Though had it’s up and down amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the foodtech industry is slowly and steadily coming back on track.

The change in customers’ behaviour because of the pandemic led to several meaningful changes in the foodtech industry. These changes also created a way for many new startups to grow.

And, according to a report by Google and Boston Consulting Group (BCG), the foodtech industry is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 25-30% to become an $8 billion market by the end of 2022.

Today’s startup story is about ChefJunction, an Indian foodtech startup that delivers hygienic and quality homemade food to the customers. 

Startup Story: ChefJunction | Drool-Worthy Home Made Food 

ChefJunction Founders

This Foodtech startup providing home-cooked meals was started by college mates Suryanshu Panda and Epari Pritam in August 2020.

It is a Bhubaneswar-based startup, started with an investment of Rs 1.5 lakh that they pooled in from their families.

How ChefJunction Started?

Always wanted to start their own business, Suryanshu and Epari started ChefJunction when they realised that many people did not want to order food from restaurants amid the pandemic as maintaining hygiene has been of utmost importance. 

Also, due to work from home, many people are finding it difficult to prepare food at home. So, to provide people with a platform where they can get hygienic home-cooked food prepared by home chefs, they started ChefJunction.

Suryanshu says,

“We are a food delivery platform from where customers can order hygienic home-cooked food, prepared by home chefs, through our website. Our struggle in hostel to get good food, the craving for ‘ghar ka khaana’, and eventually the hesitancy to order from restaurants during the pandemic paved way to the birth of ChefJunction.” 

USP Of ChefJunction

Started in August 2020, ChefJunction is ensuring quality meals amid the pandemic. 

On the platform, home chefs can register themselves free of charge, and customers can buy the food of their choice from these home chefs.

And, to provide the customers with quality food, the startup before onboarding a chef tests the food prepared by home chefs first.

And, only after ensuring the taste and hygiene of the food, these home chefs get listed.

The startup earns its revenue by charging 15-20% margin on the food provided by the home chefs.

Talking about the platform, Suryanshu says, 

“Before we sign a person for cooking food for our customers, the first thing we see is what kind of oils and spices they are using. If a cook wants to join, they call us, and we get to taste their food. If we like it, we get them a licence under the Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), which is mandatory for any food business operator under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The licence remains valid for one year.”

Also, as Bhubaneswar is their hometown, the founders are very well aware of the market situation and people’s taste here.

Present Situation Of ChefJunction

Within just a month of launching the startup, the startup claims to have delivered more than 1,200 orders.

Presently, ChefJunction has six members that are taking care of end-to-end operations.

The startup has so far signed up 30 home cooks across the city with 12 delivery boys delivering the food on bikes.

The founder also added the delivery personnel to take necessary precautions such as wearing gloves, mask, etc., to maintain hygiene amid the pandemic.

Future Plans Of ChefJunction

The startup is looking to expand its market to the major towns and cities of Odisha to provide healthy food options to more people.

ChefJunction is also planning to establish its presence in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

And, after achieving a good market presence, the startup will also launch its mobile app for Android and IoS. The startup also plans on raising capital.

Read: How Bikayi Started And Is Helping Merchants With WhatsApp Integrated Online Stores

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