Bengaluru: Virgin fresh coconut oil is one of the best know edible oils in the world. This oil is extracted after a long process of drying coconuts and pressing the ‘copra’ (dried coconut). However, there is a duo that is changing the very perception of coconut oil by extracting virgin coconut oil from fresh coconuts! This innovative way of making coconut oil is attracting a lot of attention and the duo is able to expand the market across the country.
This is the story of Akash and Harish Gowda, mechanical engineering graduates from Hassan in Karnataka, who dared to think out of the box and create a product called the ‘Virgin Coconut Oil’.
How the idea sparked?
Hassan and Tumkur are considered the cradle of coconut plantations in the state. However, the biggest challenge faced by the growers is fluctuation in the prices. A majority of the oil extraction units are located in neighboring Kerala and Tamil Nadu states or in the coastal belt of Karnataka. Transportation is a big challenge for the farmers. The middlemen were exploiting the farmers. Further drying and extracting oil during the rainy season too was an issue.
In such a circumstance, these two friends launched this product with an initial investment of Rs.84 lakhs. Having completed their engineering studies quite recently, the two could have joined any MNC easily with their creative thinking. However, instead of working for big companies, they launched their own company with the aim of helping others and also popularizing virgin coconut oil.
This virgin coconut oil plant is located in the B Katihalli industrial area of the city.
From areca plates to coconut oil
The story behind this oil manufacturing start-up is very interesting. Initially Akash and Harish wanted to start a unit to manufacture areca plates, which is an alternative for plastic products. However, they decided to switch over to coconut oil production after analyzing the situation and the demand for the product. They initially invested Rs.10 lakh each. The bank loan also helped them.
Growing demand post-pandemic
Started in 2019, the product has already won hearts and is witnessing outstanding responses across the country. Now their oil product is receiving a good response across south India. “Post Covid-19, the demand for the coconut oil increased,” says Harish Gowda.
Growth Mantra
According to Harish, he and Akash work like employees and not as owners.
“I am working every day. Our efforts start with creating awareness about the importance of coconut oil for our health,” he says adding that it nearly took two years to reach the position that they are in.
“Belief, simplicity, and self-confidence are the key to success for any entrepreneur. My teacher got me this site as he had confidence in me,” he explains.
A year of understanding
Harish says that it took nearly a year for them to understand the product that they wanted to manufacture.
“First I studied about the cold-pressed oil as it was not available anywhere. I took the guidance of Anantaraju and Hema from Gowripura. Scientist Dr. Sandesh helped us with the production. As this product was not available in any of the southern states, I started this,” he explains.
Presently half-liter of coconut oil is sold for Rs.300. A liter of oil is priced at 550. “Even though the rate is high, demand for this quality product is increasing day by day. We are getting demand from everywhere,” says Harish Gowda.
Pandemic has certainly made people turn to health, realizing that health is the real wealth. In such a scenario, products like virgin cold-pressed coconut oil have made their way into the kitchen.
