Sagar Merchant, Founder of Kaatil (Smerc Foods & Beverages) |
- Importance of work-life balance and efficient team management
- Insight into user experience and company culture
Podcast
Overview
Discover the compelling story behind Kaatil, a rising Indian hot sauce brand, through founder Sagar Merchant’s journey with host Ashutosh Garg. This episode touches on career pivots, food innovation, and the mission to put Indian chillies on the global map.
00:00:48- What did Sagar learn at Google?
- Importance of work-life balance and efficient team management
- Insight into user experience and company culture
- Inspired by Google’s food offerings
00:02:27- How did culinary mentorship influence Kaatil?
- Intensive learning and teaching at Studio Flavor Diaries
- Exposure to food preferences across cultures
- Realization of the potential for scaling food via bottled products
00:05:14- What were the toughest hurdles switching to food entrepreneurship?
- Navigating unfamiliar territory with limited peers
- Technical challenges of scaling recipes commercially
- Learning food safety and quality factors
00:06:27- Why is the brand called ‘Kaatil’?
- “Kaatil” means “killer” and reflects bold, playful flavors
- Bollywood inspiration and smart trademarking
00:07:54- Why focus on ‘decified’ hot condiments?
- Highlighting the uniqueness of Indian chillies
- Making Indian condiments versatile for international palates
00:09:28- What gap does Kaatil fill?
- Serving the “modern desi” who loves different cuisines
- Regional Indian flavors in a global sauce format
00:14:12- How does Kaatil earn customer trust?
- Memorable branding and flavor
- Product sampling and consistent quality
00:18:24- How does Kaatil balance R&D and branding?
- R&D drives new products and scaling
- Branding drives consistent messaging and reach
RESOURCES:
Learn more about Sagar Merchant: LinkedIn
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Profile
- Importance of work-life balance and efficient team management
- Insight into user experience and company culture
- Inspired by Google’s food offerings
