About Zama

In the heart of Mumbai, where the cacophony of urban life often drowns out the whispers of nature, a remarkable journey of organic enlightenment began. It was a journey led by Shriya Naheta, a visionary and the founder and CEO of Zama Organics. In 2017, she turned her dream into reality, igniting a movement that would change the way India thought about food.

Shriya's path to organic awakening began after her return from the United States, where she had studied international relations and business. Her sister, Aditi Dugar, and her business partner, Prateek Sadhu, were on a mission to source foraged products for their upcoming restaurant, Masque. Shriya joined them on their quests across Maharashtra and Himachal Pradesh, and what she witnessed transformed her perspective forever.

In the midst of lush landscapes, she found villagers feasting on local treasures - black rice, pink rice, and chia seeds - all grown organically. This was an epiphany. Why rely on imported produce when India's own soil was abundant with seasonal, local, and organic treasures?

The turning point came during a visit to Himachal Pradesh four years ago. Shriya observed how the region's apples were transported across the nation and, to her surprise, discovered almonds, hazelnuts, and pecans thriving in Indian soil. Her journey also led her to the vibrant vegetable markets in Almora, Uttarakhand, where organic produce flourished in the favorable climate. It became clear that India's diverse topography could yield nearly everything they needed, and Shriya resolved to bring the best of these diverse regions to the market.

Dedicating 2016 to intensive research, Shriya delved into the intricacies of organic certification and supply chains. Her commitment led her to collaborate with farmer collectives, including one run by a former doctor growing ginger and capsicum in Nashik. With meticulous attention to quality and a fervent commitment to educating consumers about their food's origins, Zama Organics was officially born in the spring of 2017, initially serving friends and family through WhatsApp.

Zama Organics' approach was centered on transparency and freshness. Produce was harvested and delivered to customers' doorsteps within 24 to 30 hours. The brand's dedication to quality shone through, and customers appreciated this commitment. What started as a small circle of friends grew to serve about 200 homes regularly. Notably, it wasn't just exotic foods that gained popularity; staples like wheat, tomatoes, and turmeric became bestsellers.

With time, Zama Organics transformed into an online marketplace, offering a wide range of organic products, from grains and spices to seasonal vegetables. The brand found its sweet spot, collaborating with local restaurants and home chefs dedicated to sustainability. Their partnership with Masque marked the beginning, and soon they were supplying to numerous eateries. Zama Organics was no longer just a business; it had become a community.

Shriya's journey was not without hurdles. She once ventured into selling cheese from a remote Indian village to Mumbai hotels, facing setbacks that taught valuable lessons. However, these challenges laid the foundation for Zama Organics, prompting them to streamline their focus and audience. Remarkably, the company remained self-funded, employing a lean business model. Instead of heavy marketing expenses, they opted for collaborations with Instagram influencers and chefs.

Shriya's passion for her work was evident. Her role offered her creative freedom, opportunities for travel, and the chance to connect with inspiring individuals while building a larger community. The agricultural department even recognized Zama Organics for uplifting farming communities.

Zama Organics had ambitious plans for the future. They were set to expand to Pune and ship their packaged products nationwide. These products would come with QR codes, providing customers with detailed information about their origins. Furthermore, they were launching an app for real-time updates and establishing a foundation to contribute one percent of their proceeds to disaster relief and farmer training.

In a world where food sourcing was often disconnected from its origins, Zama Organics stood as a testament to the power of reconnecting with local, organic, and sustainable farming practices. Under Shriya Naheta's leadership, it wasn't just a business; it was a movement that nourished both people and the planet, a beacon of hope in the bustling metropolis of Mumbai.