How Wingreens Farms Conquered Indian Kitchens

How a woman-led brand revolutionized healthy dips in India

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As you navigate the dynamic landscape of D2C, let the saga of Wingreens Farms inspire and guide you. With a commitment to quality, authenticity, innovation, and agility, you too can carve your path to success, captivating hearts, minds, and taste buds along the way. This is StartupStoic, a newsletter that assists you in learning better and strategizing your startup ideas, just like Wingreens Farms. If you find it helpful, feel free to share it with others.

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Back to our topic of the day,

The year was 2012. 

Anju had returned from the US. As part-time work, she decided to sell potted herbs, a common practice in the US, only to realize that India was not ready to scale it. 

Herbs in India are still a side dish ingredient. Result? The demand is seasonal and limited. However, Anju saw a strong gap. With an increase in the millennial population, people were getting more health-conscious, but healthy food often meant bland. Wingreens Farms was born to bridge that gap with tasty twists on everyday essentials.

And, the star dish to make Wingreens Farms the 'mother' of all startups, was the basil pesto, a hit in stores and hearts. 

Then, there was no looking back. This is the story of a woman-led D2C brand, that shaped the face of dips and sauces in India. Today Wingreens Farms holds a 90% share in the market of food condiments with a 50% jump in the revenue of FY23.

How Anju Srivastava Started Wingreens Farms?

The vision that started with basil pesto and targeted the health-conscious audience later diverted towards the welfare of farmers. 

Anju Srivastava pointed out, "Understanding that the crops that they (farmers) grow are not giving them the kind of returns was also important.” 

So, instead of purchasing land that belonged in the name of Wingreens Farms, Anju decided to take the farmer's land on rentals. She made sure that farmers had a say in their land. She realized the potential of employing the women of the family in growing these crops and created an empire of women leading towards a purpose. 

What Wingreens Farms Did Differently?

  • Targeted a Specific Niche:  Winggreens Farms didn't try to be everything to everyone. They recognized the rise of health-conscious consumers and catered directly to their needs. This laser focus allowed them to build brand loyalty and establish themselves as a trusted source for guilt-free snacking.

  • Content Marketing Powerhouse: Winggreens Farms understood the power of content. They created engaging blog posts and social media content that resonated with their target audience. Educational content about healthy snacking, coupled with delicious recipes using their products, fostered a strong brand community.

  • Subscription Box Innovation: Winggreens Farms capitalized on the subscription box trend. Their curated selection of healthy chips and dips, delivered straight to customers' doorsteps, offered convenience and variety. This not only boosted customer acquisition but also ensured recurring revenue.

  • Data-Driven Personalization: Winggreens Farms leveraged customer data to personalize the buying experience. By understanding individual preferences, they offered targeted recommendations and promotions, fostering customer loyalty and increasing basket sizes.

Key Learnings for D2C Leaders

1. Quality and Innovation: Be the Trendsetter, Not a Follower

  • Lesson: Don't just offer basic products. Focus on unique selling points that cater to your target audience's health-conscious and flavorful desires.

  • Wingreens Farms in Action: They started by growing exotic herbs uncommon in India, then transformed them into innovative dips like Pesto, creating a new market segment.

2. Craft a Brand Story that Resonates

  • Lesson: Move beyond simply selling a product. Build a brand identity that connects with your customers' values and aspirations.

  • Wingreens Farms in Action: They position themselves as a supporter of farmers and women's empowerment, aligning with a growing desire for ethical and sustainable practices.

3. Embrace the Subscription Advantage

  • Lesson: Subscription boxes can provide recurring revenue, strengthen customer loyalty, and offer valuable data for personalization.

  • Wingreens Farms in Action: While not their core model, they could explore offering curated subscription boxes with seasonal or limited-edition healthy snacks, building anticipation and loyalty.

4. Leverage Data for Personalized Customer Experiences

  • Lesson: Understand your customer base. Analyze data to tailor your offerings to their unique preferences, maximizing sales and satisfaction.

  • Wingreens Farms in Action: They can leverage online platforms to gather customer preferences and buying habits. This data can inform future product development and targeted marketing campaigns.

Ready to take your D2C brand to the next level?

Winggreens Farms' journey serves as a blueprint for success. We encourage you to further explore their story and adapt their winning strategies to your brand's unique goals.

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