Introduction:

In 2004, at the age of 24, Kainaz Messman, a passionate pastry chef at Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur, found herself unexpectedly bedridden due to an accident.

Undeterred by this setback, Kainaz, an alumna of IHM Mumbai and OCLD Delhi, teamed up with her sister Tina Messman to launch Theobroma Foods Private Limited.

This dynamic duo set out to bring authentic pastries and croissants beyond the confines of star hotels, laying the foundation for a legendary brand.

The Beginning:

Theobroma’s first pastry store opened its doors at the iconic Cusrow Baug at Colaba Causeway in Mumbai.

Despite the challenges posed by a less-developed coffee shop and patisserie market, Kainaz and Tina remained unwavering in their commitment to prioritize quality over mere outlet expansion.

Dedication to Quality:

The launch of Theobroma in Bengaluru serves as a prime example of their dedication to quality.

The store only opened its doors when the perfect kitchen space was secured, emphasizing the importance of a well-equipped kitchen in delivering top-notch products.

Vision and Goals:

The primary goals of Theobroma were clear:

• Offer authentic pastries and croissants to a wider audience.
• Introduce the concept of coffee shops and patisseries outside star hotels.
• Ensure the highest quality by focusing on food over mere outlet expansion.
• Prioritize having a perfectly set-up kitchen space before entering a new city.

Addressing Consumer Needs:

Theobroma aimed to solve the issues faced by its target audience:

• Lack of widespread coffee shops and patisseries.
• Limited access to high-quality products in convenient locations.
• Authentic pastries and croissants are primarily confined to star hotels.

Innovative Solutions:

Theobroma implemented innovative solutions to cater to these needs:

• Offered an exclusive and indulgent range of products, including brownies, cakes, desserts, chocolates, bread, and savories.
• Established a pan-India chain of patisseries, reaching cities like Mumbai, Pune, Delhi NCR, Surat, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, and more.
• Mission: Spread happiness by serving smiles on a plate.

Business Expansion and Success:

Recently expanding to 100 plus stores, Theobroma achieved revenues of INR 250 crores in 2022, marking a 2.5 times growth from FY 2020. With ambitious targets, the company aims to hit INR 375 crores in FY 2023.

Impact on the Indian Bakery Industry:

In a biscuit-dominated Indian market, Theobroma has emerged as a trailblazer, leading the shift towards premium patisseries and redefining bakery consumption. Their commitment to authentic recipes, quality, and honest pricing has created a positive impact, offering items baked with love in more accessible locations.

Conclusion:

Theobroma Foods Private Limited’s journey from adversity to success exemplifies the resilience and determination of its founders, Kainaz and Tina Messman.

By addressing the unmet needs of its target audience and staying true to its commitment to quality, Theobroma has become a pioneer in the premium patisserie segment, leaving a sweet imprint on the Indian bakery industry.

As they continue to spread happiness one plate at a time, Theobroma’s story serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs in the culinary world.