Anish Basu Roy (TagZ Foods)
Overview
Anish Basu Roy is a prominent Indian entrepreneur known for co-founding TagZ Foods, a direct-to-consumer (D2C) snacking startup. Founded in 2019 alongside Sagar Bhalotia, TagZ Foods has carved a niche in the healthy snack market with innovative products like popped potato chips and gourmet dips. The brand aims to provide healthier snacking options without compromising on taste, catering primarily to urban Gen Z consumers. Anish Basu Roy's leadership and strategic vision have been instrumental in positioning TagZ Foods as a distinguished brand in India's burgeoning D2C food sector.
Recent Developments
- November 2024: Reliance Retail, through its subsidiary Reliance Consumer Products, acquired TagZ Foods in a deal estimated at INR 28 crore (approximately $3.5 million). This acquisition fits into Reliance's strategy of expanding its portfolio in the D2C market, particularly targeting startups facing operational challenges.
- May 2024: TagZ Foods continued to expand its distribution networks and product offerings, despite operational challenges that led to a temporary cessation of production earlier in the year. The company also announced plans to broaden its reach internationally.
- June 2023: TagZ Foods launched a new marketing campaign featuring cricketer Shikhar Dhawan, who also invested in the company. The campaign highlighted TagZ Foods' unique offerings of snacks with 50% less fat.
- 2023: TagZ Foods entered organized retail, collaborating with major outlets like Dmart, and expanded its product line to include new categories such as hemp-based cookies. The company also raised funds through a Consumer Stock Option Plan (CSOP), showcasing its innovative approach toward consumer engagement.
- 2022-2023: Despite the challenges, TagZ Foods reported significant growth, with annual operating revenue climbing to INR 9.6 crore, although it faced a net loss of INR 10.7 crore. The company continued to raise funds with an aim to scale operations and expand the product line.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Anish Basu Roy |
| Born | Bangalore, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur, Co-Founder & CEO of TagZ Foods |
| Known For | Founding TagZ Foods |
| Education | Bachelor of Engineering (Electronics & Telecommunications) from GEC, Bhopal; PGDM in Marketing from SCMHRD, Pune |
Early Life and Education
Anish Basu Roy was born in Bangalore, India, and pursued his early education there. He graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics and Telecommunications from GEC, Bhopal, between 2000 and 2004. His passion for technology underpinned his educational journey, which later served as the foundation for his entrepreneurial ventures. Following his engineering degree, Anish enrolled in the PGDM program at the Symbiosis Centre for Management and Human Resource Development (SCMHRD) in Pune, focusing on marketing. This advanced education equipped him with the skills necessary to navigate the competitive business landscape.
Career and Notable Achievements
- Coca-Cola and Nokia: Anish's career began in sales management at The Coca-Cola Company (2006-2009), where he gained crucial insights into consumer goods marketing. He then moved to Nokia, serving as an Area Sales Manager and later as a Region Enterprise Sales Manager from 2009 to 2012.
- Shotang India (2013-2018): Co-founded Shotang, an innovative cloud-based marketplace for manufacturers, retailers, and distributors. Anish played a pivotal role in scaling the platform before the company pivoted to a logistics model.
- HealthifyMe (2018-2019): As Senior Vice President, Anish led strategic initiatives at HealthifyMe, a health-tech platform, honing his skills in the wellness sector.
- TagZ Foods (2019-Present): Co-founded and led TagZ Foods to create a premium snacking brand. Under his leadership, the company gained substantial venture funding and attracted investments from well-known personalities, including Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan.
Current Work and Impact
As of November 2024, Anish Basu Roy continues to influence the Indian snack industry through TagZ Foods. Despite operational setbacks, the acquisition by Reliance Retail suggests a promising future where Anish's vision for healthier snacking options could reach broader markets. His ability to innovate and leverage strategic partnerships highlights his impact on transforming consumer snacking habits.
Conclusion
Anish Basu Roy’s entrepreneurial journey is marked by a relentless pursuit of innovation and adaptability across industries. From foundational roles in major corporations to leading a successful D2C brand, his career embodies strategic growth and consumer-focused product development. The acquisition of TagZ Foods by Reliance Retail underscores his significant contribution to the D2C sector and hints at future potential to revolutionize snacking on a larger scale in India and beyond.