Aakash Kandoi, Managing Director, Jagdish Farshan, and a Mint 40 Under 40 India 2026 honouree.
Aakash represents an interesting new-generation entrepreneurial story emerging from one of Gujarat’s most iconic food legacies. Founded in Vadodara 87 years ago, Jagdish Farshan has built a loyal consumer following for taking authentic Gujarati farshan and traditional Indian snacks from a single-city brand to consumers across India and global markets.
At a time when Indian consumers are increasingly seeking healthier, cleaner, and globally relevant food experiences, Aakash has been focused on thoughtfully evolving this heritage business for the modern consumer without losing its authenticity.
A formally trained chef who has worked with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Marriott International, and IHCL, he returned to Vadodara to modernise the family business through a sharper retail experience, digital accessibility, international expansion, and product innovation.
Under his leadership over the past decade, Jagdish Farshan has expanded from a single store to 20+ outlets, launched its first international retail outlet in Brampton, Canada with an 82-seat fresh-snack format, established a manufacturing unit in New Jersey, and grown exports to 25+ countries. The brand is also accessible through platforms such as Zomato, Blinkit, and Amazon.
What makes the story especially relevant today is Jagdish Farshan has become the first brand in India to introduce avocado oil in traditional namkeens, with popular products such as bhakharwadi and chevdo now available in this new variant. This marks a strategic expansion into the Better-for-You category while continuing its core palm oil range, reflecting the changing preferences of consumers who increasingly seek both indulgence and mindful choices.
Read the full story that first appeared in The Global Indian here:
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