Sandhya Manjunath, MD, Jiffy Foods, launched ‘Jiffy Shake,’ a new product, at the Food Processing Trade Fair held from May 1-5 at Bangalore. The fair had about 30 stalls which had on display new and existing food products, processing machinery and other industry-related stalls. Of them, ‘Jiffy Foods’ attracted large crowds. The stall had many sampling the lip-smacking instant milk shake. Sandhya Manjunath, the person behind ‘Jiffy Shake’, said she had received a large number of enquiries for distributorship and export of  her product.

Sandhya Manjunath spoke to indiamarkets about ‘Jiffy Shake’.
 
indiamarkets: What is ‘Jiffy Shake’?
Sandhya Manjunath: ‘Jiffy Shake’ is an instant milk shake that is available in three flavours – chocolate, pista and strawberry.  It is instant, requires only a glass of water for preparation and can be carried easily anywhere. The product is tasty and nutritious. It contains cashew, almond and pista. It is also easy to make – even a child can fix it up for himself.

This product is my own; I thought of the formula myself. People need something to drink that is not just fast to make, but something that can be made anywhere. `Jiffy Shake' can also be used as an alternative to breakfast or dinner.
 
indiamarkets: Where is the manufacturing facility for this product and how was it set up?
Sandhya Manjunath: My plant is in Mysore; it was set up with assistance from CFTRI, Mysore. I am now looking for appropriate machinery for the Mysore plant: A pulverizing machine and a rotating mixer.

The process is simple. The raw material has to be powdered and then mixed.

indiamarkets: How much have you invested in this venture?
Sandhya Manjunath: Till now, I have invested Rs 5 lakh. Much of the expenditure has been on raw material. I plan to move stage by stage in my business.

indiamarkets: What made you get into this business?
I have undergone EDP training (Entrepreneurial Development training) from JSS, Mysore and AWAKE’s Herbal Preparations Course. I think all this has helped me. I have been thinking of launching such a product (like 'Jiffy Shake') for the last fifteen years.

indiamarkets: How do you plan to market this product?
Sandhya Manjunath: I am currently looking for distributors, dealers and export enquiries for my products even here at this meet. I would like to have area-wise distributors for this instant shake.

indiamarkets: How have you advertised the product?
Sandhya Manjunath: I have done all the advertising myself. In fact, all the posters have been designed by me.

indiamarkets: How many people do you employ?
Sandhya Manjunath: I have about ten people working for me at my unit.  But my family also chips in. Especially at times like these (the trade fair) when the crowds get too large to handle. I would like to expand the unit, which is housed in what was earlier a vacant shed. Space has not been a problem for me.

indiamarkets: Any new products in the offing?
Sandhya Manjunath: Yes, I am working on formulating health drinks, particularly for diabetics and asthmatics. And some health drinks for others as well.

indiamarkets: Do you think the Net can help you in your business?
Sandhya Manjunath: Yes, there is a great scope on the Net for this venture. Naturally, I am looking at the Net as a business tool.

indiamarkets: Any expansion plans?
Sandhya Manjunath: Right now, I have limited resources and I need to grow in a planned manner.

indiamarkets: Do you feel more people should take up such ventures?
Sandhya Manjunath: Yes, people should take up such ventures on their own, especially since  unemployment is such a big problem. However, I must caution that it is not at all easy. One has to be determined and bear with all the teething problems before being successful.