In 2022, Bhagawati Neupane, along with her co-founder, embarked on an entrepreneurial journey that would have a profound impact on the lives of farmers and consumers alike. Their venture, Himalayan Organic, aimed to bridge the gap between farmers and end customers by providing access to minimally processed and farm-fresh products.
Bhagawati Neupane, a young and driven individual, recognized the growing need for healthy and minimally processed food in the market. While consumers were becoming increasingly conscious of where their food came from, farmers were struggling to reach their target customers. Himalayan Organic was established with the vision of addressing this market gap and empowering farmers in the process.
One of the key factors that contributed to the success of Himalayan Organic was their adoption of a direct-to-customer (D2C) model. By leveraging digital platforms and establishing a strong online presence, Bhagawati and her team were able to directly connect with their target audience. They utilized personalized ads on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram to acquire new customers and effectively communicate the health benefits of their products.
The power of digital marketing and social media cannot be underestimated in today’s world. With billions of people using social media platforms, businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), have found it strategic and cost-effective to engage directly with their target customers through compelling narratives. Research has shown that social media influences purchase decisions for a significant portion of consumers, making it an invaluable tool for businesses like Himalayan Organic to identify, understand, and build lasting relationships with their customers.
Himalayan Organic’s growth has been further amplified by their association with Meta, the parent company of popular social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. Meta’s personalized ad capabilities and extensive reach enabled Bhagawati and her team to find customers across India who were interested in natural products and a healthy lifestyle. The exponential rise in their farm-to-fork model, with a 30x year-on-year growth, is a testament to the effectiveness of Meta’s tools for SMBs.
Meta’s commitment to supporting small and medium businesses has been evident through their initiatives and features tailored for entrepreneurs. By providing access to a global marketplace and empowering businesses to connect directly with customers, Meta has become a crucial pathway for ventures like Himalayan Organic to thrive.
Bhagawati Neupane and her co-founder’s entrepreneurial journey with Himalayan Organic exemplify the transformative power of the direct-to-customer model and the strategic use of digital marketing through social media platforms. By embracing these approaches and leveraging the support of Meta, they have not only built a successful brand but also created over 1000 jobs for farmers in 3000 villages, significantly improving their lives.
As more entrepreneurs like Bhagawati Neupane and her co-founder emerge, empowered by digital platforms and innovative business models, the future of agriculture and sustainable food systems in India and beyond looks promising. The fusion of technology, entrepreneurship, and a passion for positive change continues to drive innovation and create new opportunities for both farmers and consumers.
