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Chayaa Nanjappa is a celebrated Indian social entrepreneur who founded Nectar Fresh, a company that has revolutionised the food processing industry in India with the help of the Khadi and Village Board. Turning personal tragedy into an entrepreneurial venture, Chayaa became one of the largest producers of honey, jams, and agro products in India.

Who Is Chayaa Nanjappa?

Chayaa Nanjappa is a first-generation entrepreneur from Coorg, Karnataka. Being an entrepreneur without any background or experience in corporate business, she began her career in public relations in the hospitality sector, and then moved on to social entrepreneurship. She is currently the Founder and Managing Partner at Nectar Fresh and a proud member of the National Bee Board.

What Is Nectar Fresh And How Did Chayaa Nanjappa Start It?

The company, Nectar Fresh, was established in 2007 as a small factory dealing with the processing of honey under the Khadi and Village Industries Commission. Starting out with minimal capital, money borrowed from her mother, and even putting her jewellery on line, Nanjappa worked hard to make a brand name that is known for its creative packaging and food processing technology.

She is currently running the business along with her husband, Kuppanda Rajappa Muthanna, providing various luxury hotel chains like ITC, Marriott, and Hyatt with her products.

Chayaa Nanjappa’s Journey As An Entrepreneur

Nanjappa's entrepreneurial journey was all about resilience and learning. Be it about getting trained on quality control from Central Bee Research and Training Institute, Pune or about doing her own work in managing the supply chain of the products without having to spend large sums on marketing, she has been challenging the market monopolies held by foreign firms.

How Nectar Fresh Is Empowering Rural Communities

Nectar Fresh acts as a socially responsible intermediary between smallholder farmers, tribals who collect honey, and consumers. This company is amongst the biggest buyers of natural honey collected by tribes in India, buying directly from thick forests and offering them fair prices for their honey collection.

Through its expansion into fruit jams, coffee, spices, and chia seeds, Nectar Fresh ensures year-round financial security for the agriculturists of rural India.

Chayaa Nanjappa’s Work With Local Communities

Creating sustainable jobs for the illiterate or unskilled rural population, especially women, is another key aspect of the business strategy of Nanjappa. The Naman Institute, located on the premises of Nectar Fresh, is where rural women are trained in food processing and manufacturing standards.

In addition to this, her brand was the first brand to be certified with the ‘Women Owned’ logo from WEConnect International in India.

Conclusion

The success story of Chayaa Nanjappa, who, through Nectar Fresh, has been able to prove that it is possible to have success in business as well as development with the help of social entrepreneurship. Through her efforts, she has been able to help many families get a dignified living and self-reliance.

Image credits: Instagram

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