Combining his extensive expertise in the food industry with an innovative approach to mindful eating, Romil has spearheaded the rise of Plantaway as a pioneering brand in the plant-based market. Alongside co-founder Shivaan, the duo sought to fill a crucial gap in offering high-quality, protein-rich plant-based alternatives that cater to both taste and sustainability. Today, Plantaway stands as one of India’s leading plant-based brands, known for its diverse range of products that empower consumers to make healthier and more eco-conscious food choices. In this interview, Romil Ratra shares the journey behind Plantaway’s success, insights into its evolving product range, and the brand’s vision for the future of plant-based foods.
1. What inspired the creation of Plantaway, and how has the company evolved since its inception?
Plantaway was inspired by a vision to offer consumers better food choices with its variety of future-forward offerings. The brand aims to empower you to make those minor but meaningful lifestyle tweaks, without vastly changing the life that you love. Romil and Shivaan, our founders, recognized a gap in the market for high-quality, protein-rich plant-based alternatives that could satisfy cravings without compromise. With Romil’s vast experience in the food industry and Shivaan’s passion for creating innovative solutions, Plantaway was born to provide options that empower people to eat better while enjoying every bite.
Since our launch, we’ve focused on building a diverse range of products that cater to evolving tastes and dietary preferences, from meat alternatives to dairy-free options and flavorful dressings. Our growth is not just reflected in sales but in the overwhelmingly positive feedback from our customers, the variety we offer, and the loyalty we’ve cultivated. Plantaway’s journey is about delivering food that people love while continually improving and expanding our product range.
2. How does Plantaway ensure the quality and taste of its plant-based products while maintaining its commitment to sustainability?
At Plantaway, we ensure that the quality and taste of our plant-based products are on par with traditional favourites by meticulously crafting each product to replicate the taste, texture, and functionality of conventional options. Our team is dedicated to using superior ingredients that meet high standards for both nutrition and flavour. We take pride in the positive impact our products have made — saving over 23,000 animals, conserving 4.45 million liters of water, and contributing to the planting of more than 6,000 trees. This clear vision allows us to deliver exceptional taste while also contributing to a better future.
3. Can you share how Plantaway’s product range caters to diverse dietary needs?
At Plantaway, our product range is thoughtfully crafted to meet the diverse dietary needs of today’s consumers. Whether someone is avoiding dairy, seeking high-protein options, or simply looking for plant-based alternatives, we have something for everyone:
Dairy Alternatives: From creamy plant-based milks to rich, flavorful cheeses and butters, our dairy-free products are ideal for those who make this choice for health or ethical considerations.
Meat Alternatives: Our high-protein plant protein meat substitutes are perfect for vegetarians, vegans, and flexitarians alike, providing a delicious and satisfying alternative without compromising on taste or texture.
Dressings, Sauces, and Dips: Versatile and packed with flavour, these are designed to complement a wide variety of meals, making them a great fit for any dietary preference.
Plant-based Gelato: Our range of rich creamy dairy-free gelatos, including tubs, cups, and sticks, offers a non-dairy twist for those who love a classic ice cream experience without the lactose.
By offering such an extensive portfolio, we ensure that our products cater to everyone—whether they follow a vegan, vegetarian, or flexitarian diet, or are simply looking to make healthier, plant-based choices.
4. What steps does Plantaway take to promote environmental stewardship through its operations?
We are actively integrating eco-conscious practices throughout our business but believe we have a long way to go. One of our key initiatives is the commitment to eco-friendly packaging. All of our packaging materials are 100% recyclable, helping to significantly reduce waste and minimize our environmental impact. By focusing on recyclability, we aim to contribute to a circular economy where materials are reused rather than discarded.
Responsible sourcing is also a crucial aspect of our approach. We carefully select ingredients ensuring that our products meet high standards for both quality and environmental care as far as is possible at this relatively early stage in our journey. This aligns with our mission to create food that benefits both people and the planet.
Additionally, with the introduction of The Plantaway Promise, where 1% of revenues are allocated towards planting trees and counteracting the effects of mass deforestation Through this effort of planting trees and restoring green spaces, we are working towards fostering biodiversity and promoting a healthier ecosystem for future generations. We are looking to expand our CSR and foster collaborations which can make on ground impact.
5. How does Plantaway envision the future of plant-based foods in the global market?
We envision a robust future for the plant-based food market, both in India and globally. The plant-based food industry in India is currently experiencing significant growth, with the market projected to reach USD 565 million by 2027, growing at a CAGR of over 20%. This shift is largely driven by increasing consumer awareness of health, rising veganism, and a growing demand for protein-rich, dairy, and meat alternatives. In India, urban millennials, Gen Z, and health-conscious consumers are leading the movement toward plant-based diets.
As the only plant based brand with the largest range in India, we have crafted a niche in the market for ourselves. Our growth currently is focussed on new customers as we already see a positive retention and a sizeable AOV coming from repeat customers. Our continued growth reflects that our products being well-received for their taste, quality, and nutritional benefits. Moving forward, our goal is to be at the forefront of this plant-based revolution, not just as a participant, but as a leader shaping future trends in mindful, joyful eating.
