In a world where snacking is a universal habit, few brands have built a legacy as enduring as Om Namkeen. Recently, on our podcast, we had the privilege of hosting Anurag Bothra, The Director of Om Namkeen, who shared the remarkable journey of his brand and the business growth strategies that keep it ahead in the FMCG Industry.
Om Namkeen is not just another Namkeen brand; it’s a 42-year-old legacy built on business strategy, quality, and customer experience. Anurag Bothra is the second generation entrepreneur, carrying forward the vision initiated by his father. From childhood, he was actively involved in the family business, making his transition into leadership a natural progression.
One of the most interesting aspects of Om Namkeen’s success is its commitment to innovation. The brand started with 56 varieties of snacks and now boasts over 400 unique offerings. Developing new products isn’t just about adding flavors; it involves rigorous testing, ingredient selection, and refining the texture, crunch, and nutritional value.
Om Namkeen was also ahead of its time in packaging. Before modern branding trends, they ensured that presentation matched quality, making their products appealing both visually and taste-wise.
He emphasized that customer satisfaction is the ultimate marketing tool. While large snack brands rely on celebrity endorsements, Om Namkeen has built its reputation through word-of-mouth and a personalized customer experience. The brand allows customers to taste products before buying, ensuring transparency and trust.
Om Namkeen has also maintained premium quality by adopting world-class manufacturing practices, international food certifications, and rigorous quality control. This not only enhances customer trust but also sets a benchmark for competitors.
While traditionally a retail-focused brand, Om Namkeen has successfully adapted to the digital era. They have their e-commerce website and are listed on Swiggy, Zomato, and Blinkit, catering to the evolving preferences of online shoppers.
Interestingly, Anurag shared that Om Namkeen was the first snack brand to be listed on Uber Eats with zero commission, showcasing its demand and credibility.
Unlike many businesses that rush to expand, Om Namkeen has taken a strategic and steady approach. The brand opens a new store every 3-4 years, focusing on quality control rather than rapid scaling. Anurag believes that ensuring a customer satisfaction is more important than chasing aggressive expansion or becoming a mass-market brand.
The brand is also exploring franchise opportunities, but only when they can maintain the same level of service and quality across locations.
One of the biggest concerns in the snack industry is health consciousness. Anurag acknowledged that while traditional fried snacks will always have a market, Om Namkeen has developed a range of roasted, millet-based, and low-fat snacks to cater to health-conscious consumers.
They also focus on using high-quality oil and controlled processing techniques to ensure that even their fried snacks remain lighter and healthier than many mass-produced options.
Om Namkeen has built strong partnerships with leading brands like Parle-G and Jet Airways, supplying premium Namkeen products for both national and international markets. Their commitment to quality has made them a trusted supplier in the FMCG industry.
Anurag Bothra’s insights show that building a successful business isn’t just about making profits—it’s about creating a brand that people trust. With a commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction, Om Namkeen continues to thrive in an industry dominated by big names.
For anyone looking to build a brand in the food industry, Om Namkeen’s journey is a lesson in balancing tradition with modernity, prioritizing customer experience while fostering innovation, and achieving business growth sustainably.
Want to hear more from Anurag Bothra? Listen to our podcast episode where he shares deeper insights into business success, brand building, and the future of the Namkeen industry.