WHAT'S DRIVING GROWTH IN THE D2C SPACE?

The Makers CO The Builders of India's New CPG - In 2022, the D2C industry was valued at approximately USD 12 billion. In the next five years, it is expected to cross USD 60 billion, which is a CAGR of a staggering 40 percent, according to Tracxn. The brands that use the online platform to sell directly to consumers are currently more than 600 in numbers. Our current 'Makers Co' issue is an affirmation of the growing D2C industry. The featured brands, including the likes of SUGAR Cosmetics, boAt, Fixderma, Mamaearth, Wholesum Foods, Wow Skin Science, Bluestone, Country Delight, The Sleep Company and more are on a mission to provide quality, safe, personalized, and local everyday products to you and your loved ones. They are also employing the power of retail e-commerce, social media, and physical outlets to achieve their goals. Hailing the D2C industry with more such brands on the anvil.

- PUNITA SABHARWAL WITH S SHANTHI, PRIYA KAPOOR, PAROMITA GUPTA, KABIR SINGH BHANDARI & SHRABONA GHOSH

MEET THE NEW SNAC(K)ING

HOW THIS ENTREPRENEUR IS MAKING US MU(N)CH BETTER

Vikas D Nahar was born in a small town, Sakleshpura in Karnataka, which is known for tea, coffee, and spice plantations. His father was a farmer, largely into farming coffee and other commercial produce. As Nahar grew up, he shifted to Bangalore for higher education in 2000-02 for his graduation from Bangalore University. In 2005, he joined his brother's business as a graduate trainee there. And eventually went on to lead the entire vertical of international business. The business was more domestic in nature largely into trading of spices, which were grown in India or bought from other parts of the world. From 2005 to 2008, Nahar spent three years establishing the entire international business. During this period, Nahar traveled to countries like China, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, and other countries importing a lot of spices from Southeast Asian countries to India and also exporting spices of the south to the UK and other countries. During this period, while preparing for CAT exams, Nahar took a break in 2008 to do his MBA at Symbiosis Centre for Management and Human Resource Development. From 2008 to 2010, while pursuing his MBA in Pune in marketing, Nahar was able to understand why some brands demand more prices, more affinity, or more loyalty than any other product. Talking about his interest in building a brand, Nahar reminisces, “The aspiration of building a brand came immediately after my MBA. Once I came back to Bangalore, I took a six months break to try and understand what exactly I want to start up, because building a brand and being an entrepreneur had stuck me there.” That’s when he decided not to go for any placement offer and begin his entrepreneurial innings.