From Truffle Oils to Kasundi: The Story of Gusto Foods & Founder Priyal Thacker

An interview with Priyal Thacker, Founder of Gusto Foods

In this captivating narrative, we explore the journey of Gusto Foods, founded by Priyal Thacker. From crafting exquisite truffle oils to the unique flavors of kasundi, Priyal’s passion for culinary innovation has transformed Gusto Foods into a celebrated brand in the gourmet food industry.

What challenges did you face when developing your Kasundi recipe, and how did you overcome them?

Priyal Thacker: Kasundi has been a treasured family recipe, passed down through generations, with our roots deeply tied to Calcutta. The main challenge was adapting it to suit modern palates while preserving the authentic, bold flavour that makes Kasundi so special.

Can you describe the process of creating a new product at Gusto Foods? What steps do you take from concept to market?

Priyal Thacker: At Gusto Foods, creating a new product is a structured yet highly creative journey that blends market insight with culinary innovation.

Product development starts with trend analysis—understanding consumer behavior, identifying market gaps, and defining our target audience. We then move into recipe formulation, ingredient sourcing, and rounds of testing, including focus groups, shelf-life, and safety checks.

Branding and packaging follow, where we craft a strong story, design sustainable packaging, and ensure regulatory compliance. Once finalized, we scale up production, standardize processes, and maintain strict quality control.

Finally, we focus on pricing, positioning, and promotion—using a mix of social media, influencer marketing, SEO, and engaging content like recipes and storytelling to connect with our audience and build trust.

What trends have you noticed in the food industry, particularly regarding gourmet condiments like kasundi?

Priyal Thacker: There’s a clear shift toward authentic, regional flavors, and Kasundi aligns perfectly with this trend as a bold, traditional Bengali condiment.

Consumers are increasingly embracing global condiments—like achars, harissa, gochujang, and kasundi—in both Western and fusion dishes.

There’s also a demand for clean-label products with short ingredient lists and no artificial additives. Kasundi, being naturally plant-based, appeals to the growing vegan and flexitarian communities, often used to add depth and spice to simple meals like grilled veggies or lentil bowls.

Overall, shoppers are willing to invest in artisanal condiments that offer both quality and a unique culinary experience.

What advice would you give to aspiring female entrepreneurs in the food industry?

Priyal Thacker: Women bring unique cultural insights, emotional intelligence, and authenticity—use that to your advantage. Whether you’re reviving a family recipe or building a sustainable brand, let your story shine. Today’s consumers value the why just as much as the what.

Start small, validate your idea, and know your niche. Understand your numbers—margins, costs, and growth plans—and don’t shy away from financial conversations. Explore funding options like grants, microloans, or investors focused on women-led ventures.

Build with purpose: support local communities, promote sustainability, and create impact. Celebrate the small wins, learn from setbacks, and keep moving forward—you just have to take the next step, even with fear in your pocket. You belong in this space, and your voice, story, and ideas truly matter.

Priyal Thacker’s vision and dedication have propelled Gusto Foods to new heights, blending tradition with modernity.

As the brand continues to expand its offerings, Priyal’s commitment to quality and creativity ensures that Gusto Foods remains a standout name in the world of gourmet cuisine.

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