This Goan company has launched natural stirred yogurt. AJIT JOHN spoke to Keith D’Souza, director, D Souza Biotech about the launch and his plans to expand the operations in the State and nationally.
HERALD: What prompted you to get in to the business of natural stirred yogurt?
Keith D’Souza: D’Souza Biotech began as a small family business in early 2000, as an off-shoot of a family-run dairy. Headed by entrepreneurs looking to enter the value added dairy product market, D’Souza Biotech introduced India’s first natural stirred yogurt, to a niche clientele under the brand name Frugurt. Since its launch, the brand has grown many-fold and risen to a number of challenges in an exceedingly competitive market. Over the years, the brand Frugurt has steadily gained popularity and enjoys a fan following that continues to grow. Throughout this journey, the dedicated team behind Frugurt has remained committed to producing an excellent product; consistent in quality and taste.
HERALD: How big is the market in Goa for such a product?
KD: Goa has an approximate 3-4 tonne per day market for dairy products like yogurt, dahi and lassi in the organised sector.
HERALD: What has been the market response?
KD: Frugurt is India’s premiere all natural brand. The products manufactured under this brand name are completely natural, made from 100% cow’s milk and combined with healthy live active cultures. Frugurt has an excellent market response as we have delivered consistent quality and taste.
HERALD: Are you available all over the State?
KD: Yes. Frugurt is available all over the State. We are also available in Southern India.
HERALD: Do you intend to be available all over the country?
KD: Yes, we would love to have our product all over the country in the future.
HERALD: Do you intend to expand your product mix?
KD: We are in the process of adding new products to our current basket. Frugurt currently boasts of 6 variants of yogurt (Strawberry, Mango, Blackcurrant, Apricot, Banana and Sweetened), 3 variants of lassi (Strawberry, Mango and Sweetened) and Dahi. We plan to launch buttermilk (chaas), flavored drinks and a whole series of new variants of yogurts soon.
