"MACARONS FOR THE MASSES"

CHANDNI NATH ISRANI, the driving force behind Ladurée's India expansion, redefines luxury in the F&B sector. With four flourishing Ladurée outlets established since 2021, Israni is making iconic French pastries and delicacies accessible to the Indian market. BW Businessworld sits down with the visionary entrepreneur to discuss her journey in building the luxury brand and her strategy for democratising gourmet experiences

- Ruhail Amin

What were some major hurdles you faced in bringing Ladurée to India?

Being a woman entrepreneur in this industry, I encountered some scepticism and had to work harder to prove myself. Many people questioned my ability to lead a brand like Ladurée, especially since I had no experience in the F&B sector. And launching during the pandemic? Everyone told me I was crazy! The uncertainty and risks were immense. I vividly remember the Delta wave hitting India just as our first shipment of macarons and pastries arrived from Paris. It was stressful, and I had to navigate numerous logistical and operational difficulties.

I think a few things were key. First, I had an incredible support system, especially my husband, who always believed in me and pushed me to pursue my vision. Second, I was driven by an immense passion for the Ladurée brand and clearly envisioned what it could become in India. Third, I’m unafraid of hard work and use the challenges to learn and grow. I spent countless hours during the pandemic researching and understanding the nuances of the F&B industry. And finally, I never compromised on quality. Even amidst the chaos, I insisted on using the best ingredients and maintaining the highest standards for our products.

You had no prior F&B experience. How did you convince David Holder, the Chairman of Ladurée, to partner with you?