An interview with Akash Agarwal, Co-Founder of ZOFF Foods
In this exclusive interview, we speak with Akash Agarwal, the visionary Co-Founder of ZOFF Foods, a brand renowned for its high-quality spices and whole food products.
Akash shares his journey of establishing ZOFF Foods in 2018, highlighting the brand’s commitment to exceptional flavor and health benefits, as well as the inspiration behind their latest campaigns.
Can you share the story behind the founding of ZOFF Foods? What inspired you to enter the spice market?
Akash Agarwal: We founded ZOFF Foods in 2018 with the vision of revolutionizing the spice market through innovation and quality. Coming from a successful steel business, we pivoted to the spice industry after recognizing the market’s lack of purity, convenience, and freshness.
Our goal was to create a brand that offers premium-quality spices while preserving the authentic flavors and nutrients cherished in Indian households.
A major breakthrough for ZOFF Foods came when we appeared on Shark Tank India Season 2, gaining widespread recognition and validation for our unique approach.
This appearance propelled our brand into the spotlight, attracting significant consumer interest and industry attention. During this journey, we secured funding from Aman Gupta, further accelerating our growth and expansion.
Building on this success, we were invited back to Shark Tank India Season 4 to share our remarkable growth story, showcasing how we transformed into a market leader in the spice industry through innovation, quality, and consumer trust.
What sets ZOFF Foods apart from other spice brands in the market?
Akash Agarwal: ZOFF Foods stands out due to its pioneering initiatives and commitment to quality. One of our key differentiators is cool grinding technology, we are the first brand to use this method, ensuring superior purity, oil retention, aroma, and pungency.
Additionally, our innovative packaging sets us apart, including zip-lock packaging that helps keep spices fresher for longer.
We ensure wide accessibility by making our products available on major e-commerce platforms such as Zepto, Swiggy Instamart, Blinkit, Amazon Fresh, and Flipkart Grocery. At ZOFF Foods, we strongly believe in diversity and inclusion.
Eighty percent of our factory workforce comprises women, and we have a strong representation of differently-abled individuals, reflecting our commitment to creating an inclusive and empowering workplace.
How do you approach innovation in your product development?
Akash Agarwal: At ZOFF Foods, innovation is at the heart of everything we do, from sourcing and processing to packaging and product development. We continuously explore cutting-edge technology and emerging consumer trends to enhance quality, convenience, and freshness.
While whole spices remain our core strength, we are expanding into new categories to meet evolving consumer demands. Our upcoming addition, “Quick Home-Style Food,” exemplifies our commitment to innovation.
We are the first brand in India to use Cool Grinding Technology, ensuring our spices retain maximum purity, essential oils, and aroma. Additionally, our zip-lock packaging keeps spices fresh for longer and offers enhanced convenience.
With a strong consumer-centric approach, we closely monitor emerging trends to develop products that balance convenience with authenticity.
By staying ahead of the curve, ZOFF Foods continues to set new benchmarks in quality and innovation while maintaining the trust of our consumers.
What trends do you see shaping the spice market in India and globally?
Akash Agarwal: One of the biggest emerging trends in the spice market is the growing consumer preference for whole spices over pre-ground options.
As consumers become more aware of adulteration in packaged spices, they are choosing whole spices to ensure purity, authenticity, and quality.
Many now prefer grinding spices at home to retain freshness, aroma, and essential oils, contributing to a rise in demand for high-quality, unprocessed spices.
In addition, there is an increasing focus on health and wellness, with consumers seeking pure, chemical-free spices that preserve their natural nutrients.
Packaging innovation is also playing a significant role, as long-lasting, user-friendly packaging options are gaining popularity among consumers.
The e-commerce and quick commerce boom is reshaping the spice shopping experience, with instant delivery platforms offering greater convenience.
Lastly, the global demand for Indian spices is on the rise, driving the need for stringent quality assurance and compliance with international standards for exports.
Are there any new product lines or innovations you are excited about?
Akash Agarwal: At ZOFF Foods, we continuously innovate to meet evolving consumer preferences.
We are particularly excited about our expansion into the “Quick Home-Style Food” category under the ready-to-cook segment, where we are introducing “5-Minute Gravy” and “1-Minute Marinade Mix” in a variety of flavorful variants—designed for ultimate convenience without compromising on taste and authenticity.
What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs in the food industry?
Akash Agarwal: Building a transparent and ethical brand helps gain long-term consumer loyalty. Focusing on quality is essential, as consumers today value authenticity, purity, and health benefits.
Ensuring product quality should always be the top priority. Embracing innovation is equally important in the highly competitive food industry.
Entrepreneurs should think outside the box and bring unique innovations, whether in product formulation, technology, or packaging.
In an ocean full of red, choose your blue, carve out a unique space by offering something truly different and valuable.
As we conclude our conversation, Akash emphasizes the importance of innovation and sustainability in the food industry, encouraging aspiring entrepreneurs to pursue their passions.
His insights not only reflect the ethos of ZOFF Foods but also inspire a new generation to embrace quality and health in their culinary choices.
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