The latest episode of Shark Tank India season 4 featured Panchal Dairy. Taking its name from the Panchal Rabari pastoral community of Gujarat, known for rearing the native Panchali sheep, the brand has revolutionized the dairy industry. Founded by Arpan Kalotra and Bhimsingh Ghanghal in a small Gujarat village, Panchal Dairy has become a game-changer with its distinctive focus on goat and sheep milk products.
Dressed in traditional attire, the pitchers captivated the Sharks with their brand’s inspiring journey. From modest beginnings to earning recognition at the prestigious World Cheese Conclave, their story is a testament to resilience, innovation, and unwavering dedication to quality. With 1,120 kg of cheese sold to date and accolades from the World Cheese Awards, Panchal Dairy is carving a niche in the industry. They pitched for an investment of Rs 20 lakh in exchange for a 10% equity stake.
Arpan Kalotra and Bhimsingh Ghanghal were initially preparing for government exams but due to COVID it got delayed. During that time an NGO was working towards the health of goats and sheep, they joined them and thought of doing something with goat and sheep milk. They went to serve their community but got their business idea.
They made the Sharks taste their cheese and got appreciation from them. They shared that they are associated with an NGO, and the woman leading it has been a great support to them. However, they clarified that she holds no equity in their company, a detail that earned Namita Thapar’s appreciation. Panchal Diary’s fresh Goat cheese received a nomination at the 2023 World Cheese Awards in Norway. Anupam Mittal looked quite impressed with Arpan Kalotra and Bhimsingh Ghanghal and called it incredible.
The pitchers come from a small village with just 1,500 families and initially funded their business with their own savings, along with support from the village’s women’s community, who manage local finances. The pitchers revealed that they have invested Rs 8 lakhs in their business so far. Aman Gupta questioned Bhimsingh and Arpan about their plan if their current three months of savings were exhausted. The founders admitted that if nothing else worked out, they would consider taking a loan. Aman then pointed out that they seemed to have entered the business by chance rather than by choice. He further asked if they would take a government job if given the opportunity, to which the founders confidently responded that their focus was on expanding their business.
While the Sharks appreciated their efforts, they collectively agreed that the business is still too small for them to invest in meaningfully. However, Namita during her turn, she shares, “I noticed one thing in manufacturing small things like wearing gloves while working. Hygiene is a crucial thing in food products. I asked about automation, videos, how it is made in the world and distribution. There are a lot of things you must learn. I will give you one challenge. I will give you Rs 2 lakhs as a loan from my CSR fund. We will give you enough money for six months. If you can prove to me that the flat revenue of Rs 7 lakhs for the past few years can be grown month-by-month and exit this year at Rs 14-15 lakhs, then after successfully meeting that challenge, I will invest in your business.”
Aman praises Namita’s efforts and Bhimsingh and Arpan accept the challenge. She also stated that she would mentor them through weekly Zoom calls, providing guidance on distribution, market places, and manufacturing approaches to help them grow and scale their business.
