Vada Pow owner Naveen Bachani has taken comfort food from the streets of Bombay to the supermarkets of Dublin. Vada Pow’s lightly spiced potato patties bring street style food to the dinner table. The patties are made using Irish potatoes, resulting in a product that can be eaten as flavoursome bites, burgers or as part of a meal with family. Vada Pow certainly delivers a flavoursome punch to the potato patty world! We caught up with owner Naveen to ask some questions about running a business, his greatest moments with the business and his plans for the future.
When did you set up your business?
January 2016
What prompted you to start your business?
Gap in the vegetarian market and bringing street style food in Indian category which was occupied by curries and bhajis. I thought to introduce range of Bombay style street food.
What is your USP, how did you decide to market it ?
My products are First time introduced in Retail and Foodservice market in Ireland, they are wheat free, meat free and just happens to be vegan too!
What has been your greatest moment since starting up?
Greatest moment is to see my product in Supermarket shelves sharing a space with multinational and big brands and they stand out!
Have you some tips that you think would help someone starting off a food business ?
Think on versatility and convenience. Try all the areas of market and watch where is the more penetration is happening and then invest more (time, energy and money).
What would you do differently?
Our products should be seen as. “Must have vegetarian product”
Do you have any future plans in place?
Expansion in Retail segment and export opportunities.
Where can we find your products?
We are in foodservice and retail market. You can find us in the menu of Croke park Hotel, Yacht pub and in Supervalu (Killester, Raheny, Rathgar, Ranelagh, Talbot Street, Palmerstown, Kimmage Sundrive, Walkinston, Northside shopping centre, Heuston, Dan O Briens Butcher Northside shopping center & Bombay bazar Artane.
How have you found your experience working from new market kitchen?
Great experience and great support from Shane and team!