Mr. Saurabh Saxena President & Executive Director, Sumeru

Sumeru, a pioneer in India's frozen food industry under Innovative Foods Limited, has been redefining convenience with its diverse range of high-quality frozen products. From poultry-based snacks and gourmet parathas to innovative flavored fries, the brand continues to set new benchmarks in taste and quality. In this exclusive interview, Mr. Saurabh Saxena, President & Executive Director of Sumeru, shares insights into the brand's journey, innovations, sustainability efforts, and future growth strategies. He discusses the evolving frozen food market, the role of advanced technology in ensuring quality, and Sumeru's expansion into Tier2 and Tier-3 cities. Read on to discover how Sumeru is staying ahead in the competitive frozen food space while catering to evolving consumer preferences.

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Can you provide an overview of Sumeru and the range of products you offer?

Sumeru, a brand under Innovative Foods Limited, has been a pioneer in India’s frozen food industry. Our portfolio is broadly divided into three segments—Retail (which contributes around 70-72% of our business), Exports, and Food Service (including QSR). Our product range spans across poultry-based products like chicken nuggets, pops, flavoured sausages (smoked, naturally smoked, garlic-based), and kebabs (such as malai seekh kebab). In addition, we offer frozen vegetables like sweet corn and green peas, as well as a diverse range of Indian breads including Malabar paratha, lachha paratha, stuffed parathas, and our latest innovation—millet-based parathas. We also specialize in flavoured fries such as Piri Piri and chili garlic, setting us apart from conventional frozen food offerings. Our focus is on providing enhanced taste experiences with high-quality, solution-oriented products.

How do you see the frozen food market evolving, and what are your key projections for 2025?

The Indian frozen food and ready-to-eat segment has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, and we foresee this trend continuing through 2025. The market expansion is driven by factors such as evolving consumer lifestyles, increasing disposable income, and urbanization. The demand for convenience and time-efficient meal solutions is stronger than ever, and with the rise of quick commerce (Q-commerce) and improved distribution networks, awareness and acceptance of frozen food have increased significantly. Looking ahead, we anticipate higher demand for health-focused frozen food options, including gluten-free, high-protein, and low-carb products. Our R&D team is actively working on innovations that cater to this shift in consumer preferences.