Case Study: How Grandmaʼs Scaled Its Export Business Successfully

Grandmaʼs, a small Indian MSME based in Kerala, achieved remarkable success by scaling its export business from local sales to exporting to over 25 countries in just six years. Hereʼs a breakdown of their journey and key lessons for other MSMEs:

Grandmaʼs Journey

1. 2018 Launch in Kerala: Grandmaʼs started as a small pickle business in Kerala, leveraging a cherished homegrown recipe to create a unique product.

2. 2020 Expansion via E-commerce: The company expanded its reach by leveraging ecommerce platforms like Amazon and Alibaba, which provided access to a global customer base.

3. 2021 Entry into 10 Countries: With trade support, Grandmaʼs entered more than 10 countries, diversifying its export markets and increasing revenue.

4. 2022 Reduced Shipping Costs: By optimizing logistics, Grandmaʼs reduced shipping costs by 15%, enhancing profitability and competitiveness.

5. 2023 Secured ₹5 Cr Deal: The company secured a significant deal worth ₹5 crore with a European retailer, marking a major milestone in its export journey.

6. 2024 ₹25 Cr Revenue: Grandma's achieved a revenue of ₹25 crore, exporting to over 25 countries and establishing itself as a successful MSME exporter.

Lessons for MSMEs

1. Go Digital: Utilize e-commerce platforms to reach global customers. Platforms like Amazon and Alibaba can significantly expand your market reach.

2. Network Smartly: Engage with trade bodies and associations to unlock new markets. These networks can provide valuable insights and connections that help MSMEs navigate international trade.

3. Optimize Operations: Focus on reducing costs to increase profitability. Efficient operations and logistics can make your products more competitive in global markets.

4. Brand Well: Invest in premium branding to attract premium buyers. A strong brand image can command higher prices and build customer loyalty.

Strategies for Success

Market Research: Understand consumer preferences and market trends in target countries to tailor products and marketing strategies effectively.

Government Support: Leverage government initiatives like the RAMP Scheme and IndiaXports Portal to enhance export capabilities and access new markets.

Technology Integration: Adopt digital tools for inventory management, supply chain optimization, and customer engagement to streamline operations and improve efficiency.

Partnerships & Collaborations: Form strategic partnerships with suppliers, logistics providers, and other businesses to enhance supply chain resilience and market access.

In summary, Grandmaʼs success story highlights the potential for Indian MSMEs to scale their export businesses rapidly by leveraging digital platforms, networking effectively, optimizing operations, and building a strong brand presence. By adopting these strategies, MSMEs can overcome traditional barriers to global trade and achieve significant growth in international markets.