By no means is it a top 10 or top 20 list of romantic ads, these are those romantic ads that I have seen at some point of time in my life and thought of sharing with you. More than the romantic aww factor, I would like to discuss the brilliancy of the marketing teams of these brands. For they are the decision makers who decide which emotions to fiddle with just for raking up sales. A win-win situation for the consumers and the brands.

Targeting the most strongly felt emotion in humans, the emotion of ‘love’ is surely going to bring in the bounty. Then couple this with a food product especially sugary one, then the brain of the average consumer is bound to go nuts. This is why food focused romantic ads perform well by all means. They invoke emotional responses that trigger the brain to dig deeper and connect with the product.

Why Romantic ads perform well?

When it comes to love, people do cross their limits. It is not a new thing. So the food brands, especially the ones dealing in chocolates cash on this phenomenon. They pull the right strings and make everyone go weaker in the knees. There is this insightful article on campaign.com which tell us about long-term memory encoding. So after you read that you come to know, that these marketing geniuses very sweetly manipulate our thought process.

The food is in itself a sensitive topic and when you portray the food products with a romantic angle then it is surely going to create a spark. The romantic moments from the romantic ads engraves deeper in long-term memory encoding. This ensure that brain recollects the product and the moment quickly and with ease. The romantic scenes engages our attention and thus the brain remembers it for a longer duration.

Having said enough, let us check some beautifully created romantic ads which really are creative and sweet. So are you ready? Do you even like romantic visuals? I hope you are not anti-valentine. Even if you are then just scroll through for the sake of my writing, or perhaps the sake of food products in focus. Because even the most unromantic person is capable of romancing food. Don’t you think so?

List of Food based Romantic ads

Dairy Milks Silk

So are you in a relationship? Or are you working hard to be in a relationship? If answer to any of these questions was yes then you should watch this ad. Out of many ads this one is the most inspiring one. If you want to propose special someone then this is how it should be done. Metaphorically you can say it that I can pull my heart and hand it to you. But with this limited edition Silk chocolate, you can do it literally. So have a look at this beautifully shot ad which shows the product for just 7 seconds but tricks you emotionally throughout.

Just as a bonus, I want to ask you first that how far you will go for love. These small cute gestures surely create a lot of impact. Instead of chocolate you can try imitating the video with the favourite food of your special someone. Can you go this far. Getting the food won’t be a problem but sending your date upstairs will certainly be a task. Correct me if I am wrong.

Coca-Cola

If you are from India then how many times have you heard “jhootha khane se pyaar badhta hai.”? It means eating pickings foods increases love between two people. I personally believe this to some extent as the people whom I have shared my lunches right from school, college and job are closer to me. I hope you have read that blog by now. You can read it here if you haven’t. So here is the only romantic ad on the list which is not Indian but is very cute.

In a short ad they have captured the essence of a typical romantic relationship very beautifully. The hook at the end is where the girl hesitantly accepts the Coca-Cola bottle from her beau to seal the fate. It is just too warm.

Big Bazaar food

Two people exchanging vibes over their respective shopping carts. The shopping carts have almost similar items in them. How sweet is it to find a person with the similar taste? This ad exactly ensures that the right message is conveyed. So probably after seeing this ad, the biz bazaar must have been flocked with lots of single bachelors and bachelorettes who were seeking love. At least I would like to believe so.

I am not sure if they found their soul mate there, but I am sure they picked up lots of food stuff and helped big bazaar to post imposing quarter sales figures. What you think?

Little Hearts

A broken heart is a window for someone to enter and mend it back. This cute romantic ad plays the exact same storyline without any hard hitting sad emotions. A biscuit in a heart shape coated with sugar is in itself a best-seller and needs no advertising. But such ads once in a while work as adorable reminders to rekindle your love with your childhood food crush. Isn’t it? Little hearts biscuit is the crush of almost all 90s kids.

Hide-n-Seek

Don’t hide from the one you are seeking. How cheesy a line could be that too in a chocolate ad? This ad inspires all the love birds to offer your hide-n-seek biscuit with your love interests. No doubt about hide-n-seek that it is one amazing biscuit in itself. But such stunts should be pulled at your own risk. They just forgot to add this warning. I don’t know how many guys got slapped after doing this stunt. But if it worked out for anyone then I would like to know more.

Sun Feast Dark Fantasy

Visiting your better half at their home, that too late at night sounds very thrillingly romantic right. This ad is shot on the same idea. Instead the only twist is that the female lead is seen doing this dare-devilry for Sun Feast Dark Fantasy. I know that it is a tempting biscuit. So taking a risk for it is worth it. This is the subtle message that this ad conveys or tries to convey.

Bru Gold

A lot can happen over a coffee, perhaps this is not their tag line but the sentiments are more or less similar. A couple living together bonding over a cup of coffee. It happens only in India. After watching this romantic ad, I am sure that most of the guys placed the coffee containers over and above the reachable heights of their partner. So that at some point of time they can lift their partners to grab that container.

How romantic is it? Will you do the same? I am scared that some feminist might have found it offensive that why a guy lifts the girl all the time. It is time for change. I strongly support the idea of change.

Cornetto

Are you a Cornetto fan? I totally am a Cornetto fan. Romantic ads or no ads, but Cornetto always steals my heart. No doubt their ad campaigns have been one of the finest in romance category. These have a mix of everything, just like their ice-cream cones. Alia Bhatt has managed to make these ads her own and she fits in that character so swiftly. So here is one where two friends mocking typical love birds and by the end cupid strikes them via a Cornetto cone.

But before Alia and Vikrant Massey, it was Yami and Siddharth who were cutely personifying romance with their chemistry over a Cornetto cone. Don’t you believe me? Watch this video yourself and let me know in the comments which one you liked more.

Centre Fresh

I would have not shortlisted this one, had it not been a year of pandemic and lockdown. The tagline says to ‘keep it fresh’. It inspires many of the love birds to innovate the ways of loving. Just to ensure that spark in the relationship is not lost. It capture online love of the modern times very uniquely. In case you are stuck in one more lockdown then this is the ad to watch so that you are better prepared.

Double Mint

My personal favourite ad is this one. I don’t know how the product placement is in this ad as I am not a marketing enthusiast. But it has one of the best on-screen proposals which has all the small packs of double mint. Either they want to say that it is that cheaper or it must be an idea that double mint is capable of bringing two souls closer. Interpret as you like it, but I am sure you will just love this one.

Closure:

So which one from the list you liked the most? Which is the food product that is your favourite? For me the double mint ad is the winner in terms of romance. The Coca-Cola ad gets the best runner up. In terms of food products, I will go for Cornetto. Who could deny a love affair with a dose of ice-cream? At least I could not. Tell me about yours in the comments.

I hope you liked this short and sweet post on food based romantic ads. If you loved it then do share with all your loved ones and close buddies and of course with your better half or the person who is your love interest. Today is the valentine day, let the love flow freely. With this your foodie_khiladi signs off for the day in a hope to see you soon in my next blog post. Till then keep smiling and spreading the smiles.

In case you want to write to me my mail address is foodie_khiladi@sh119.global.temp.domains or you can simply DM me at foodie_khiladi007. If you are here for the first time and you liked my work then please subscribe and share this work.

It is not that it was a new concept back then, but offering free internet for the patrons was its unique selling proposition. I know nowadays the internet has become so cheap that this concept doesn’t appeal much, but back in those days it was a winning formula.

The country will hardly have any metropolitan citizens who haven’t heard the following line. “A lot can happen over Coffee” a line which became a brand identity for the Cafe Coffee Day. The goal was to attract the young patrons who were just experiencing globalization. The CCD café symbolized comfort and a luxury experience which didn’t cost you a fortune. Though I always used to think it was costly when I wasn’t earning, but once I started earning I came to know that it is relatively cheaper than the other options in the market.

So here is a story of an entrepreneur and a brand which taught India or rather redefined the coolness of cafe culture in the changing India. They also educated the cosmopolitan people about types of global coffees. The CCD cafe almost became a go to place for young people. A place where nobody could ask you to vacate and you can spend long hours with your coffee and work or coffee and friends or coffee and your date. For the tech savvy people it was like heaven, coffee, laptop and nobody to disturb them, this could not have been much better. So when was your first trip in the Cafe Coffee Day outlet?

Secrets of Bean to Cup

These are the lands where the coffee is grown and where the journey towards the cup begins. Spread across thousands of acres which I can’t disclose here as the number is not clearly mentioned in various sources. All of these estates are around the Ghats which are at a higher altitude. These places are favorable for growing premium quality coffee beans. Cafe Coffee Day has managed to conserve the eco-system of these regions by preserving natural flora and fauna. Maybe this is the reason that they are among the top Coffee beans producers of the nation.

A total of 12 estates viz. Kathlekhan, Devadarshini, Kudregundi, Halasoor, Chandrapura, Sampige Hutty, Hegudlu, Girikhan, Teerthagundi, Bhadra, Kurkunmutty, Rajagiri and Sankhan estates. Each one specializes in growing a particular bean ranging from Arabica to Robusta. The beans are cultivated and each bean is then handpicked by the tribal people who know it the best and have been doing this since years now. They know the perfect ripened stage when the harvesting should be done. In returns the CCD group looks after their welfare.

Some of these estates are known for producing single origin coffee (coffee procured from beans grown in a single location). The Kathlekhan estate has received the award of specialty coffee producer from Coffee Board of India. Few other estates do grow arecanuts, pepper, cardamom, oranges, jackfruits and other local fruits along with coffee beans which improves the flavour profile of the coffee collectively. This is how the craft of growing good quality coffee is well in demand. A lot of knowledge and application goes into it. Have you ever seen Coffee plantations? Have a look in the picture below.

Post the harvest the roasting is done with the right quality check and the coffee beans are then packaged for either delivering in the stores or to the stock of the cafes. In the cafes the beans are ground as per the preferences and then pressed along with the steam to get that thick concoction of coffee which makes a coffee lover go weak in the knees.

Cafe Coffee Day Pioneered the Coffee drinking culture

Making a tree drinking nation to fall in love with coffee is not everyone’s cup of tea. So with a cup of coffee and the charm of free internet the visionary man V. G. Siddhartha started his dream venture. In an era where the coffee in the coffee house costed a mere 5 bucks, Cafe Coffee Day managed to lure the youth into buying a cup which was 5 times costlier. It was not just a coffee but an entire experience which set them apart.

There were a handful coffee cafes which served coffees in premium way, but Cafe Coffee Day introduced the global coffee variations to Indians. Cappuccino, Latte, Espresso were like never heard terms, but CCD not only introduced them to the audience but also created the glamour around it. It was successful in selling an idea that, for an average Indian consumer the premium experience is not that costly and one can have that leisurely expenditure once in a while. This continued till the word of mouth made it famous.

Younger lot flew in good numbers and the footfall became decent. A plush interior and a warm ambience, add to it the freshly brewed aroma of coffee, your senses make you feel that you are in luxury which is worth it. The millennial couples started meeting and greeting each other at these cafes. Group of friends started hanging out and it became the youth’s favourite internet cafe. In those days internet was not easily accessible and CCD struck gold with its strategy.

Along with the fresh brews it started selling food which had varieties of Indian and International dishes. Then it loitered around with fusion cuisine and still managed to keep it affordable as compared to its major competitors. Slowly as the per capita income started increasing the same coffee offered by Cafe Coffee day started to appear more affordable and worth the money. All this credit should go to V. G. Siddhartha for holding the vision and trusting the process.

The Cafe Coffee Day feel

This is a place for everyone for the introverts and the extroverts alike. You can either go here with friends, a date or rather alone and you will still find the ambience adjusting to your mood. The cafes never make you feel intimidated and let you feel comfortable. You can sit here for long hours without being asked to leave, even if you offer just one cup of coffee. Maybe this is something really special, as this time allows you to contemplate.

Being with friends is more of a memories making time. Sitting there and sharing the gossips and some special news. This fun goes on for hours and with passing time you keep ordering stuffs to eat and beverages which could be as hot as you like or as cold and sweet as you prefer. Still the gang of friends will not make any couples feel awkward. This is the magic of the place. Or rather the spell of the coffee hidden in the form of aroma.

The cafes are always well maintained which could please anyone. The silence and the mild music sets up the mood and you stay longer than you intended. Even if not for passing good time I am sure you have been there sometimes for discussing your million dollar start-up idea. Business meetings were also a frequent visuals off late. This place welcomed everyone with or without a purpose.

Date or No Date Coffee seals the Fate

All the people who had their own love stories have surely visited the Cafe Coffee Day outlet at least once in their life. Especially if you lived in a Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities then you know that feel. Date with Chai is legendary but a date over coffee is really romantic. Imagine how you went in CCD to the cozy ambience and your emotions made that place even more ambient.

The butterflies in your stomach over meeting that someone special and coffee is just an excuse. In your nervous moments the aroma of coffee and a push of caffeine held your nerves. Date or not but if the staffs sees you with the opposite gender then the cappuccino order will have the heart shaped foamed milk poured on the top. I guess at least some people who were just friends fell in love just because of that heart on the coffee cup. It is that adorable.

Have you ever gone on a date in CCD? Write down in the comments below, I dare you. Now you must be wondering have I ever been on a date in CCD. So I leave that up to your imaginations. Date or No Date the coffee here has definitely sealed many fates by either inspiring a conversation or enhancing the ability to deliver better dialogues. Since 2010 this place became the most popular choice of the youths for their dates. Cafe Coffee Day managed to decode the way to success.

Making Cold Coffees Famous

Way before the Indians normalized the drinking of colder version the Café Coffee Day managed to push surprisingly great cold coffees in the market and introduced them to us. What started with just a tropical iceberg has now reached many options which the coffee lovers frequently order. These cold coffees became a part of the menu in Indian restaurants only after CCD started serving them. Or rather they became famous on the menu cards because of the CCD.

It is said so that most of the people who went there for the first time have ordered a cold coffee as their first order and this includes me too. Please don’t judge me! I am among those people who learnt the difference between Espresso, Latte, Cappuccino, Macchiato and Mocha very late in life. So cold coffee seems a naturally safer option. Interestingly this was a challenge faced by the brand while educating the Indian audience during early days since opening and that went on for good 7-8 years. Only after that, people like me started knowing the types of coffees better.

Café Frappe

The classic cold coffee in its simplest form. A shot of coffee mellowed down with milk and sugar just to let you relax and enjoy.

Cold Cocoa Latte

Smooth, creamy ice cold chocolate milkshake. Who can say no to this classic beverage?

Crunchy Frappe

Chocolaty tinge to the caffeine shot and poured in lots of chunks of the Oreo biscuits. This is how a crunchy Frappe is made. You can sip and bite and enjoy a lazy day.

Dark Frappe

The Dark Frappe doesn’t essentially has the bitter from the coffee but an extra dash of chocolate with some extra cream. It is a comforting drink for the chocolate lover in the coffee connoisseur.

Devil’s Own

This maybe the most ordered Cold Coffee collectively across India. Generous amount of chocolate syrup and whipped cream to match the intensity of caffeine. The balancing of flavours is just done right.

Kaapi Nirvana

A chilled out espresso with subtle Caribbean flavours topped with whipped creme and chocolate vermicelli. This one’s so great it’s a prize winner at the WBC in Norway! I am yet to try it. Have you tried it? Share your reviews in the comments please.

Tropical Iceberg

Double shot of espresso brewed from a blend of imported coffee beans which are imported from the original land of coffee. It is topped with steamed, foamed milk with some ice-cream soft peaks.

Vegan Shake

The latest addition to lure the vegan crowd as many youngsters are going vegan. The milk is replaced with soy milk.

So which is your preferred cold coffee? Apart from just cold coffees, all other coffees do have something to say. I mean your choice of coffee beverage makes a statement about you. “Find out What Your Coffee Order Reveals about Your Personality” on this beautiful post by littlethings.com.

Cafe Coffee Day the best Vertically Integrated Business

I won’t bore you with the MBA level knowledge regarding this term called vertically integrated business. So I will rather just tell you how CCD is one of the model which fits in this space. Cafe Coffee Day is a subsidiary of Coffee Day Global which started in 1993 as Amalgamated Bean Coffee trading company. Slowly it started acquiring other business like retails, hospitality, logistics, financial services, tech parks & SEZ. This ensured that they did not have to buy anything from other businesses.

The self-sustenance was much easier for them. As compared to the competition where they buy the coffee beans from out of India, the Cafe Coffee day has a source of its own. The timber for their furniture of the cafes is also supplied from the forest on their estates. Thus the logistics cost comes down.

This is in short what we call as a vertically integrated business. It underlines the fact that how much of vision Mr. V. G. Siddhartha had as he purchased the coffee growing estate in mid 1990s. Purchasing same amount of land in today’s time is just not going to be easy.

Some Lesser Known facts about CCD

They do not offer a franchise business they rather invite partnership applications. If you are interested then check this enquiry page yourself.

You can contact them for advertising your brand or work, at 1530+ cafes you are surely get conversions.

Most of the corporate office have the CCD coffee vending machines which is another source of income as they lease these machines on contract. Don’t blame the bean quality as that is decided by your office management and admins. Now you know whom to blame.

They even undertake catering orders for small events where just snacks and beverages are required. If you are fan of their coffee and beverage then you can book them here.

In 2014 Cafe Coffee Day was ranked as 22nd Most Trusted Service Brand in India, as 27th Most Exciting Brand in India and as 2nd Most Exciting Brand under the category of “Food Services” in India, under a survey done by Brand Equity (Economic Times).

They also home deliver now, their association with Swiggy and Zomato has placed them in a better position.

They have assets which can far outweigh their liabilities check this article which validates this on the hindu.com.

Apart from India it has cafes in Austria (Vienna), Czech Republic, Egypt and Nepal.

Closure:

Some say he was the poster boy entrepreneur some say he was a visionary. I say all the good things said about him are right. It was because of him that the coffee culture became cool in India. He started the trend which eventually became a classic tale. Conversation over a cup of coffee is the real essence of life. Words spoken with that warm sip of brew seeps directly in your heart. Cafe Coffee day managed transform this simple idea into a business whose potential is yet to peak.

Let me know how you liked this post on our beloved internet cafe chain of modern India. A business empire built around just a cup of coffee is worth a case study. If you are a coffee aficionado then you will like something else on coffee which I have written in the recent past. Check this post on Suspended Coffee. Do share this post if you ever had a best memory in one of the CCD outlets. Share with the people you had a gala time in the café.

With this your foodie_khiladi signs off for the day in a hope that you will read my next blog soon. In case you have any feedback please write to me at foodie_khiladi@sh119.global.temp.domains or DM me at foodie_khiladi007. For now I will take your leave. Keep smiling and spreading the smiles.

This post is about those brands which are etched in our memory forever. Maybe just for the sweet goodness or the sheer marketing genius, in anyway it all was very close to our heart. India was not a very consumer friendly market back in those days. This could be the reason that we got to enjoy some of the best 90s candies at a very cheap prices and we were able to enjoy them regularly. So read on to know which of these 90s candies were your favorite?

I assume your parents also had issues with you eating these cute little sweet treats. So if you have faced all the typical challenges while trying to get closer to these sugary sweet candies then this post is surely going to make you time travel. It will take you back to those worry free, tensionless days of your life.

Pan Pasand

This was a very intelligently captured opportunity in those years. Every household had a granny or grandpa who used to chew paan (beetle leaf) and as a kid we were curious about the taste. But as a child we were restricted from eating that. So here comes the solution in a red tiny wrapper. Dark Pinkish candy which had that beetle leaf flavour. Each kid enjoyed it with a somewhat reddish tongue. Isn’t it?

Coffy Bite

In India except the southern states, chai is the preferred drink of any household. So drinking coffee was a rare experience. Coffee was made only when special guests were about to visit. You must be thinking of such experiences now. So for the kids who developed a taste for coffee and couldn’t ask for coffee daily this was the best way to taste the beverage in form of a toffee candy. Goodness of coffee in a black wrapper which was a rockstar for its taste.

Swad

This was not your regular candy, this was that candy which had X-factor to it. If you have tasted Swad then you know how flavorsome the taste was. Very subtly sweet a pinch sour and punching hot. This is how I could summarize the entire experience. This is from those 90s candies which were loved by the kids and the parents alike.

Rola-Cola

“Cola in Candy” this was the tagline which I am sure that you also have it in your head till date. Drinking aerated drinks was a luxury. Generally you know that your parents used to restrict you from drinking colas as that might have gave you a sore throat or cough and cold. So to satiate the cola cravings in a relatively safer way, a product called Rola-cola was launched. That was an overnight success.

Mango Bite

One of the legendary 90s candy in this list of 90s candies. This small candy which had all the goodness of the mango flavour. Something that was loved by all the kids. There are only few exceptions who do not like mango, so when they were offered this candy they used to give it away to the people like you and me. I am sure you also never said no to any extra bonuses in form of Mango bite.

Dabur’s Hajmola Candies

The only things that came closer to Swad candy were these 2 tang spiced candies which came in 2 flavours. The Albela Aam (Raw mango) and the Chulbuli Imli (tamarind) flavour. You were either an Albela Aam person or a Chulbuli Imli person. I was more of an Imli person, which person were you? These were absolutely stunner candies for the craving of those mix flavours. Sweet, sour and spicy.

Parle Kismi

Elaichi flavored toffee wrapped in red and white wrapper. It tasted like a rich dessert but at a very cheap price of 25 paise (Quarter of 1 INR). You might or might not like the elaichi in your Biriyani and Korma but you love it when it is in a toffee. This is no doubt the most sought after candy till date. In fact it is the most successful in terms of sales as well. It is still going strong with addition of other flavors like Rajbhog, Paan, Rosemilk and Kulfi. But the cult classic and crowd’s favourite will always be the classic Kismi Elaichi. What do you say?

Polo

One of the first branded mint candy that you must have had. Taking a cue from the peppermint candies sold in the small shops, the Polo mint ring was launched in an attractive packaging. Back in those days drinking cold water was also forbidden. So the new cool was to eat a polo and then drink water on it and tell everyone about how to turn the water cold in your mouth.  I can bet on this, that you too did this at some point of time in your life. Am I wrong? Let me know in the comments section.

Poppins

Another magical product from the Parle brand. More than the taste, it was all about your favourite colour. Which was your favourite colour based flavour? Mine were the Purple and the green. Yellow ones were very common, followed by orange ones. I have seen fights breakout just for grabbing the favourite colour. Friendships turning sour and sweet just for that one favourite colored poppin. This was truly a candy which was meant to be eaten with friends.

Hart Beat

Do you remember the heart shaped candy that used to be in the glass jar of every small shop? Yes the same one with a pinkish heart printed on the white wrapper. If you remember this one then I hope you gave it to someone you liked or received one from someone who likes you. Back in those days it was used to express your feelings without saying anything. You can call it a kind of code word of expressing love. These fruit flavored candies surely ruled the hearts.

Big Babol

As simple as the pronunciation is, the purpose of this was similar. To ensure a bigger bubble after chewing and then blowing it. The jingle was catchy and I hope you remember it! “Big Big Babol. Big Big Babol”. It was a tad bit juicier than boomer. The claim of big bubble was also true. The only problem with gum candies was the risk of getting choked if swallowed by mistake.

Boomer

This was more famous because of the unforgettable TV commercial which had the flexible superhero called the ‘Boomer’. It was most commonly available bubble gum in India and it was older than big babol. My childhood bubble gum memory with boomer was to chew it for hours even after all the flavour was exhausted from the gum. Have you ever done that?

Melody

The chocolaty toffee is still in the market and going strong but back in 90s this treat was really sought after by many. The most important question which was viral in those days was “Melody itni chocolaty kyu hoti hai?” You could ask it anywhere to any Indian who knew Hindi. You would get your answer which was “Melody khao khud jaan jao!” Good old days.

Jelly Belly

The wobble of this treat was more attractive to us. Small moulds having colorful jellies in it, they were really adorable. Sweet smelling goodness which you could easily gulp down. The wobbly texture was much more in focus than the taste of the jelly. Did you like these jellies? Colorful and juicy with lots of nostalgia attached.

Eclairs

The chocolaty toffee with a gooey chocolate in the centre. It was really special. Though it used to get stuck in your teeth but to get it out with the help of your tongue had a special place in your heart. By far the luxurious treat from this list of 90s candies. My friends and siblings used to bet it as the winning price for many debates. What is your Eclairs memory, apart from it getting stuck in your teeth?

Chiclets

The magic of the packaging made this chewing gum more desirable. On top of that, the sound that the Chiclets made in the box was satisfying to the ears. It was one more choice of chewing gum which was loved by the kids.

‘Ravalgaon Candies’ the king of 90s candies

I know you were eagerly searching for this one on this elite list of 90s candies. Here it is, the colorful candies packed with strong flavours. The wrappers were transparent which enhanced the appealing quotient of these candies. Ravalgaon was a trusted brand in those years, which every 90s kid will agree upon. Which was your favourite among the Ravalgaon candies?

Closure:

How many old memories did you revisit while reading this post on 90s candies? Recall the moments you spent with your old friends and say a Hello to them by sharing this post. These candies are really an awesome part of our childhood. If you are a parent of the 90s kid then tell me which one of the candies or toffee your kid loved. These were not just candies for us, these were some magical treats which made growing up a lot easier.

These inexpensive candies were like a blessing for the 90s kids. They were cheap and yum. You almost had them frequently. I hope you liked this post and I also hope that you will share it with your old buddies and revive some old memories with them. For making it till here, I have got a bonus for you in the form of a quiz called “Only 90s Kids Can Identify These Iconic Chocolates & Candies From Our Days In School” take this quiz and see how much you score. Let me know how many of them you have eaten till date.

With this your foodie_khiladi is signing off, see you soon in my next blog post. If you want to read more content related to the 90’s then you can check out this post dedicated to Parle-G. I keep writing stuff related to food. For any concerns of suggestions you can always DM me at foodie_khiladi007 or mail me at foodie_khiladi@sh119.global.temp.domains See you in the next blog post, till then keep smiling and spreading the smile.

Let me tell you a story about the Parle G biscuit and the brand name that it has managed to create. A marvelous achievement which you can think of as an effort, which started with just 12 men and has now reached millions of households. A true swadeshi success story, which will evoke the right emotions of admiration.

The Inception

In the wake of Swadeshi movement a man called Mohanlal Dayal of Chauhan clan decided to produce a confectionary candy. The sole reason being, back in the pre-Independence era, such confectionary items were sold by British government at very high prices. Making it unaffordable for the common man and poor people who were oppressed by this government. He already had a well set Silk business, which he chose to ignore for sake of offering something to his people. This is why he went to Germany and bought the candy making industrial machinery worth INR 60000 to India.

He started a small factory in the village called Irla, Parla (modern day Vile Parle) in 1929 a year after the House of Parle was founded. This factory had only 12 people working, most of whom were from his family. They started making ‘Orange Candies’ which were sold at very cheaper rates. This is how Indians were able to greet candies. It is rumored that these candies were so good that even Britishers started enjoying it and thus the business announced itself to the world.

Almost a decade later they baked the first ever Parle G biscuit which was called Parle Gluco in 1938. This is where they planted the money bomb which would explode to open their fortunes in coming years. Did you know that Parle G was older than Indian Independence? A simple biscuit which captured the hearts of an entire nation. With just wheat flour, a dose of glucose, little milk powder, a hint of salt and the vanilla flavoring that had a distinct taste. Baked to perfection and packed in butter papers to be embraced by all people out there.

Memories with Parle G biscuit

What came first the egg or the chicken? This can yet be debated heavily, but what 90% of Indians ate with chai is undisputedly called Parle G biscuit. Were you one of those Indians? I was of course one of them. Not in the morning, but every evening chai was accompanied by 4 Parle G biscuits which I absolutely relished. It used to taste that good back in those days. In Mumbai half of the city’s population passed by the factory which produced these biscuits. It was right beside the Vile Parle station. As soon as the train passed by, the authentic baking aroma of these super hit biscuits used to make everyone salivate.

The factory was shut down in 2016 to be converted into a corporate house. Now the train journey isn’t the same anymore. It feels incomplete without the aroma that was a part of that train travel. As the saying goes, every good thing has an end. But the silver lining is Parle has emerged as the most selling biscuit brand in the world.

The Hiccups and Hurdles

As every great story is made great by the roadblocks, Parle G can’t be an exception. The first challenge was coming up with a good name for the company. The owner was so busy in the process that it is rumored that he forgot to think of a name, eventually it was named after the location where this story started. It was named Parle.

The first major hurdle was during its launch when the major glucose biscuit market was under the holds of foreign brands. This included United Biscuits, Huntley & Palmers, Britannia and Glaxo as quoted on thebetterindia.com. The master key to address this was to compete with the price margins. Which really worked well, as reaching the people was the main motto. If not for Parle, it would have taken 2-3 decades more for the Indians to enjoy biscuits at affordable prices.

The second hurdle was even bigger. Can you imagine a profitable company closing production for one of its best product? It happened during the stressful times of the Indo-Pak partition of 1947. These were the years, when famine hit the country hard. This hampered the wheat supply which was a key ingredient for Parle G biscuits. The public was desperate to have them back. In a response the stakeholders issued a public notice that as soon as the famine situation improves, we will be back. For time being they started making barley biscuits to counter the demand.

The last but one of the most challenging hurdle was the increasing competition which was eating up their market share. As the biscuit was named ‘Parle Gluco’ they couldn’t copyright the name and other companies started exploiting this term. The other biscuits were sold under names similar to glucose. People used to ask for Glucose biscuits and used to buy any glucose biscuit that the shopkeeper offered. This was brilliantly handled in 1982 by changing the name to Parle G where G meant the original gluco biscuit. This was supported by TV commercials and it worked wonders.

Most Famous Facts and Trivia

Just read and let me know in the comments that how many of these were you already aware.

If you line up all the Parle-G biscuits consumed annually, end to end, you can go around the Earth 192 times.

The amount of sugar used to make 13 billion Parle G biscuits 16100 tons which can cover the streets of the world’s smallest country, the Vatican City.

400 million Parle G biscuits are produced daily, and if a month’s production of the biscuit is stacked side by side, the distance between the Earth and the Moon can be covered.

As per the Nielsen report of 2011, Parle-G had become the largest-selling biscuit brand in the world.

Somewhere in 1946-50 they created India’s longest oven which was 250 feet long.

In 2013 it became the first Indian FMCG brand to cross the 5000 Crores mark in retail sales.

The only biscuit which despite of increasing inflation didn’t change its price for a decade from 1996 to 2006.

As you are reading this approximately 4551 or a little more than that people around the world are eating Parle-G biscuit.

A year ago, a post went viral claiming Neeru Deshpande to be the little girl on Parle Biscuit, which was busted as a false news by the Parle’s product manager Mayank Shah who confirmed that the kid was an illustration which was made in the 60s by Maganlal Daiya of Everest Creative.

One out of every two Indian has over dipped a Parle G biscuit in the chai and have lost it in the chai cup and don’t get me started on the rescue mission with second Parle G biscuit.

The Brand Portfolio with a strategy

Parle G biscuit is the signature product of this swadeshi and impactful brand but it also the product with the lowest profit margins. This works in both the ways, to reach each corner of the country and in every household plus making the consumers happy with the affordability. Now the next step is to utilize this popularity by sneaking other products with high profit margins to lure the existing customers.

The biscuit segment has 16 sub-brands which has famous names like Krackjack, Monaco and Hide & Seek. The total portfolio of biscuits has 64 brands with different varieties and flavours. Its major competitor Britannia has only 45 varieties to offer. This is called outrunning your competition.

Another strong segment is the confectionary which has 12 sub-brands and includes some famous names like Mango bite, Melody, Poppins and Kismi. My favourite from this list is Kismi, which is yours? Like this there are 27 products for the offering. This is a segment with best profit margins.

The snacks segment has 4 sub-brands and 25 products. Which includes the Parle wafers range. The other famous sub-brands are Rusk and Happy Happy cakes. Which creates a diverse portfolio for this one of a kind FMCG brand.

Parle Recipes

I just know only 4 recipes for Parle G biscuit. One is to dip it in chai which I assume you too must have known for your entire life. The next one is to dip it in milk, this again was the staple of many as a toddler and even some adults who really like milk. After this comes the Parle G biscuit dipped in Coffee, which is a classy combination I must say. The last but not the least is dipping it in water when you are not having the luxury of having any of the previous three drinks.

Jokes apart, their official website has a recipe section. It has Parle G products based recipes. It covers recipes under 3 categories, Restaurant classic, Desserts and Drinks. I have heard that the almond choco fudge recipe is really worth making. Can you give it a go and let me know how it went. You can check their recipe section here on this link.

An Emotional Promotion stint with Parle G biscuit in focus

Parle G biscuit has become an inseparable part of our lives. It has been with us for our morning breakfast or evening snacks and many a times the savior of our midnight hunger pangs. Just like we either have our parents, friends or colleagues who back us in the times of crisis. Capturing this emotion correctly the company has added a page where you can send greeting to the person who is Parle G of your life. Where you can customize it and send to your loved and dear ones for free. Check that cool page here and send the greeting to someone who just crossed your mind while reading this.

In reality now the biscuit does not need promotion but the brand is identified on the basis of this divine biscuit. Not only in India, but across the world this biscuit is offered at low cost and has become the brand identity. Even some non-Indians are in love with this. Don’t you believe me? Check this video out which is a fun effort by the famous Rickshawali.

Closure

The journey started with 12 people has now reached 27 countries and millions of homes. It has touched a billions of lives and has created zillions of memories. It has 8 production units in India and has multiple productions units in 7 other countries. Slowly yet steadily this swadeshi brand is making India proud. From ‘Swad bhare Shakti Bhare’ to ‘G maane Genius’ this biscuit has created enough nostalgia for us to cherish.

Irrespective of market figures, the Parle G biscuit will always be the heartbeat of this brand and of all the Indians too. What you think? Were you aware about these facts and information about India’s most famous biscuit? Let me know in the comments below. If you liked this then you will like more such informative posts which I have written. You can read them on this link here.

This is time for me to sign off for the day with a hope and excitement to see you again in my next post. You can find me on Instagram for any complaints or suggestions my official handle is foodie_khiladi007. If you liked this post then do share with your friends, family and all the random people on your friend list. Just because we offer Parle G to even strangers and this is I am asking for the love of Parle G. Cheers!!!

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How many treasured memories you have with Maggi? If I would go and ask this question to anyone in India, then I am sure I will get a dozen answers from each person. Almost half of the modern India has cooked Maggi as their first meal in kitchen. No technicalities, no goof up, nothing complicated and yet you can make a snack which is almost equivalent to a decent meal. There is something extra in the recipe that makes Maggi more special. Maybe the nostalgia that outweighs our trust issues and skepticism for this celebrity food.

Then with a huge round of Applause let me introduce to you ‘Maggi noodles’ of the house Néstle, First of her name, the ultra-delicious, Queen of the taste and the wannabe chefs, USP of the great brand, breaker of the hungers, and mother of all good memories. Today Maggi will open up about her fictional life which is a reality for you and me since time immemorial. Let me interview this celebrity food so that your bond with Maggi strengthens and becomes dearer.

The Maggi Interview Begins…

ME: Thank you Maggi for your time and thank you again for all the times that you have filled our tummies and hearts with love and tasty calories. A warm welcome to this foodie_khiladi show.

MAGGI: You went a little overboard with the introduction and all, I don’t think I can really be considered as a celebrity food. I mean come on!!! People still love Samosa, Vada Pav and Jalebi more than me.

ME: Now that is your modesty there that you still don’t consider yourself as a celebrity. But ask a fan like me or any average Indian consumer and we will nod is unison on your celebrity status. Plus that introduction was totally legit. You deserve it.

MAGGI: Oh pleaseee!!! You are making me embarrassed! This is my first Interview ever and I haven’t yet learnt how to react on such flattery.

ME: Relax Maggi, Just calm down sit back and let’s do it in a candid way. So if you are feeling comfortable then my first question to you is, why the name Maggi? What is so special in the name?

MAGGI: Thanks for making me feel comfortable. Now answering your question, I would like to highlight that I am not just a food, I am a brand too. A brand named on my father as I would prefer calling him, though not biological. Of course not biological but hysterical father ‘Mr. Julius Michael Johannes Maggi’ who was a visionary. I was named after him, so basically my name is a Surname.

ME: That is interesting. So would you like to share a little bit more about your father?

MAGGI: Why not? Mr. Julius Maggi was born to an Italian origin Mill owner in Switzerland. He was the first person to invent instant soups. He was asked by Swiss Public Welfare Society to make something nutritious and easy to make in foods, for the Swiss people who were near the peak of European Industrial revolution and had less time for long cooking stints.

ME: May I ask why the Swiss Public Welfare Society asked him to do that?

MAGGI: Ah! This was because by that time the women started working in factories and used to get very little time in kitchen to cook wholesome meals for their families. They wanted something which was cheap and yet nutritious enough that could really solve this problem of Swiss working women and their families.

ME: So you are saying that you were not always an instant noodle?

MAGGI: Ummm!!! No I wasn’t. You will be surprised to know that I became famous as instant noodles only in 1983 after I came to India as an instant noodle.

ME: Maybe this is the reason people love you!!! You came to India in a year when we won our first Cricket World-Cup. Coming back to the same question again, please go ahead and complete.

MAGGI: Yes, Initially I was launched as instant powdered bean and pea’s soup in 1885, then in 1886 I was introduced as Maggi’s Bouillon-Extract which was famous for enhancing the flavour profile of any soup or weak bouillon at a very low cost. So you can figure out that low cost has always been a priority. A year later I was given a new identity called Maggi’s Moreish Seasoning which could be added to any dishes to make them tasty and sumptuous.

ME: Oh I see! This means your journey is more than what meets the eyes. Could you tell me a little bit more about what happened after 1880s till 1983? This was almost a century.

MAGGI: My father’s first attempt to launch me failed because I was introduced as a mere flour of different pulses. The Bouillon-Extract and the Moreish Seasoning made me famous in Europe. My father was well ahead of his time, he knew how to create a brand value. In fact, I was the first one to be advertised in public places. Various artists were invited to create creative advertisements to create curiosity and demand in the public. From the huge billboards to Maggi vans distributing Maggi soup samples for free, he did all he could to make me famous.

MAGGI: This really worked well and as a result, I became world famous. Then I was merged with Néstle who took over the firm that my father built and then my association with Néstle begun. This was another special year, 1947. When India won its freedom.

ME: Really great journey. I can’t even imagine as it is beyond my living age to comprehend a journey as eventful as yours. So Maggi, how India happened to you?

MAGGI: My new bosses in Néstle were already having their presence in India via different other products, they saw an opportunity in serving instant noodles to kids as a healthy alternative to outside snacks like Samosa, Vada Pav, etc. This is where I came in the picture. Noodles which can be made at home and that too in 2 minutes. This is how Néstle re-branded me. The angle was to portray me as an outside food which can be home cooked.

ME: Do you want to name someone who deserves to be known for your makeover?

MAGGI: Yes why not. So all this credit goes to Ana Sinha ma’am, who developed the first recipe of the instant noodles with that truly slurp worthy masala taste. That was in 1983, and if not for that recipe I guess I would have still not been so famous.

ME: So you agree now that you are famous???

MAGGI: Ohh!!! Please stop stuffing words in my mouth. Are you going to behave like viral media now?

ME: So sorry Maggi! I was just trying to get a fun bite. So moving forward. How difficult it was to penetrate Indian market as an instant noodle?

MAGGI: As I said earlier, the first barrier was the image that Indians had about fun snacks. They preferred Samosa, Vada Pav and Jalebi etc. The next one was introducing it to the kids, that too after getting approval from all the mothers out there. Back then it was limited reach via Television and newspapers. Internet was not so big. It was all possible because of a team which had a mastermind like Sangeeta Talwar ma’am who ran successful ad campaigns to gain a market share and trust of consumers. She was one of the first women to enter the FMCG marketing sphere.

ME: Does that takes the credit away from Mr. Carlo Donati? Just asking for fun…

MAGGI: Absolutely not, Mr. Donati was very integral member of the team which introduced me to India in 1983, without him Indians would not have met me like this.

ME: See Maggi, I called you on this show, your fans will be reading this. So as a kind of return gift can you tell us the secret recipe to the Maggi Masala???

MAGGI: Hahahaha!!! That was witty enough. Let me tell you what all ingredients it has. Chilies from Andhra Pradesh, Cumin from Rajasthan, Turmeric from Maharashtra, Coriander from Kota, and similarly other 6 ingredients from different locations of the country. First the whole spices are roasted, then crushed and blended in measured amounts as per the secret formula. Then packed in equal quantities.

ME: That sounded like a half-baked bun to me. Thank you anyway for telling us everything and yet not telling us anything.

MAGGI: HaHaHaHaHa!!! Can we move on!!!

ME: Do you want to share some unknown or lesser known facts about you?

MAGGI: Yes I do. First of All Instant noodles are not always vegetarian. The vegetarian variant of Maggi instant noodles is only available in India. The other countries where I am often seen are Bangladesh, Pakistan, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam, Canada, U.S. and U.K. but all these have the non-vegetarian variations.

ME: That is very insightful about you. But what about other countries, does this mean you as a noodle are only famous in India?

MAGGI: Ah!!! To begin with, I am more famous as bouillon cubes in countries like Germany, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Bénin, Gambia, Sénégal, Guinea, Nigeria, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Togo, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Mali, Niger, and Mauritania and parts of the Middle East and also major parts of Latin America. I am famous as seasoning sauce in Romania, Mexico, German speaking countries, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Poland and France.

ME: That is really huge market presence. But still it must be a very dear fact to you that you had a 90% of instant noodle market to yourself in India.

MAGGI: I can just say, thank you to all the Maggi lovers out there who made this possible.

ME: Very humble of you. Now if you don’t mind, may I ask you about the ban and the controversy? Was it the most embarrassing low for you?

MAGGI: I was really waiting for a question on this topic. Let me address the first point that was the packaging said “No MSG” but I had MSG traces which were due to the natural presence of MSG in ingredients like hydrolyzed peanut protein, onion powder, and wheat proteins. Now the packaging does not have a “No MSG label”. Now coming to the Lead traces found in samples. It is a naturally occurring metal depending on the climate and surroundings of the grown ingredients.

ME: So you are denying all the allegations sharply?

MAGGI: Let me complete dear. So the lead levels were tested for the packed Maggi Masala before it being dissolved in water. It said 17.2 ppm which exceeds the permissible limit of 2.5 ppm. To which my managers challenged to test it again at 3 labs (Punjab, Hyderabad, and Jaipur) and these labs found that it was safe. Plus international laboratories gave us a safe go ahead. Which can only point out that the allegations & decisions were taken in a haste, nothing else.

ME: Okay! I will buy that for now. I don’t know about others. Even then, I can say one thing for sure, the situation was very poorly handled by your spokespersons. This led to many brand related case studies to include this incident as a learning. Anyway hard times are gone and the lost grounds have recovered. Whom does the credit goes for this?

MAGGI: First of all I thank all the people who trusted us again. Then I would like to thank Mr. Suresh Narayanan who worked really hard and smart for 4 years to re-establish my brand image in India.

ME: Yes I agree, Mr. Narayanan is a living legend in times of brand crisis. Every management student should study him for more knowledge on managing brands and crisis.

MAGGI: Yes of course. Now one question from me to the interviewer. What is your fan moment about Maggi?

ME: So you basically want me to flatter you more! I will do that with pleasure. I have countless memories of cooking Maggi and eating it. One special memory was when I was alone at home and wanted to cook something special in very less time. I rarely cook for myself alone, so this time I really went a mile ahead and created this. You can check this out.

MAGGI: Now that was really a treat to see. I get to see myself almost everywhere in India but to see myself in this form really makes me feel good.

ME: I am very glad that you appreciated. Do you know how many recipes are out there which are focused on you?

MAGGI: I guess millions!!! But to be specific, I know Tarla Dalal’s website has 31 recipes listed and there is one more recipe blog called Cookpad which has 81 vegetarian recipes listed. That is quiet a big deal.

ME: Yes it is a big deal. Plus you have so many small vendors who have made it big in the street food world all because of you.

MAGGI: This really makes me proud to touch more common lives in so many ways. Maybe this is a core vision of my father which I am glad that my present owners have maintained and taken care of.

ME: So we are in our final segment which is a fun round based on funny questions. Are you ready to tickle some funny bones?

MAGGI: I am always ready for fun stuff. Bring it on.

ME: Perfect answer. The world would be a better place with more?

MAGGI: I could say Maggi here but let’s just say with more healthy instant cooking options.

ME: Your personal hell is?

MAGGI: People cooking me with milk and a sweetener. Imagine this torture to me as well as the foodie.

ME: Lolz!!! Your real life super power is?

MAGGI: Being an instant hit when anybody consumes me. It is empowering.

ME: Two Truths and a Lie.

MAGGI: Oh!!! I really can’t be cooked under 2 minutes. I am already cooked before packaging. I have on an average lesser calories than samosa. Now keep guessing which the lie is.

ME: That is all for today dear Maggi or I would rather say dearest Maggi. It was an honour to host you and make you talk in this first ever food celebrity interview.

MAGGI: The pleasure was mine ‘Mr. foodie_khiladi’, your questions were really fun to answer and it never had me in a tricky spot. Thank you for a memorable interview. All the best for your magazine styled food blogging journey with Yum & Awesome.

ME: Thank you Miss. Food Celebrity. Time to bid adieu to a wonderful super snack of all time. I too had a fun time interviewing you. I wish you all the success in years to come and let the love for you keep growing in India and across the world.

Hey foodie, if you are still reading then let me know how well or how bad I was in the interview. The comment section welcomes you to be vocal. I hope I did a decent job to interview our food crush. Good or bad, Maggi will be there with us for years to come. Nothing can replace Maggi, it will always have a special place in our hearts.

If you are here for the first time then I do write such crazy blog posts, which you can read here on this link. With this your foodie_khiladi signs off for the day, with a hope that I made you smile today. Feel free to share with all the Maggi lovers you know. Cheers!!! And have you felt like subscribing yet? Go to the bottom of the page for doing that.

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What is a trade secret?

Today you will find out, how to become rich by means of a trade secret. For simplification, I will give you an example. Let’s assume, you are the best when it comes to cooking. Even if you are not the best, but right now just imagine. On one fine evening, you invent a new recipe. Which you serve to your friends and family who are your guests for the evening. They love it so much that they ask you “How you made it?” This is because, they haven’t had anything like this ever before.

Now this gives you an idea to start a new business where you sell the dish made out of your secret recipe. At first you have all the customers to yourself as you have the exclusivity factor. Then after a period of time, you have competitors who try to replicate your recipe. For momentarily your sales might drop. But eventually, the customers will return to you. The sole reason being, ‘Your recipe has no match’ to what so ever is available out there.

Now you feel great but at the same time you do feel tensed. Because now you are concerned about the secrecy of your recipe. So what you think you can do? Your first guess must be Patenting!!! If yes, then I am afraid that this is not going to help much. As the laws for patenting recipes are very tough. So I pitch in and give you an advice, which is to hide your recipe and maintain the exclusivity. You listen to me and Boom!!! You have become a millionaire in few years. Congratulations!!! And no need to say Thank You.

Fact: Patents can expire but trade secrets do not. As they fall under category of Intellectual Property. Patents require disclosure and detailing but trade secrets have no such obligations.

Brands and concept of Well-guarded Secret recipes:

This sums up the concept of trade secret in layman’s language. Posing something of a value which cannot be disclosed in order to benefit from the end product of that secret. Trade secrets drive brands from zero to hero. You must have noticed how most of the ad campaigns of the brands are designed around their trade secrets. Just because it generates curiosity in the customer who end up buying the products.

So let’s dig in to know, how some of the famous brands of the world can be unique examples of this concept. You will not be shocked to know that most of the brands are Americans. They love to keep their secrets. In India here we believe in spilling the beans. So this clarifies why the western world has more stories of ‘Grandma’s secret recipe’. Whereas in India you hear more of ‘this was taught by my Granny to my mom and then my mom taught me this.’

KFC Chicken Secret recipe

When you talk about crispy fried chicken, most of the east and west will unite in spite of any differences they have. The recipe to this global brand has 11 secret herbs and spices. Which they loudly tell to the world via their twitter handle where they follow exactly 11 people. 6 of them have first name ‘Herb’ and 5 Spice Girls. Don’t believe me? You can check it out on your own here. The original recipe is hand written and signed by Colonel Harland David Sanders with pencil.

The recipe is safely kept in an electronic vault at KFC’s Louisville headquarters. Where only 2 people can access it with the secure pins to open the vault. Are you planning to kidnap these guys? That is of no use because, even if they tell you the pins, there are motion sensors, surveillance cameras and armed guards 24×7 who guard this recipe like a national treasure.

The secrecy is further boosted when you learn that half of the spices and herbs are produced at Griffith Laboratories and then passed over to McCormick & Co. for mixing the second half. Then they are packed and distributed worldwide. So much to maintain the trade secret of a well-guarded secret recipe.

Big Mac Special Sauce Secret recipe

Do you also love the big mac special sauce like me? I love it so much that I could eat the buns with this sauce itself without any patty inside. Well this recipe has a lost and found touch to it. As a matter of fact, Mc Donald’s in an attempt to cut down the cost, created an economical sauce which was nothing like what we get and eat today. Thanks to their ex-employee Mr. Fred Turner who returned to the company and suggested to bring back the original sauce created by ‘Jim Delligatti’. This also boosted their sales figures.

Luckily they were able to trace the recipe from their archives. Which was re-introduced with help and insights of an old manufacturing partner who knew the recipe. This was only possible because of this ex-employee’s effort in 2004. Quite shocking!!! Isn’t it? This recipe may not be guarded heavily but it is surely a trade secret. It comes pre-packed in sealed canisters and is dispensed with help of specially calibrated sauce guns. Neither their employees, nor their chefs know the recipe. It is manufactured at a secret facility.

I am sure this well-guarded secret recipe with little variations according to the regions, is loved all over the world. May I take the pleasure in telling you, that I know this recipe? Of course, I am not bluffing. Here is the video where their Executive chef ‘Dan Coudreaut’ has revealed it in 2012. Obviously the exact measures are not mentioned, but I believe in you that you can decode and figure it out on your own.

Listerine (I know not an edible recipe)

This is a wild card entry into this list. Because, going by the definition of recipes it is fair enough to include it here.  This one is a funny story, which you will soon know why. This secret recipe was invented by Dr. Joseph Lawrence, who licensed this to Jordan Lambert (Owner of Lambert Pharmacal Company) in 1881 for a royalty fees agreed between them.

Lambert Pharmacal Co. merged with Warner-Hudnut and became Warner-Lambert Pharmaceutical Company in 1955. In 2004 Pfizer acquired the Warner-Lambert, only to sell the consumer product division to Johnson & Johnson in 2006 to complete the transition of this recipe from one giant to another. Now comes the interesting part, in 1959 the Warner-Lambert Co. suddenly realized that the recipe is no longer a secret and the royalty payments can be stopped to the Lawrence family. They sued Lawrence family, only to find the judgment being ruled in favour of Lawrence family. The reason being, it was not mentioned in the initial agreement that the payments should be stopped even if the recipe is discovered by the competitors.

Though it didn’t cause much damage to the company. As by the time Listerine did manage to acquire a huge market share in this segment. The initial owners gained huge profits by introducing a catchy disease “chronic halitosis” to the US people, which is nothing but a scientific term for bad breath. People started considering this as a disease and started using Listerine as an offered solution. This well-guarded secret recipe thus became a master stroke and prime example in world of trade secrets and marketing. The way it was guarded is although much more comical in a sense.

Maggi Masala

In India, you can declare this as a national dish and no civilian would have any objection. For decades ‘Maggi’ has been the favourite of many. What makes this special is the ‘Maggi Masala’ which makes everyone go weak in their knees. This ‘Maggi Masala’ is what drives the sales of this product. A well-guarded secret recipe which was designed for India and the sub-continent. The masala is well-guarded secret recipe which no rival brands could replicate till date.

This led Maggi to become a market leader in the instant noodles segment. It had a whopping 90% market share till 2015 until the disaster stroked and shook them. No matter what happens, Indians will always love their Maggi. As a result we have “Return of Maggi: Volume and value surpasses pre-ban level of 2014”.

All this was possible because of the trade secret Maggi masala which brings life to these instant noodles. Even though it is not highlighted like the American brands, but the recipe is shared with only few people. All these people need to sign a non-disclosure agreement to safe guard this recipe. There were multiple attempts to decode the recipe, but nobody has managed to come closer to what comes inside the original silver pack.

Hershey’s Milk Chocolate secret recipe

I know this one is a lesser heard brand than Cadbury, but it has a huge international presence. Have you ever tasted Hershey’s before? Let me know in the comments. This company introduced milk chocolate to the world in 1900 which was invented by Milton Hershey. Before they marketed the product, chocolate bars were considered as the food of rich people. The credit must go to Hershey’s for making the milk chocolate bar reach every household.

So without a doubt, the secret recipe became a trade secret. They have a not so secret lab in Pennsylvania which has a labyrinth of concrete hallways, offices and laboratories. This is the place where their trade secrets are guarded and new secrets are developed by their food scientists. They also study advanced analytics data which gives them an edge in the market place over their competitors.

Most of their employees do not have access to this lab. So it is fair to assume that the recipe is truly well-guarded secret recipe. Do you know that this recipe was a result of 3 years of hard work? Because back in those days preserving Milk products was a huge challenge. So Milton Hershey worked around a way to stop fermentation of milk and then used it in the milk chocolate bars. Till date they follow this procedure in order to maintain the taste. This increased the shelf life and the milk chocolate became a super success.

Chartreuse

This one is a recipe for an alcoholic drink and I wanted to include this very badly. Not because I am fond of alcohol or something, but because of the sheer historic value tangled with this recipe. A drink which is a work of a 16^th century Alchemist, passed on by the Marshal of King’s Henri IV of France to the monks of Chartreuse monastery. Only to be deciphered in 1737 by monks of ‘Mother House of the Order—La Grande Chartreuse’, a monastery that presently stands deep in the Chartreuse Mountains.

This is a recipe which makes the Chartreuse liqueur. Hey, please do not confuse this with liquor. You can read the difference between Liquor and Liqueur here. It has 130 herbs and a procedure known only to 2 monks at a time. The story of this recipe is even more historic. If you really want to dig in you can read it on their official website. This recipe has evaded ‘French Revolution’, got arrested while in possession of a monk, sold to someone and then returned to its home only to be expelled by French government in 1903.

The recipe stands apart because only those 2 monks selectively crush the herbs before sending it to the Voiron facility for maceration in selected alcohol and distillation. It is also deemed as “Elixir of Long Life”. Monks with well-guarded secret recipe is a story worthy of becoming a full-fledged Hollywood flick. What you think???

You can also read more detailed account of Chartreuse here: The Story of Chartreuse Liqueur: The Elixir of Long Life

Coca-Cola

I know you almost expected this one in the list. I saved it for the last only to give it a ‘last but not the least’ effect. The original recipe was invented by ‘John Pemberton’ and then sold to ‘Asa Candler’ who claims to have made significant changes to the recipe. This rendered John’s recipe obsolete from being original. Asa is also the founder of Coca-Cola Company. The handwritten recipe from Pemberton is always well-guarded because it is a trade secret.

The recipe has always found itself in heavily guarded bank vaults. On December 08, 2011 they moved this recipe to ‘THE WORLD OF COCA-COLA’ in Atlanta after 86 long years. You will have to break into this state of the art Vault which contains the recipe, in order to steal it. But even after stealing it you will have no buyers. No seriously!!! I am not kidding. In 2006 a Coca-Cola employee tried selling the recipe to Pepsi Co., but to his utter disbelief Pepsi Co. informed Coca-Cola about this and the plan was busted.

So you need to be wise if you want this multi-billion dollar recipe. Same as others, this one too is rumored to be known to only 2 executives at a time. Who cannot travel in the same plane and if one of them dies the other must choose a successor within the company and impart the secret to that person. This also makes the average consumer more curious and fond of the beverage. The exclusivity feeling associated with the recipe. You will be surprised to know that the original recipe contained cocaine till 1903, which was replaced by caffeine. So technically speaking the recipe is not the original one anymore by any means. Only the hype is real.

Closure:

According to me the trade secret is one of the marketing gimmicks to raise curiosity about the product. The emotion ridden backstories invoke feelings in the consumers. This is how people become more likely to buy a product. No doubt that the products listed above have quality and taste. What I am pointing out is the fact that trade secret is a weapon used for aggressive marketing campaigns. Let me know your thoughts on well-guarded secret recipes of the world in the comments below.

I tried to include the brands which are really world famous. In U.S.A. most of the brands have their secret recipes, but only few of them are known outside the country. So what will you do if you invent a secret recipe? Will you patent it so that you can have royalty paid for initial years and then anyone would be allowed to use? Or will you keep it a trade secret and try to stretch your luck? Please comment below and let me know. Thank you if you are still reading, this is foodie_khiladi signing off with warm regards. Found this informative? Feel free to share with your buddies.