney powders, such as coconut chutney powder, garlic pepper chutney powder, multigrain chutney powder, dried stingray chutney powder, mint leaves chutney powder, dried prawn chutney powder, dried silver belly chutney powder, curry leaves chutney powder, and dried anchovy chutney powder. These are not just tasty but also boast unique nutritional values.
Homestead Viands’ chutney powders distinguish themselves by being entirely free from chemical preservatives. The strategy involves minimizing moisture levels to ward off potential food damage and keep microbes at bay. The eco-friendly packaging, with fully biodegradable materials, acts as a substantial barrier against moisture, air, and microbes.
Most ingredients are sourced directly from the origin to ensure high quality. The production process relies on a unique composition that imparts an appealing taste. Crafted with a touch of homey care, these products set themselves apart from the mass-produced offerings of factories.
Homestead Viands’ chutney powders primarily derive their essence from the nutritional richness of coconut, a miraculous food containing an array of minerals such as potassium, sodium, manganese, vitamin B, copper, and iron. The spices utilized in the preparation are crafted in-house. Many of the ingredients are locally sourced to accentuate the traditional flavor.
Homestead Viands is officially recognized as a Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Unit. The company holds Udyam registration, certification from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), a Legal Metrology calibration certificate, and K-Swify certification. Additionally, they have initiated the process for obtaining a Legal Metrology packaging license and have been assigned a GS1 barcode.
During a conversation, Mrs. Nisha and Mr. Rajan discussed the inspiration behind their venture. Recognizing the absence of dry chutney powders in the market, they realized the significant potential of such a product. Positive feedback from sample testing received great appreciation, and well-wishers encouraged them to launch the products in the market, expressing confidence that the offerings would resonate with consumers.
The business is operated by Mrs. Nisha Parakkal, who has a commerce degree and completed a short-term food production course. Assisting her in the venture is Mr. Rajan, a retired science teacher from Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, offering his support to his wife. The enterprise is self-funded.
The merchandise is marketed via social media channels such as Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, with word-of-mouth referrals contributing significantly. Additionally, they utilize trade fairs as a sales avenue and have presented their products at events like the India International Trade Fair.
Within a brief timeframe, Homestead Viands has effectively promoted its products in diverse Indian regions, reaching as far as Punjab and internationally in Gulf countries and Canada. Future endeavors are centered on expanding the business, with a simultaneous effort to identify stable export opportunities.
The founders thank Kannur, the General Manager of the District Industries Centre, for supporting their business endeavor. They confidently anticipate substantial expansion as an MSME unit within the promising food industry. They firmly believe that embracing the mantra “Be Vocal for Local” has the potential to propel them to new heights of success.
To savour the fresh chammanthi podis / chutney powders, order now:
Nisha P (Whatsapp) : 9496146563
Homesteads Viands e-mail ID : homesteadsviands@gmail.com
