In a world teeming with fast-paced food trends, Bharat Budhiraja is charting a unique path with his brand, Urbana Superfoods, owned by Krish Perennials Pvt. Ltd. What sets this venture apart? An unwavering commitment to health, sustainability, and the belief that quality and nutrition should never be compromised. Bharat’s journey from engineering graduate to organic farming advocate in the Himalayas embodies the spirit of innovation that powers Urbana Superfoods today.
AStory Rooted in Passion and Purpose
Bharat’s professional path began with a double master’s degree in engineering from prestigious institutions in England and the United States, followed by a role in a U.S.-funded climate tech startup in rural India. Here, he worked on energy-efficient milk-chilling equipment, but his passion for sustainable agriculture soon took center stage. Driven by a desire to bring nutrient-rich, authentic food products to the Indian market, Bharat turned his attention to organic farming in the Himalayan region of Uttarakhand, where he began cultivating superfoods like kale and barley grass.
Inspiration for Urbana Superfoods struck during Bharat’s brief stint in Japan, where he discovered “Aojiru,” a traditional Japanese health drink made with kale and barley grass. This drink sparked a vision for introducing similarly wholesome superfoods to India, particularly as interest in health-based foods was steadily rising. Bharat’s journey started with green powdered mixes but quickly expanded to include oils, caffeine-free herbal teas, spices, and more.
Bridging Market Gaps with Innovation
Bharat identified a major gap in the availability of nutrient-dense superfoods like kale in India. To address this, he developed a complete supply chain, handling everything from seed selection to final product packaging under the Urbana Superfoods brand. By utilizing a low-temperature dehydration technique from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute in Delhi, Bharat preserves the nutritional integrity of his products, ensuring they are as beneficial as they are convenient.
Supported by a Strong Foundation and Family Ties
Bharat credits much of his success to his mother, who has supported him both financially and as a co-founder. Together, they’ve nurtured Urbana Superfoods from a small-scale endeavor to a thriving brand, fostering a farmer-first approach and a mission to bring the best of nature’s bounty to the consumer’s table.
ACommitment to Ethical, Sustainable Growth
The vision behind Urbana Superfoods is rooted in providing people with access to pure, nutritious foods without compromising on taste. Sourcing all produce from small, sustainable farms across the Indian hill regions, Bharat and his team aim to empower local farmers, helping reduce migration from these regions by providing economic opportunities closer to home. The brand prides itself on using organic fertilizers and harvesting crops at peak nutrition, thus ensuring every product is packed with all-natural goodness—free from artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.
Product Range and Unique Market Position
In an era dominated by over-processed and highly synthetic health products, Urbana Superfoods stands out by offering minimally processed items that retain their natural form and nutritive value. From vibrant green powders to herbal teas and spices, the brand’s commitment to authentic, organic nutrition shines through.
Overcoming Challenges and Achieving Milestones
Building a sustainable brand came with its fair share of challenges, particularly ensuring consistent growth and supply of superfoods year-round. Bharat and his team worked tirelessly with local farmer partners to develop sustainable, organic cultivation practices that enabled year-round production. A major turning point for Urbana Superfoods was the launch of their artisanal store and cafe, where customers can experience products firsthand—a significant step for a brand built on authenticity and transparency.
Creating a Unique and Open Workplace Culture
Bharat’s team culture is refreshingly open, where ideas flow freely and are immediately implemented if beneficial. This inclusive environment fosters creativity and camaraderie, making Urbana Superfoods a workplace where each employee’s contributions are valued.
Navigating Industry Trends and Challenges
Bharat is acutely aware of current industry challenges, especially the misleading marketing tactics employed by some companies promoting synthetic health products without scientific backing. For Bharat, the challenge lies in educating customers and standing out as a trustworthy, transparent brand amidst a sea of questionable competitors.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Future
In the coming years, Bharat envisions Urbana Superfoods as a trusted name synonymous with authenticity and taste. With plans to open additional stores in tier-2 cities, Bharat is on a mission to make high-quality, organic nutrition accessible across India.
Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
When asked for advice, Bharat emphasizes the importance of market testing before making significant investments. His journey reflects a thoughtful, grounded approach to entrepreneurship, where challenges are met with resilience and a dedication to staying true to his vision.
For more information on Urbana Superfoods and their journey, visit urbanasuperfoods.com or connect with Bharat on LinkedIn