From Pharmacy to Functional Drinks: The Journey of Famnutra and Bliss Body Functional Beverages

An interview with Mr. Sailesh Ganduri, Founder of Famnutra & Bliss Body Functional Beverages

In an exclusive interview, Mr. Sailesh Ganduri, founder of Famnutra and Bliss Body Functional Beverages, shares his journey from a pharmacist to an innovator in the health and wellness space.

With over 14 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, Mr. Ganduri’s passion for tackling lifestyle disorders, particularly diabetes, led him to develop beverages that are not only nutritious but also delicious. Through his brands, he aims to promote a healthier, diabetes-free India.

Can you tell us a little bit about your background and what led you to found Famnutra and Bliss Body Functional Beverages? What inspired you to start these brands?

Sailesh Ganduri: I am a pharmacist with over 14 years of experience in the pharmaceutical field. I understand the side effects of medicines and recognize that the root cause behind lifestyle disorders like diabetes is often sugar and the regular consumption of soft drinks.

As a researcher and pharmacist, I know the nutritional value of millets and the benefits of their natural compounds, such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and antioxidants, which aid in the prevention and management of diabetes, improve gut health, and enhance digestion.

This knowledge inspired me to develop these brands. My mission is to help people enjoy great taste while promoting health and making India diabetes-free, a critical goal as the country is already the diabetes capital of the world.

Famnutra and Bliss Body are both known for their focus on functional beverages. Could you share more about what makes these drinks “functional” and how they go beyond just providing hydration or refreshment?

Sailesh Ganduri: Famnutra (FAM – Food as Medicine) derives its name from the belief that food, when minimally processed and paired with the right ingredients, can act as medicine.

Bliss Body is one such product, made by fermenting the nutrient-rich foxtail millet and blending it with stevia and authentic fruit powders for taste.

Fermentation, a traditional technique commonly used in households for dishes like dosa, idli batter, curd, dhokla, kanji, and ambali, enhances the nutritional profile of food.

By industrially processing millet through fermentation and adding plant-based ingredients for flavor, Bliss Body offers a drink rich in probiotics that support gut health, digestion, and immunity.

Innovation plays a big role in your product development. What are some of the most exciting innovations you’ve introduced in your beverages, and how do they contribute to better health and well-being for your consumers?

Sailesh Ganduri: Our biggest innovation lies in combining traditional science with modern technology to create products that are both nutritious and delicious.

In an age dominated by ultra-processed foods, we’ve focused on minimal processing and natural ingredients to preserve the nutritional essence of food. This ensures better health and well-being without compromising taste, catering to modern consumers seeking healthier yet flavorful alternatives.

Functional beverages are growing in popularity, especially among health-conscious consumers. What are some of the key health benefits that your products provide, and how do they cater to the evolving needs of modern nutrition?

Sailesh Ganduri: Gut health, which plays a crucial role in overall well-being, is often neglected due to the consumption of ultra-processed foods and irregular eating habits. Our busy lifestyles lead to frequent intake of unhealthy foods and sugary drinks at improper times, harming our gut and overall health.

The gut-brain axis highlights the connection between gut health, mood, and productivity. Additionally, gut bacteria in the large intestine are essential for immunity. However, indiscriminate antibiotic use is disrupting gut bacteria and contributing to the global challenge of antibiotic resistance.

Bliss Body addresses these concerns by being sugar-free and using stevia, a plant-based sweetener with zero calories, recognized as GRAS (Generally Regarded as Safe) by the USFDA. This makes it suitable for diabetes patients, offering a sweet taste without sugar crashes.

With fruit powders and probiotics, Bliss Body supports energy levels, nutrient absorption, and gut health. It is rich in vitamin B and caters to those seeking guilt-free indulgence, making it a refreshing and healthier choice for health-conscious individuals.

Do you have any new product innovations or partnerships in the pipeline that you’re particularly excited about?

Sailesh Ganduri: We are working on developing prebiotic and probiotic drinks as part of our future offerings. Additionally, we are innovating with millet-based ready-mix powders that can be easily blended with water for quick, nutritious meals.

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs who are looking to create products or brands in the health and wellness space?

Sailesh Ganduri: Deeply explore processing technologies and the ingredients used in product development. Ensure your products provide clear health benefits while keeping an unwavering focus on taste. In the health and wellness space, taste is a crucial factor—it can make or break a product’s success in the market.

Mr. Ganduri’s commitment to blending traditional knowledge with modern innovation is transforming the functional beverage industry.

With a focus on minimal processing and natural ingredients, Famnutra and Bliss Body are reshaping how we approach health.

By addressing critical issues like gut health and diabetes, his products offer a refreshing alternative for health-conscious individuals, proving that taste and wellness can go hand in hand. His vision for the future promises even more exciting innovations in the wellness space.

Read more Success stories of Indian entrepreneurs, Women Entrepreneurs & startups stories at SugerMint. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn