I Say Organic is one of Delhi’s first organic stores, having opened in 2015. Aakanksha Kapoor, the firm’s CEO, says she started working for the company in 2013 and never anticipated it to grow to this size. I Say Organic is now a multi-brand and multi-category shop that emphasises the importance of recognising farmers as well.
In 2011, the group signed its first farmer agreement with Dharani Suphalam of Sirsa, Haryana. I Say Organic delivers organically farmed fruits and vegetables to customers all around Delhi.
The company’s vision started with just a few farmers and products. Today it offers 300+ products sourced from 13 different states!
Aakanksha says, “The best terrain for growing individual fruits and vegetables is chosen by the our specialists. They choose sites that are economically beneficial to both the farmer and the customer, as the land is only appropriate for the growth of pesticide-free plants. They began with only a few farmers and have now expanded to include over 300 products from over 13 states. Apples are one of our most remarkable produce sourced from Kinnaur.”
Apart from apples, the company sources sweet limes and pomegranates from Maharashtra, as well as cereals such as fox millet and bajra from Uttarakhand.
Farmers are one of the most crucial elements to consider when deciding on a sourcing region. I Say Organic’s experienced team shortlists a few farms and pays them a visit. They check the water supply, which is critical in organic farming. Later, they investigate the soil, crop quality, agricultural pattern and approach. The most important purpose to visit the farms is to learn about the farmer’s perspective on organic farming. Currently, the company is working with over 100 farmers, some of them from tribal communities. “I Say Organic is constantly on the lookout for honest and reliable farmers who are prepared to work organically,” adds Aakanksha.
In addition to fresh fruits and vegetables, I Say Organic also sells ready-to-eat items. All of the goods are preservative-free, include no sugar, and use minimum oil. In their kitchens, they don’t use artificial flavours, colours, or processed goods of any type. Most of the company’s goods are also organically certified and 95 per cent organic by weight. NPOP or PSG criteria are used to certify the farmers. Although some of their goods are not organically certified, they are cultivated in a toxic-free and pesticide-free environment. These are usually ready-to-eat items that are both healthful and environmentally beneficial.
Aakanksha informs, “Interacting with customers through a store has really helped us strengthen our product range. It gave us a direct insight into what consumers of organic food are really looking for and why the ones on the fence have not started buying yet. In the last two years we moved from selling just I Say Organic branded products to a multi brand and multi category store. We realised that to give a consumer a full experience, we had to evolve into a space that offers not just organic food but a consumer’s full healthy living and wellness needs. We are so thankful to over 40+ brands that work very closely with us to help us complete the range. So thankful that my day is incomplete without the delicious sea salt mason chocolate, dream body wash by Rustic Art, Kesari Hair Oil by Gulnare Skincare, Beeswax Wraps and cheeses from Darima Farms.” I Say Organic is always on the lookout for pure organic products, and they undertake lab testing and audits to ensure positive findings.
The company relocated to Gurgaon in 2016, where it now manages a retail business. The company’s only mission is to the larger goal. “I Say Organic’s vision is to make food production more sustainable so we can grow safe and healthy food to feed everyone in the country. In urban centres, our efforts are focused towards creating a convenient and affordable service for delivering fresh, safe and healthy food straight from the farm to your plate. On the other hand, for rural development, we want farming to regain the respect it once had and become a profitable livelihood option. We believe that everyone has the right to safe food that is grown with lots of love and care. We encourage people to know more about where their food comes from, who grows it and how,” sums up Aakanksha.
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