Chinmay Bidkar
19 June 2017, India:
Mumbai-based food startup, Wegan Foods has raised an undisclosed sum in funding from Her Highness Sheikha Arwa Al Qassimi, a member of the royal family of Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah.
Founded in 2017, Wegan Foods is soon to launch a range of healthy, dairy-free, pantry staples for the growing vegan community in India.
Kinjal Darukhanawala, the Founder and CEO of Wegan Foods said, “We are creating a range of products that are delicious and dairy free. We aim to be an ethical and transparent brand, which will source the highest quality ingredients. Each product will be crafted in what we call ‘happy kitchens’ and not in labs or factories. Being a passionate Vegan and health enthusiast myself, I realised that there are very few local vegan pantry staples available in India. Our products will address a growing market of vegans and people who may want to choose a healthier dietary lifestyle.”
Her Highness Sheikha Arwa Al Qassimi, said, “I have invested in Wegan Foods in my personal capacity. I was impressed with the fact that Kinjal plans to have a 90% women workforce by hiring from organizations that groom and empower women from disadvantaged backgrounds. This is the biggest motivation for me. Globally, I have been an advocate for women’s rights and see this investment as a step in that direction.”
The funding will be used for scaling the commercial kitchen, inventory & brand building. It will initially be launched in Mumbai via modern trade and specific food delivery app platforms. In addition, the company also aims to set up a strong B2B network with restaurants, hotels, catering companies, coffee shop chains and airlines. (Image- Peta.org)
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