BUSINESS
Parag and Vishal Kaushik Reviving Ayurveda with Upakarma Ayurveda
For centuries, Ayurveda has been a revered holistic approach to health and well-being. Rooted in ancient Indian wisdom, it offers therapies believed to boost immunity and protect against various diseases. While the debate between modern medicine and Ayurveda persists, a surge in interest and entrepreneurship has breathed new life into this traditional practice. Entrepreneurs like Parag and Vishal Kaushik are blending the age-old wisdom of Ayurveda with a contemporary twist through their venture, Upakarma Ayurveda.
The Birth of Upakarma Ayurveda:
In 2017, Vishal Kaushik, a seasoned marketing professional, recognized the immense potential of Ayurveda in the modern market. Influenced by the presence of Ayurvedic products in their own home, Vishal, along with his younger brother Parag Kaushik, decided to bridge the gap between traditional Ayurveda and modern consumer needs. Thus, Upakarma Ayurveda was born.
Vishal, now 36, shares his perspective, “We aimed to capture a space between old and new brands in the Ayurvedic segment. While Ayurveda is an ancient Indian medical science, it only recently started occupying market shelves. We deeply respect the old and trusted brands in this space, and with Upakarma, we sought to offer a contemporary twist to traditional Ayurveda.”
Manufacturing and Sourcing Quality Ingredients:
Upakarma Ayurveda takes a comprehensive approach to product development. They partner with experienced OEM facilities based in Uttar Pradesh for manufacturing. These facilities meet stringent quality standards and ensure the production of high-quality Ayurvedic products.
To guarantee the utmost quality, Upakarma Ayurveda sources ingredients from across India. This includes Shilajit from the Himalayan Nepal range, Saffron from Kashmir, Ashwagandha from Uttar Pradesh, and more. These carefully selected ingredients form the foundation of their product range.
Upakarma Ayurveda‘s product range is available on leading e-commerce platforms such as Amazon, Flipkart, Nykaa, FirstCry, 1MG, and Healthkart, among others. Beyond the digital realm, the brand also maintains a strong presence in the retail sector through a network of distribution partners. Their products find their way into both online and offline retail, with approximately 50,000 units sold.
The journey of Upakarma Ayurveda has been marked by challenges and triumphs. Vishal acknowledges that ensuring the best quality products remains a primary mission. This commitment requires constant innovation, stringent quality control, and a customer-centric approach. During the COVID-19 pandemic, aligning logistics amid lockdowns posed a significant challenge. However, the brand not only persevered but also saw increased demand for their immunity-boosting products.
Setting Themselves Apart:
In a competitive industry, Upakarma Ayurveda differentiates itself through innovation and a commitment to quality. One notable innovation is their pure Shilajit in resin form, garnering recognition in the market. The brand’s expansion includes establishing a network of over 10,000 outlets through distribution partners, strengthening their presence across India and the US.
Future Plans: Global Expansion and New Products
Upakarma Ayurveda has set its sights on global expansion, with plans to enter European, Canadian, Middle-East Asian, and Mexican markets. They have expanded their product portfolio to include Ayurvedic skin and hair care products, with more innovations on the horizon. As they continue to expand, Parag and Vishal Kaushik are dedicated to bringing high-quality Ayurvedic products to consumers worldwide, bridging the gap between ancient wisdom and modern needs.