The Journey of Zoff Foods’s Founders, Akash and Ashish Agarwal

Business Remedies | Rajshree Upadhyaya | June 3,2025 | Maintaining natural taste, aroma, and health benefits, brothers Akash and Ashish Agarwal have established Zoff Foods through innovation and carved a unique identity in India’s spice industry. Hailing from Raipur, the duo launched Zoff Foods in 2018, stepping into the Indian spice market. Prioritizing technology, product quality, and consumer convenience, they adopted a fresh approach. Their mission was to deliver premium quality spices that retained their natural flavor, aroma, and health benefits, setting Zoff apart from mass-market competitors.

At the core of Zoff’s innovation lies the use of Air Classifying Mills (ACM), a modern grinding technology that operates at lower temperatures. This method preserves the essential oils in spices, ensuring superior taste and nutritional integrity. In contrast, most traditional spice brands use high-temperature grinders that often burn off the natural goodness. To further ensure quality, Zoff uses a seven-stage cleaning process to eliminate impurities and contaminants, resulting in a pure and healthy final product. Its unique zip-lock packaging also plays a crucial role in maintaining freshness, extending shelf life, and enhancing customer convenience.

Plans to Launch Ready-to-Cook Meals, Seasoning Kits, and Spices
Despite the highly competitive nature of the FMCG sector, Zoff has shown remarkable growth. The company recorded a revenue of Rs. 93 crore in FY 2024, up from Rs. 53.88 crore in the previous year. However, its net profit dropped from Rs. 1.74 crore in FY 2023 to Rs. 20.27 lakh in FY 2024, mainly due to increased operating costs and higher marketing investments, a strategic move to prepare for large-scale brand expansion. Nevertheless, the revenue trajectory reflects growing consumer trust and expanding market penetration.

Zoff first gained attention during its appearance on Shark Tank India Season 2, where the founders secured Rs. 1 crore in funding from boAt co-founder Aman Gupta in exchange for 1.25% equity. This deal valued the company at Rs. 80 crore and gave Zoff national credibility and visibility. More significantly, in August 2024, the brand raised Rs. 40 crore in Series A funding from JM Financial Private Equity. These funds are being utilized for product diversification, including the planned launch of ready-to-cook meals, seasoning kits, and new spices, tailored to suit urban tastes and preferences.

A Strong Focus on Social Responsibility
Currently, 65% of Zoff’s sales come from online platforms, while the remaining comes from offline retail. Recognizing the importance of an omnichannel presence, the company aims to balance this to a 50:50 ratio within the next three years. Efforts are underway to expand operations across general trade, supermarkets, and modern retail chains.

Operating its manufacturing units at only 30-40% capacity, Zoff is well-positioned to meet rising demand without immediate infrastructure expansion. While financial success is important, the brand also emphasizes social responsibility. Over 60% of the staff at its Raipur facility are women, and the company actively employs persons with disabilities, reflecting its strong commitment to inclusivity. Its 10,000 sq. ft. factory is fully automated, blending efficiency with compassion in its operations.

Aiming to Become One of India’s Top Three Spice Brands
Looking ahead, Zoff has ambitious goals. The company aims to become one of India’s top three spice brands in the coming years and is already laying the groundwork for an IPO. With a clear vision, strong leadership, and a product line that merges technology with tradition, Zoff Foods is not just redefining how spices are consumed in India, but is also building a legacy rooted in quality, innovation, and purpose.

Written & Edited By:

Rajshree Upadhyaya