In a world dominated by **digital marketing** and **social media**, one entrepreneur has taken a refreshingly unconventional route to propel his yogurt business to success. **Nahaz Basheer** decided to roll up his sleeves and distribute free sample packs directly to consumers in malls—doing the legwork himself to ensure his yogurt-based products found a place in the hearts (and stomachs) of his customers.
Nahaz Basheer: A Yogurt Visionary
Born into a **business-oriented family** in Kerala, Nahaz absorbed the essence of trade from his family’s tissue manufacturing business. Despite landing a lucrative job in Qatar in his early twenties, he chose to pursue his entrepreneurial aspirations instead. “Except my mother, none understood my entrepreneurial endeavours,” he recalls, as he faced skepticism from relatives who valued conventional career paths.
Taking the Plunge into the Yogurt Industry
Nahaz’s decision to start a yogurt business was anything but straightforward, as his family preferred the stability of traditional employment. **Unafraid of the naysayers**, Nahaz committed to transforming the yogurt landscape in India. Little did he know, his path would lead him to cater to the **elite**—from *Ambani family weddings* to five-star hotels.
The Journey of Discovery
While living in Qatar, Nahaz realized that high-quality, non-sour yogurt—a staple for many culinary practices in Kerala—was missing from the Indian market. “In Kerala, yogurt complements many dishes. We use it to marinate meats or pair it with rice,” he reflects, highlighting its significance in local cuisine.
During his visits back home, he noticed a stark contrast. “The local curds were sourer,” he says, sick of settling for inferior quality. This difference ignited a passion in Nahaz to create a yogurt product that captured the taste he longed for.
Founding Crèmberie
In 2020, he launched **Crèmberie**, a company designed to fill the gap he identified in the yogurt market. However, he soon discovered the magnitude of educating a population unfamiliar with his vision. Nahaz embarked on three years of **intensive research and development**, joining forces with dairy technology experts and studying international dairy markets for insights.
Sampling Strategy: A Ground-Up Approach
Understanding that product exposure was crucial, Nahaz adopted a **grassroots marketing strategy**. He set out on the streets, in malls, and even transit stations, offering free samples of his yogurt. The initial response was mixed; customers hesitated, torn between curiosity and skepticism. Yet, Nahaz’s determination only grew stronger as he absorbed feedback and made necessary adjustments to his product.
Winning Over Elite Clients
With time, his unwavering resolve started to pay off. Partnerships with renowned outlets like *Lulu Mall* validated his efforts, leading to wider distribution in supermarkets across Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. The **biggest break** came when a representative from the Ambani family placed a substantial order for their sons’ weddings. “Guests like Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg tasted our creations. I was on cloud nine,” he shares.
What set Crèmberie apart was its **commitment to quality**—adhering to a zero-preservative philosophy, using only 100% fresh milk, and ensuring that a meticulous cold chain management system preserved the yogurt’s supreme quality.
The Crescendo: Achieving Rs 15 Crores in Turnover
Today, Nahaz’s yogurt is not just a product; it’s a culinary experience that is cherished by customers and esteemed by **five-star hotels**. His innovative flavors, such as the **spicy Sambharam yogurt** and fruit-based varieties, have captivated consumers, making Crèmberie a household name.
Nahaz reflects on his journey with gratitude, attributing his success to an unwavering focus on **quality and customer satisfaction**. He states, “It’s not about money or increasing turnover. I genuinely enjoy what I do, waking up each day eager to face new challenges.”
As **Crèmberie** continues to expand its horizons, Nahaz remains committed to **innovation** and spreading joy—one delicious yogurt at a time. Each day offers a fresh opportunity to shape a brand that’s not merely a business but a testament to the power of dreams turning into reality.
Edited by Vidya Gowri; All images courtesy Nahaz Basheer
