Biography of Parimal Kalikar: Founder and CEO of Licksters- Entrepreneur
Biography of Parimal Kalikar:
Licksters, a premium ice cream and popsicle brand in India,
was founded by Parimal Kalikar and Dhivya Subburaju. Their journey began after
they completed a challenging 100-day no sugar and no dairy diet. This
experience opened their eyes to the lack of genuine fruit flavors in existing
ice creams, prompting them to create a brand that truly celebrated the taste of
real fruit.
A Mission for Real Flavor
The founders were disappointed to find that most ice creams
on the market were filled with artificial ingredients that masked the true
flavors of fruits. They aimed to produce popsicles and ice creams that featured
high fruit content without any artificial colors or chemicals. This commitment
to authenticity became the core mission of Licksters.
Diverse Product Range
Licksters offers a variety of products, including Greek
yogurt bars, vegan bars, and ice cream bars. They have developed around 30
unique flavors, focusing on using high-quality ingredients to ensure their
treats are both delicious and healthy. The brand is also known for its
innovative flavors, catering to a wide audience.
Commitment to Quality
Quality is a cornerstone of Licksters' philosophy. Despite
their rapid growth, the founders ensure that every product meets their high
standards. They are dedicated to continuously improving their offerings and
creating innovative flavors, all while maintaining a focus on using natural
ingredients.
Unique Selling Proposition
What sets Licksters apart from other frozen treat brands is
its unique selling proposition (USP): the use of high fruit content and the
absence of artificial additives. This approach appeals particularly to
health-conscious consumers looking for healthier alternatives to traditional
ice creams and popsicles.
Target Audience
Licksters targets health-conscious individuals, including
those interested in clean eating and plant-based diets. Parents looking for
nutritious snacks for their children also find the brand appealing.
Additionally, Licksters attracts adventurous eaters eager to try unique flavors
that differ from standard offerings.
Growing Sales and Revenue
Licksters has experienced impressive growth in sales over
the years. From sales of 9 lakhs in FY 2019-2020, they rose to 16 lakhs in FY
2020-2021. The following year saw a remarkable jump to 65 lakhs, and they are
projected to achieve 2 crore in sales for the current fiscal year. Their gross
margins are strong, with a reported 70-72% from their own stores.
Expansion Strategies
To broaden their market reach, Licksters has made their
products available through popular food delivery platforms like Zomato and
Swiggy. This strategy has helped them tap into a larger customer base,
significantly boosting sales and enhancing brand visibility.
Pitching on Shark Tank
During their appearance on Shark Tank India, the founders
sought ₹50 lakhs for 5% equity at a valuation of ₹10 crores. While several
investors had reservations about pricing and competition, Amit Jain saw
potential in Licksters and offered ₹25 lakhs for 5% equity, along with an
additional ₹25 lakhs in debt, valuing the company at ₹5 crores.
Biography of Parimal Kalikar: Founder and CEO of Licksters- Entrepreneur/fruit flavors in ice creams and popsicles/age/net worth/investor/startup/
Navigating Investor Feedback
Despite mixed reactions from the sharks, the founders
remained optimistic. They took the feedback regarding pricing into
consideration while negotiating their deal, showing their willingness to adapt
and grow based on expert advice.
A Personal Journey
The story of Licksters is also deeply personal for its
founders. The initial challenge of avoiding sugar and dairy sparked their
desire to create something meaningful. Their passion for authentic flavors and
healthy ingredients fueled their entrepreneurial spirit, transforming their
frustration into a thriving business.
Innovation and Growth
Licksters continues to innovate with new flavors and
products, including options like Ooey Gooey Centered Pops. The brand's
dedication to providing quality treats and constant improvement positions it
well for future growth and success in the competitive frozen dessert market.
Looking Ahead
With their sights set on reaching even higher sales goals,
Licksters aims to expand further through franchise partnerships and new product
launches. Their journey reflects a commitment to quality and innovation,
promising exciting developments in the world of frozen treats.
Celebrating Authenticity
In a market often dominated by artificial flavors and
additives, Licksters stands as a beacon of authenticity. Their dedication to
real fruit and natural ingredients has resonated with consumers, creating a
loyal customer base that appreciates the true taste of nature in every bite.
A timeline based on the journey of Licksters:
2019: Founded by Parimal Kalikar and Dhivya Subburaju after
a 100-day no sugar and no dairy diet.
2019: Launched Licksters to provide authentic fruit flavors
in ice creams and popsicles.
2020: Introduced a diverse range of products, including
Greek yogurt bars and vegan options.
FY 2019-2020: Achieved sales of ₹9 lakhs.
FY 2020-2021: Increased sales to ₹16 lakhs.
FY 2021-2022: Remarkable growth to ₹65 lakhs in sales.
2022: Projected sales of ₹2 crores for the current fiscal
year.
2022: Expanded distribution via food delivery platforms like
Zomato and Swiggy.
2022: Pitched on Shark Tank India, seeking ₹50 lakhs for 5%
equity.
2022: Secured a deal with Amit Jain for ₹25 lakhs equity and
₹25 lakhs in debt, valuing the company at ₹5 crores.
2024: Continued to innovate with new flavors and expand
market presence, focusing on franchise partnerships and product launches.
