OUR ENTREPRENEUR STORY- SACHILI
Sachili is a Canadian CPG start-up looking to disrupt the flavour and spice category across North America. Our gourmet ready-to-eat flavour toppings are ready to sprinkle/spoon to make dishes we enjoy every day even MORE delicious. We are currently sold across 200-plus Canadian retailers and are expanding our North American footprint in both food services and retailers in 2023. Sachili flavour toppings are an extension of your salt and pepper, offering an addictive balance of sweet, savoury and a hint of heat in a crunchy texture. Our tagline: #goeswitheverything!!
Sachi’s Inspiration
I spent 20-plus years as an executive leading the people strategy and, most recently, sales for high-growth technology companies. Rooted in my love of global travel and food, I decided to pivot from “tech to taste” and embark on my own entrepreneurial journey as Founder and Chief Flavour Officer of Sachili.
As a founder, my purpose and vision for my new brand is to make it seamless for consumers to experience new global flavours in the foods that they enjoy every day. Sachili products are not only inspired by my travels around the world, but they are artisanally produced with high-quality ingredients bringing a much-needed “healthy” alternative to the North American flavour and spice category.
If you could go back in time a year or two, what piece of advice would you give yourself?
Perfection is overrated, and action is underrated. Taking action without having all the answers is all it takes to bring your vision and ideas to life. Over time (and with experience), you will eventually figure out the “best” way, but it should never stop you from getting started.
What problem does your business solve?
There has been very little innovation in the spice, flavour, and condiment category. Flavour profiles are the same (think vinegar-based hot sauces, chili oils, and traditional rubs/seasonings). There are also many consumers looking for new flavour experiences without heat/spice – this is the gap that Sachili is well-positioned to address, especially given that consumers are cooking more (post-pandemic). Our products are also aligned with health-conscious consumers with varied dietary preferences (Vegan, GF, non-GMO etc.).
What is your magic sauce?
Sophisticated flavour profile (less heat, more flavour) in an innovative crunchy texture. Cuisine agnostic so that you can add Sachili to any meal, any time. Ease of use (no cooking needed), ready to sprinkle and spoon onto everyday dishes.
What is the plan for the next 5 years? What do you want to achieve?
Expand our footprint across NA (retail, D2C, food services) and become recognized as a premium flavour brand that offers high-quality products for consumers to easily use (and enjoy) every day. We plan to expand our products into other categories with a focus on augmented “flavour” experiences. Gourmet popcorn is up next. We are also seeking to move to retail in the United States.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far?
Coming from the technology industry, I entered this market with zero contacts. The CPG ecosystem is complex and rooted in long-term relationships. So, this continues to be our biggest disadvantage in accelerating our growth (but we are up to the challenge!!). We are also now working with The Marketing Chefs and this has opened many new opportunities.
How did you connect with Food Biz Mentoring?
I met Tricia and Christine well over 5 years ago and they have been super fans. Working at a Technology Access Centre – FIRST was my first introduction. We reconnected recently as speakers at the Getting Retail for Ready workshop at Restaurants Canada this year and we have been supporting each other, particularly on retail listing and distribution issues in both Canada and the US. Their support has been amazing. They have found a gap in the retail journey that every food and beverage entrepreneur needs help with.
How can people learn more?
If you are an online retailer offering local or premium products, a retailer wanting to curate the latest/greatest innovative products, or in food services (catering, restaurant, meal kits etc.), please feel free to reach out to Sachi Kittur directly. Be sure to also follow us on https://www.instagram.com/sachiliflavors/ or visit our website, www.sachili.com