Cornitos, the brainchild of Vikram Agarwal, was conceived with the guidance of his father, Shri S.P. Agarwal, and the unwavering support of his wife. Established in 2009 under the banner of Greendot Health Foods Pvt. Ltd., Cornitos has since embarked on a remarkable journey in the snacking industry. Mr. Vikram Agarwal, now the Director of Greendot Health Foods Pvt Ltd, embarked on this venture 14 years ago after a visit to a renowned Tortilla chip plant in the US ignited his passion to introduce healthy snacking options to the Indian palate.
In a market dominated by traditional namkeen, launching Mexican snacks like Nacho Crisps in India was a bold move. However, Mr. Agarwal’s determination and vision paid off as Cornitos not only secured a substantial share in the Nacho Crisps market but also diversified its product offerings to include baked snacks, tacos, nuts, and seeds. The journey was not without its challenges, including selecting the right corn kernels, establishing an international-level production unit, and overcoming distribution hurdles. Initial consumer acceptance of Nacho Crisps was also a hurdle to overcome.
Cornitos underwent a successful rebranding process, transforming its image with matte-finish packaging, adopting an international look, and shifting from “chips” to “crisps.” This innovative approach, coupled with marketing strategies like wet sampling, cinema ads, and healthy snacking awareness events, helped regain consumer confidence.
The brand disrupted traditional distribution channels by targeting coffee chains, movie theatres, and airlines, while also embracing e-commerce. Cornitos gained a significant following on social media and formed strategic partnerships to strengthen its customer base. It also catered to smaller towns and suburbs with affordable snack packs.
In 2022, Cornitos expanded its product range with “CRUSTIES,” a baked range of extruded snacks in various flavours. These snacks strike a balance between health and taste, offering a guilt-free snacking experience. The brand also introduced a new mascot, “Corny-the Uncooperative Chimp,” to unify its product lineup under a single brand narrative.
Maintaining high food quality standards, Cornitos holds ISO-22000, FSSAI, BRC, and US FDA certifications. The brand also demonstrates a commitment to sustainability by installing a solar plant, reducing its carbon footprint, and implementing water recycling systems. Engaging in experiential events, trade shows, and supporting charitable organizations, Cornitos actively contributes to social responsibility. With a focus on employee welfare, the brand aims to diversify its product range and continue innovating in the snack industry.
In summary, Cornitos’ journey from its inception to its current status as a leader in the healthy snacking industry has been marked by determination, innovation, and a commitment to quality and sustainability.