Janardhan Swahar, Managing Director & CEO of Y-Cook India

An interview with Janardhan Swahar, Managing Director & CEO of Y-Cook India Pvt. Ltd

In this interview, we delve into the inspiring journey of Janardhan Swahar, the visionary Managing Director and CEO of Y-Cook India Pvt. Ltd.

Since founding the company in 2013, he has been dedicated to providing healthy, preservative-free food options for all ages, revolutionizing the modern snacking experience.

Can you share the story behind Y-Cook? What inspired the inception of the brand, and what gap in the market were you aiming to fill?

Janardhan Swahar: Y-Cook was established with a simple yet clear vision – “Good food for all.” Right from the start, the company has aimed to fill the gap between convenience and nutrition in ready-to-eat food.

A gap was identified in the market for preservative-free, natural products that remained fresh without refrigeration, as we dug deeper into this concept, we discovered that true ‘good food’ is rooted in nature and free of artificial additives.

This insight inspired us to create steamed snacks that are entirely residue-free, full of natural nutrients and flavours, and have a one-year shelf life without refrigeration.

With Y-Cook, we are reshaping the way people think about convenience, nutrition, and the food they consume every day.

By leveraging innovative retort processing, we made it possible for consumers to enjoy fresh, natural food anytime, anywhere without compromising on taste or quality.

Y-Cook continues to grow, offering farm-to-table solutions that promote sustainable agriculture while making healthy eating more accessible on a global scale.

How does Y-Cook ensure that its sourcing and manufacturing processes support sustainable agriculture and reduce carbon footprints?

Janardhan Swahar: Y-Cook is highly committed to sustainability through responsible sourcing and eco-friendly manufacturing practices.

The company works with GAP-trained farmers to ensure all produce is pesticide-free, thus promoting sustainable agriculture and maintaining high-quality standards. Regular audits and training programs support this commitment.

In manufacturing, Y-Cook uses advanced retort processing, which enhances the shelf life of the product up to 12 months without preservatives or refrigeration, thus saving energy and carbon emissions associated with cold storage. The agricultural waste is also reused as compost and fodder, thus minimizing environmental impact.

Y-Cook also focuses on water conservation, energy efficiency, and waste reduction, thus lowering its carbon footprint significantly.

The company’s commitment to the environment is enhanced by its guarantee of safe, high-quality, and sustainably sourced food, as certified facilities under HACCP, FSSC 22000, and Organic standards are provided.

How does Y-Cook build trust with its customers, especially when it comes to delivering on the promise of natural, preservative-free food?

Janardhan Swahar: At Y-Cook, transparency and quality are foremost. The use of advanced retort processing technology produces residue-free products, ensuring a longer shelf life without refrigeration.

The key in this process involves the removal of air from the produce pack and then steaming it under controlled heat, thereby making the food sterile and eliminating all microorganisms that can cause spoilage while conserving the food’s natural qualities.

Unlike most preservation processes, our retort process seals in flavor and nutrient content by maintaining headspace and minimal residual water from the packaging.

Thorough checks have been done throughout the production processes to ensure nothing less than total quality control, while our relations with farmers see that the source of our ingredients is residue-free and sustainably grown.

Consumer trust has been built through open communication and our promise of delivering natural and preservative-free food.

With growing consumer demand for healthier and more sustainable food options, how does Y-Cook see itself shaping the future of the natural food industry?

Janardhan Swahar: As demand for healthier, sustainable food increases among consumers, continuous innovation at Y-Cook leads the charge.

We plan to continue unveiling international flavor profiles like teriyaki, wasabi, Italian herbs, and barbecue, aligning with the growing consumer interest in bold flavors and unique ingredients,  demonstrating not only a commitment to taste but also significant nutritional value and authenticity in our ingredients.

Commitment to transparency assures consumers know their food’s origin. By offering a widening product range and convenient single-serve packs, Y-Cook makes access to healthy, ready-to-eat food more available.

We focus on staying at the forefront of a changing consumer’s evolving preferences and fit their wellness messages for the future of the natural food industry.

What steps have you taken to expand Y-Cook’s presence in India and international markets? Can you share insights into any notable milestones?

Janardhan Swahar: Y-Cook has made massive efforts to gain a firm foothold both locally and internationally. In India, we have partnered with over 1,200 farmers to produce clean, high-quality produce, thereby helping to sustain rural livelihoods.

Our products are now sold in leading supermarkets and online platforms, as well as quick-service restaurants all over India.

With a venture into nine countries, Y-Cook now meets the ever-escalating demand for natural, ready-to-eat foods. Today, Y-cook’s products are available in 15 countries and 20 states of India, which is proof of the objective of making natural healthy food for all people globally.

One major milestone is the award of the “Best District Exporter Award-Gold” at FKCCI Export Excellence Awards 2024, in acknowledgment of our deeds in the arena of global trade.

As new international markets will soon be in Y-Cook’s ambit, we will also focus on deepening its presence in India, especially in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, so that more consumers can access healthy and convenient food.

As we conclude our conversation, Janardhan Swahar emphasizes the importance of innovation and quality in the food industry, reaffirming Y-Cook’s commitment to making nutritious meals accessible to everyone.

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