Sparklo aimed to craft an innovative fizzy beverage with high demand in both the present and future. Food Buddies forecasted trends, introduced sparkling water idea, and fulfilled their vision.
Summary
Pratima Kolpe’s passion for crafting innovative food and beverage products with immense potential in India led her to partner with Food Buddies.
Initially envisioning a fruit juice line, Pratima embraced the idea of sparkling water after our concept team forecasted market trends and presented this unique idea.
As an experienced Food & Beverage Consultant, we provided comprehensive support through Food Concept, Product Development, and Factory Setup services. Together, this collaboration resulted in the creation of 7 exciting variants, including 4 innovative flavor fusions and 3 classic flavors, all of which quickly won over consumers.
The project commenced in January 2023 and was successfully completed in February 2024.
This case study highlights the strong partnership between Sparklo and Food Buddies, showcasing how strategic planning, innovative product design, and expert execution can drive the success of unique products in the Indian market.
About
Sparklo was founded by Pratima Kolpe who holds a degree in Food Technology and MBA in Agri & Food Business Management. She is passionate about creating sustainable food solutions to meet the dynamic Indian market. Sparklo is a result of her passion. Today, it is an independent company with a dedicated team of 200 employees.
The Major Objectives of Sparklo
A Guilt-free fizzy drink:
The primary goal was to craft a fizzy, low-calorie beverage made with natural flavors and sweeteners, catering to the growing health awareness among consumers.
Futuristic Beverage:
Sparklo aimed to stand apart from the current trends. With a focus on future potential and dynamic market shifts, the product was designed to be forward-thinking and adaptable, ensuring it holds great value in the years to come.
Innovative Flavours:
Pratima aspired to develop a range of flavors featuring innovative combinations.
Strategic Solutions through each service:
Food Concept
Pratima initially approached us to develop fruit juices. However, in urban cities, fruit juices face limited demand due to the prevalence of natural juice shops.
Recognizing this, our Concept Team forecasted emerging trends and introduced the idea of sparkling water to Pratima. Already popular in Western countries, sparkling water presented a growing opportunity, and we positioned it as a promising alternative.
Food Buddies proposed a bold fusion of floral and fruit flavors, offering a futuristic and refreshing twist to the beverage market. After conducting thorough research and validation, Pratima recognized its vast potential in India and approved the concept.
We developed a low-calorie, fizzy drink crafted to meet their objectives, free from artificial flavors and sweeteners.
The result was a carefully curated range of 7 flavors: Lemon Mint, Rose, Lemongrass honey, Peach Cherry Blossom, Passion Fruit Honeysuckle, Mango Marigold, and Lavender Blueberry. This lineup offers a perfect blend of innovation and refreshment, catering to diverse consumer preferences.
Driven by food innovation as a keystone, we crafted 4 unique flavor fusions that Pratima loved. The product was thoughtfully designed to be versatile. It is perfect for standalone consumption or as a complement to cocktails and mocktails, aligning with the evolving bar culture in India.
Food Product Development
After completing the Food Concept phase, we moved to the Food Product Development stage for Sparklo.
This involved a thorough process of internal and external knowledge transfer, scientific research, and a benchmark study to identify the right ingredients and market trends.
This helped Food Technologists refine the product’s formulation and ensure it met Sparklo’s goals of being a low-calorie, fizzy drink with natural flavors and natural sweeteners.
Next, we focused on raw material procurement, selecting high-quality, natural identical ingredients through meticulous vendor identification and strict adherence to COA (Certificate of Analysis) standards.
A key challenge in the food formulation process was sourcing authentic floral flavors, which was less available in the Indian market. After extensive research, we identified reliable vendors that met our standards for consistency and quality.
We then began product formulation through multiple base trials, refining the innovative blend of floral and fruit flavors to achieve the perfect sensory experience.
Prototype samples were created and rigorously tested internally, ensuring compliance with regulatory and statutory requirements. The prototypes received successful approval from Pratima, who was delighted with the final food formulation.
Following prototype approval, we proceeded with shelf-life testing and documentation before moving forward with the pilot trial phase.
Food Factory Setup
Sparklo already had a shed in place, and our first step was to verify if it was feasible to set up a factory within this existing space. Once we confirmed that it was viable, we proceeded with the layout design.
We created a comprehensive layout that optimized the flow of operations, from raw material storage to finished goods dispatch. The design included strategic placements for machinery, raw material storage, packaging, production team cabins, and a dedicated lab, all tailored to fit the shed’s dimensions for maximum efficiency.
The flow of materials and product placements was arranged logically to minimize bottlenecks and ensure smooth operations. The machine flow was planned with precision to maintain a continuous production line while ensuring quality control at every stage.
We worked closely with the client to finalize machinery based on their budget and product needs, conducting thorough technological research.
After gathering multiple vendor quotations, we shortlisted the top suppliers, visited them with the client, and performed background checks. By mutual agreement, we selected the best vendor, ensuring the machinery met the production requirements while staying cost-effective.
Once the turnkey setup was complete, we moved forward with creating the pilot production. With the food prototypes approved, we conducted a comprehensive inspection of the raw materials, ensuring their quality and adherence to specifications. This included verifying the Certificates of Analysis (COAs) before proceeding with the trial phase.
After ensuring the materials complied with all regulatory and statutory requirements, we proceeded with the pilot trial in the factory. During this pilot trial phase, we worked to match the prototypes with the products produced during the trial, adjusting as needed.
While carbonation couldn’t be finalized at the lab level, we conducted extensive trials at the factory to determine the ideal carbonation levels.
By testing different syrup formulations and carbonation levels, we achieved the perfect balance for Sparklo’s final product with exceptional sensory.
The products from the pilot trial have been verified and tested in the lab to confirm shelf-life stability and nutritional information.
This phase ensured the product’s readiness for mass production while adhering to quality, safety, and client specifications.
Results
- The product has been a significant success, particularly in North India, where it has gained considerable popularity in retail stores and bars.
- Consumers have especially embraced the unique flavor fusions, with the innovative combinations of floral and fruit flavors standing out in the market.
- The product’s appeal to health-conscious individuals, combined with its refreshing taste, has made it a popular choice.
- Sparklo’s beverages are now available on major e-commerce platforms such as Amazon and Meesho, making it easily accessible to a broader audience.
- The brand’s growing presence online further amplifies its reach, allowing it to cater to both local and national consumers.
- The successful integration of the product into various channels demonstrates its strong market positioning and consumer demand.
