2024/05/30 18:34 pm
In the bustling city of Boston, amidst the autumn breeze of 2017, an unexpected encounter at a local café sparked a journey that would redefine the meaning of wellness for millions. Seated across from his American friend, Kiru Maikkapillai watched in curiosity as the barista handed over a glass of vibrant "Turmeric Latte." Little did he know, that seemingly ordinary moment would ignite the flame of inspiration for a groundbreaking venture.
Kiru's friend, with an infectious enthusiasm, extolled the virtues of the turmeric-infused beverage, citing its numerous health benefits. But for Kiru, a native of Tamil Nadu, India, turmeric was far from a novelty; it was a cherished part of his cultural heritage, known locally as "Manjal Paal," consumed since childhood for its healing properties. It was in that instant, amidst the chatter of café patrons and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, that Kiru experienced his "light bulb" moment.
As Kiru returned to his everyday life, he couldn't shake off the nagging realization that while shelves across American supermarkets brimmed with products from around the world promising wellness, there was a glaring absence of offerings from his own native land. Determined to bridge this gap and showcase the rich wellness traditions of Tamil Nadu to the world, Kiru embarked on a journey of self-discovery and entrepreneurship.
Born and raised in the quaint town of Attur, Tamil Nadu, Kiru grew up amidst stories of local farmers grappling with the challenges of modern agriculture. As globalization and industrial farming encroached upon traditional practices, he witnessed firsthand the erosion of quality in favour of quantity. The idyllic landscapes of his childhood gave way to a harsh reality where sustainability took a backseat to profit margins.
However, Kiru's path diverged from the agrarian roots of his hometown when the allure of the American Dream beckoned. Encouraged by his parents to pursue higher education and professional success abroad, he embarked on a journey that took him from the corridors of Chennai's engineering colleges to the hallowed halls of an American university.
Yet, despite achieving the milestones prescribed by society, Kiru found himself yearning for a deeper sense of purpose. It wasn't until he rediscovered the wealth of his cultural heritage through the lens of wellness that he realized where his true calling lay.
Fuelled by a desire to honour her roots and champion holistic wellness, Kiru founded his venture, "Divine Foods: Holistically Sourced." With a mission to bring traditional wellness to modern life, Kiru set out to curate a range of superfoods sourced directly from the fertile lands of Tamil Nadu.
Central to Kiru's vision was the belief that true wellness extends beyond mere product quality; it begins with honouring the origins of the produce. He ensured that each offering bore the stamp of authenticity and superior quality through meticulous testing and sourcing practices, reflective of its geographical heritage.
The journey of The Divine Foods received a significant boost when it was awarded the TANSEED 4.0 grant by the Tamil Nadu government, under the leadership of Chief Minister MK Stalin. This endorsement served as a validation of Kiru's vision and a testament to the potential of homegrown enterprises to drive economic growth and cultural preservation.
Today, The Divine Foods stands as a beacon of hope for conscientious consumers seeking wellness that transcends borders. From the verdant fields of Salem to the bustling markets of Karur, Kiru's venture celebrates the timeless wisdom of traditional wellness practices while embracing the opportunities of the modern world.
As Kiru reflects on his journey from a chance encounter in a Boston café to the helm of a burgeoning enterprise, he remains guided by a singular conviction: Superfoods are only truly super when they're sourced holistically, honouring the land, the people, and the traditions that gave them life.
In the ever-evolving landscape of wellness, Kiru's story serves as a poignant reminder that true transformation begins by reconnecting with our roots and embracing the wisdom of generations past. Through Divine Foods, she invites us all to embark on a journey of holistic wellness, one nourishing sip at a time.
“Having Nayanthra and Vignesh Shiva As our Investing Partners. It is good to see that they invested in a brand creating a rural impact “The Divine Foods” addresses a precise need for a new-age traditional superfood. We strive to select the traditional recipe to obtain a wholesome food product. Our team ensures that the final product is easy to use, affordable, and healthy. We have recently launched the Dubai website and that went well,” Kiru Maikapillai, Founder & CEO, of The Divine Foods
About The Divine Foods
The Divine Foods is India's fastest growing D2C food tech brand with 25000+ Customers and is available in 5 countries. “The Divine Foods” is the first “100 D2C Challenger” brand that has the potential to revolutionise India’s D2C space.
“The Divine Foods” addresses a precise need for a new-age traditional superfood. We strive to select the traditional recipe to obtain a wholesome food product. Our team ensures that the final product is easy to use, affordable and healthy.
Founded in 2019 by Kiru Maikkapillai, The Divine Foods specialises in making products from traditional superfoods such as turmeric, moringa, millet, and others. Its portfolio includes products such as turmeric oil, turmeric golden milk, masks, turmeric drinks, turmeric powder, and honey, among others.