MS Dhoni-funded vegan meat startup Shaka Harry will offer an experience centre at Bengaluru airport

December 21st, 2022

The subject of how to provide a sufficient food supply for everyone while preserving our planet and natural resources is a vital one for many because of the expanding global population. Delivering food that can ensure a diet full of adequate nutrients to those affected by all forms of malnutrition and the population as a whole is essential to tackling the present global nutrition problem. The potential of the food business to quickly develop and adapt in response to the rising demand for more sustainable diets has been evident. Hence, the market for alternative proteins is developing.

Today, Indians can enjoy genetically modified legumes, various animal product alternatives and more such examples of alternative protein sources. Consider meat produced in a lab, meat derived from plants, single-cell proteins from yeast and more. And now, the latest news is that Shaka Harry is the first plant-based meat company to welcome travellers from Bengaluru International Airport, giving the flexitarian community scrumptious new protein options.

Image Source: Rural Marketing

The inception of Shaka Harry

The creators of Liberate Foods Pvt Ltd, a plant protein firm with the Shaka Harry meat alternative brand, have a track record of building successful businesses in India and around the world. Anand Nagarajan, Sandeep Devgan, Hemalatha Srinivasan, Ruth Renita, and Anoop Haridasan are the co-founders. The co-founders and leadership team are functional leaders with specialised knowledge of the food industry. Currently serving over 30,000 customers per month across 10 cities, Shaka Harry anticipates tripling this figure soon. By the end of this year, Shaka Harry will also be offered on shelves all across the world. Shaka Harry has only been available for a little over a year, yet they are already market leaders in this quickly expanding industry!

The top-performing plant-based meat brand in India, opened its first physical location at the airport in Bengaluru. Travelers looking for a quick, wholesome lunch on the go will find more than two dozen plant-based meat cuisine options at the Dine in cum Grab and Go location.

Image Source: Shaka Harry

A healthy alternative to traditional meat dishes

As we’ve all gleaned from extensive studies on the subject, the current protein sources aren't as sustainably scalable for a growing population. People need to now switch to more intelligent protein substitutes without sacrificing flavour or texture. Shaka Harry goods benefit from exclusive taste and flavour solutions as well as the brand's association with Chef Manu Chandra, one of India's finest chefs. The startup seeks to influence plant-based protein consumption in every Indian home. And they revealed that the company's goods are cholesterol-free and trans-fat-free. The specifically crafted airport menu created by Chef Manu Chandra is intended to satisfy not only customers' appetites but also their palates.

Snackables and meal accompaniments are among the meal and snacking goods offered by Shaka Harry that are based on Indian cuisine and taste. A healthy alternative to traditional meat dishes is the USP of Shaka Harry!

Image Source: Shaka Harry

Co-founder shares his two cents on the growth of the blossoming brand

Anand Nagarajan, Co-founder and CEO of Liberate Foods said, "Shaka Harry aims at aggressive growth over the next 5 years. Our first offline outlet at the Bengaluru airport is a step in that direction. Our products are doing significantly better on taste and customer response. Our airport mini restaurant will only add to the overall experience of the discerning travellers. The passenger footfall at the airport is around 30,000 per day. We are targeting 10% of the same. While people can dine in at the outlet, it will also cater to takeaways. The idea is to sample as much and expose the customers to smarter protein food options packed with richness of health and taste.

“The thoughtfully designed menu offers a wide variety to customers which is a culinary treat thereby making the customer crave for more and keep trying the different options every time they travel to and from the city. Plant protein diets are inherently more sustainable and it's health benefits are driving more customer adoption."

The assortment of dishes offered by the startup

Airport visitors can savour healthier variations of popular fast food items that are identical to traditional chicken nuggets, mutton seekh kebabs, and mutton seekh Kathi rolls but with a unique twist. Additionally, there are tasty combinations and nutritious meals available. The menu offers mouthwatering appetisers, breads and rolls, meals, and more that are all vegan, including vegan classic chicken nugget chaat, vegan mutton samosa, vegan chicken momos, vegan chicken shami pav, vegan chicken peri peri fries, vegan mutton keema stuffed paratha and kaali dal, vegan chatpata plant based mutton seekh Pav, vegan chicken shami sliders, vegan Everything, even condiments, is made entirely of plants.

MS Dhoni, an Indian cricketer, has acquired stock in Shaka Harry, the company having previously obtained USD2M in a seed fundraising round from international investors. The brand reiterates that celebrity investors like MS Dhoni simply serve to reinforce consumer and investor perceptions regarding a future where plants come first!