How Sailesh Ganduri, Founder of Bliss Body Functional Beverages
Millet-based functional drinks are setting new standards in the health and wellness industry, thanks to the innovative efforts of Mr. Sailesh Ganduri, Founder of Famnutra and Bliss Body Functional Beverages. From millet-based vermicelli to fermented functional drinks, his journey is a testament to the potential of millets to tackle modern health challenges like diabetes, stress, and gut health.
Millet-based, known for their low glycemic index and high nutritional value, have been reimagined at Bliss Body to create functional drinks that are not only beneficial for health but also align with global sustainability goals. The brand’s dedication to innovation and eco-friendly practices has set it apart in the growing functional beverage market.
Q1: Your journey from launching millet-based vermicelli to creating Bliss Body’s fermented millet functional drinks is remarkable. What were the key challenges you faced during this transition, and how did you overcome them to bring this innovative product to life?
As a pharmacist, I strongly believed in the health benefits of millets for managing diabetes due to their low glycemic index. However, when I first launched millet-based vermicelli, the biggest challenge was taste—consumers didn’t find it appealing. In the food and beverage industry, taste is as critical as health benefits. I spent 18 months experimenting with ingredients, sourcing from multiple vendors, and conducting trial after trial. The struggle was worth it when people finally appreciated both the taste and the health benefits of the drinks.
Q2: Millets are at the core of Bliss Body’s products. What inspired you to focus on these ancient grains, and how do their nutritional and environmental benefits align with your brand’s values of sustainability and innovation?
India has a long history with millets (Bajra, Ragi, and others), and our ancestors enjoyed good health when these grains were staples. The shift to processed foods like rice has led to widespread health problems such as diabetes. Millets, with their nutrient density, inspired me to reintroduce them into modern diets. A discussion with a coworker about their health benefits sparked my interest. By combining traditional practices with modern techniques, I realized we could harness the true potential of millets—not just for health but also for sustainability. Millets require less water and fewer resources to grow, aligning with global goals for environmental conservation.
Q3: Bliss Body’s functional drinks cater to gut health, stress management, and diabetic care. Could you elaborate on the scientific research and development behind these specific health benefits? What role does fermentation play in enhancing the efficacy of your products?
There is a connection between the gut-brain axis (learn more here), which regulates mood and stress, and our overall health. The gut is often referred to as the ‘second brain.’ Fermentation is critical to our drinks because it enhances bioavailability and creates postbiotics (read about postbiotics) that support cell-mediated responses.
Fermentation also improves the uptake of nutrients like vitamin B from millets. The bacteria involved in fermentation modulate gut microbiota, boosting digestion, hormone balance, and even blood sugar control. This is why fermentation is at the heart of Bliss Body’s innovative approach—it combines taste, efficacy, and science to create truly functional beverages.
Q4: Your commitment to sustainability is evident in your use of glass bottles and biodegradable packaging from crop waste. How does this approach impact your production costs and consumer response? Do you believe this model could inspire broader change in the FMCG industry?
Sustainability is the future. We’ve adopted glass bottles (why glass is sustainable) and biodegradable packaging made from crop waste to minimize environmental impact. Although this increases production costs initially, scaling up helps mitigate expenses.
Consumer response has been overwhelmingly positive—today’s customers value innovation and sustainability. This shift in mindset is inspiring broader changes in the FMCG industry (Fast-moving consumer goods). With sustainability becoming a global priority, I believe that innovative models like ours will lead the way in transforming the industry.
Q5: Having won the prestigious BIRAC BIG AWARD and securing grants for innovation, how do you envision Bliss Body evolving in the coming years? Are there new product lines or markets you are planning to explore?
Winning the BIRAC BIG AWARD was a milestone for us. In the coming years, Bliss Body will focus on developing new product lines, including ready-to-mix Millet-based drinks, prebiotic digestive drinks (prebiotics), and probiotic drinks (probiotics).
We are also exploring international markets to bring the goodness of millets to a global audience. Innovation and sustainability remain our core principles as we work towards creating products that improve health and well-being.
Conclusion: Reimagining Millet-based for a Healthier Future: The resurgence of millets in the food and beverage industry is a testament to their immense potential. Bliss Body Functional Beverages, under the leadership of Mr. Sailesh Ganduri, is bridging the gap between ancient grains and modern health needs. By leveraging innovative techniques like fermentation and sustainable practices, Bliss Body has established itself as a pioneer in the functional beverage space.
As the demand for health-focused products grows, the future of Bliss Body looks promising. With exciting product lines in development and a commitment to sustainability, the brand is set to make a significant impact in both local and global markets. By promoting healthier lifestyles and reducing environmental impact, Bliss Body is paving the way for a sustainable future in the FMCG industry.
This interview, proudly presented by Prittle Prattle News, highlights the importance of sustainability in every aspect of life. Led by Smruti Bhalerao, the platform is committed to driving impactful conversations and inspiring change.
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