A firm from Bihar that sells traditional pickles and sauces presented its goal of empowering women while reviving and promoting local cuisines. Two sisters-in-law from Darbhanga, Bihar, driven to share authentic, homemade-style pickles with the world while creating job opportunities for rural women. Using local ingredients to preserve the traditional flavors of Bihar. Pickles are prepared in small batches, ensuring quality and authenticity. The business employs rural women, providing them with training and financial independence.
Company Name: JhaJi (Taste of Mithila)
Founder: Kalpana Jha and Uma Jha
City: Darbhanga
Product: Varieties of Pickle
Highlights
- The founders shared their initial sales success, primarily through word-of-mouth and online platforms, showcasing the demand for their unique offerings.
- Sharks questioned how the founders planned to scale a handmade product without compromising quality.
- Building brand recognition in a competitive food industry, particularly in the pickle segment, was highlighted as a challenge.
- The sharks noted the need for a robust distribution network to compete with established pickle brands.
- Kalpana and Uma’s dedication to their business and community impressed the sharks.
- The focus on empowering women in rural Bihar resonated with the sharks.
Pitch Details
Ask: ₹50 lakhs for 10% equity.
Deal: No Deal
Conclusion
The sharks appreciated the founders’ vision and social impact but felt that the business needed more clarity on scalability, branding, and financial projections before investment. The genuineness, social impact, and enthusiastic creators of the JhaJi Store made their proposition stand out. Even though no transaction was reached, the sharks were impressed by the brand’s dedication to empowering women and promoting traditional Bihari cuisines, underscoring the potential of companies with a strong cultural and communal foundation.
Significant findings
- Focus on Authenticity
- Social Impact Matters
- Scalability and Branding Are Crucial
