Biography of Arpan Kalotra & Bhimsingh Ghanghal: Founder of Panchal Dairy
From a Small Village to Shark Tank: The Inspiring Journey of Panchal Dairy
In a quiet village in Gujarat, two young pastoralists, Arpan
Kalotra and Bhimsingh Ghanghal, dreamt of building something meaningful for
their community. Their families had long been part of the Rabari pastoral
tradition, raising goats and sheep for generations. However, instead of
following the usual path, they saw an opportunity to create a sustainable
business that could benefit their people while introducing something unique to
the market—artisanal cheese made from goat and sheep milk.
An Unexpected Beginning
Initially, both Arpan and Bhimsingh were preparing for
government exams. But when the COVID-19 pandemic delayed their plans, they
found themselves working with an NGO focused on improving the health of goats
and sheep. This exposure sparked an idea—why not do something with the milk
produced by these animals? It was a moment of realization that set them on a
completely new path.
Learning the Art of Cheesemaking
Determined to turn their idea into reality, the duo sought
guidance from Namrata Sundaresan of Käse Cheese, a certified cheese expert from
the Academy of Cheese in the UK. Under her mentorship, they learned the
intricacies of making high-quality cheese, mastering the craft that would
eventually define their brand—Panchal Dairy.
Breaking Barriers in the Dairy Industry
While India’s dairy industry is largely dominated by cow and
buffalo milk products, Arpan and Bhimsingh decided to take a different route.
They focused on making cheese from goat and sheep milk, a relatively unexplored
niche in India. By embracing this unique approach, they hoped to introduce
Indian consumers to a new kind of dairy experience while also supporting local
farmers.
Challenges of Starting Small
With no external funding, Panchal Dairy started with the
founders’ personal savings and support from their village’s women’s community,
who helped manage finances. Despite their limited resources, they managed to
set up a small-scale operation, producing high-quality cheeses like fresh goat
cheese and pecorino. Their journey, however, was far from easy.
Gaining Recognition on a Global Stage
Their dedication to quality soon paid off when Panchal
Dairy’s fresh goat cheese received a nomination at the 2023 World Cheese Awards
in Norway. This recognition was a proud moment for the founders, proving that
their hard work and commitment to excellence were being acknowledged on an
international level.
Taking the Big Leap—Shark Tank India
With a growing reputation, Arpan and Bhimsingh decided to
take their business to the next level. They appeared on Shark Tank India,
seeking an investment of ₹20 lakh for a 10% equity stake. Their pitch was not
just about numbers; it was about their passion, their community, and their
vision for the future of Indian artisanal cheese.
Impressing the Sharks
Dressed in their traditional attire, the duo shared their
journey with the Sharks. They spoke about their humble beginnings, their
struggles, and the impact they hoped to create. The Sharks were deeply
impressed by their determination, with Anupam Mittal calling their venture
"incredible." However, despite the admiration, concerns about
scalability and financial stability arose.
The Financial Reality
While the story was inspiring, the numbers told a different
tale. Panchal Dairy’s revenue had been stagnant, with figures of ₹6.2 lakh in
FY22-23 and ₹6.64 lakh in FY23-24. The projected revenue for FY24-25 stood at
₹7 lakh, raising questions about growth potential. Sharks like Aman Gupta and
Ritesh hesitated to invest, fearing the business was too small to scale
meaningfully.
Biography of Arpan Kalotra ^& Bhimsingh Ghanghal: Founder of Panchal Dairy#startup#age#net worth#investor#Panchal Dairy story#shark tank India
A Bold Challenge from Namita Thapar
Though the Sharks refrained from investing, Namita Thapar
saw potential in the young entrepreneurs. She offered them a challenge—she
would provide ₹2 lakh as a loan from her CSR fund and mentor them through
weekly Zoom calls. If they could double their revenue within six months, she
would reconsider investing.
Accepting the Challenge
Without hesitation, Arpan and Bhimsingh accepted Namita’s
challenge. They saw it as an opportunity to prove themselves and refine their
business model. With her guidance, they would focus on improving hygiene
standards, automation, distribution, and market expansion—crucial aspects the
Sharks had pointed out as weaknesses.
Beyond Business—A Social Mission
For Arpan and Bhimsingh, Panchal Dairy is more than just a
business; it’s a mission to uplift their community. By involving local farmers
and women in the production process, they are creating sustainable livelihoods.
Their success would mean not just personal growth but also economic empowerment
for the entire village.
A Journey of Resilience
Despite facing financial challenges and doubts about
scalability, the founders remain committed to their vision. They understand
that building a business takes time, patience, and continuous learning. Their
willingness to adapt and improve sets them apart as entrepreneurs who are in it
for the long haul.
Looking Ahead with Hope
With recognition from the World Cheese Awards and a valuable
mentorship opportunity from Namita Thapar, Panchal Dairy is now focused on
proving its potential. If they succeed in meeting their revenue targets, they
could attract future investments and take their business to new heights.
A Story of Inspiration
Arpan Kalotra and Bhimsingh Ghanghal’s journey is a
testament to the power of resilience, innovation, and community support. From a
small village in Gujarat to the global stage, they have shown that with
determination and the right guidance, even the most unexpected dreams can come
true. Their story is not just about cheese—it’s about hope, perseverance, and
the courage to create something extraordinary.
Timeline for story
2020 – Arpan and Bhimsingh prepare for government exams.
2021 – COVID-19 delays plans; they work with an NGO on
livestock health.
2021 – Inspired to use goat and sheep milk for cheese
production.
2022 – Train under Namrata Sundaresan of Käse Cheese.
2022 – Launch Panchal Dairy with personal savings and
community support.
2023 – Fresh goat cheese nominated at World Cheese Awards,
Norway.
2024 – Pitch on Shark Tank India, seeking ₹20 lakh for 10%
equity.
2024 – Receive mentorship challenge from Namita Thapar to
double revenue.
2025 – Target to achieve ₹14 lakh revenue and attract future
investment.
