Ayoung woman with a passion for excellence and a drive to lead. At just 20, Bhavika Agarwal stepped into the fast-paced business world of the food and beverage industry. Bhavika Agarwal (Partner at Sincere Packaged Drinking Water & Soda), is proof that age is just a number when it comes to leadership. Having unwavering determination and passion for the F&B industry, she is inspiring a new generation of young women. From the boardroom to the factory floor, she is paving the way for a brighter, bolder future. With her forward-thinking ideas and innovative approach. Get ready to be inspired as the team Women Entrepreneur magazine delves into the story of Bhavika in the F&B world.

What are some important features of your expertise as a business leader?

Honestly, my journey has been shaped by the people around me, who have trusted and supported all along the way. Through this supportive network, I have grown both personally and professionally, learning valuable lessons about leadership and the F&B industry. One key lesson I have learned is that perfectionism doesn't always work in your favour. Having a mentor to guide me and keep me on track has been critical to my growth. In this regard, I have been fortunate to have my father as a mentor and advisor, who has helped me navigate the challenges of the industry. In spite of my initial reservations as an introvert, I could also discover the strategies and techniques for sales and marketing. My journey has taught me the power of learning and growth. I am grateful for the support and guidance of those around me.

"Our goal is to make clean drinking water a basic human right and we believe in the importance of social responsibility and welfare"

Take us through your early educational journey and your foray into this field.

While pursuing my degree (B Com honours), I developed a strong interest in finance, but also found the F&B industry too compelling to ignore. I started working in the field immediately after graduation, following in the footsteps of my father who runs a successful business. I had always seen my dad working and growing the business which was encouraging. My early experiences in the factory, visiting after my morning classes, exposed me to the various aspects of the business, including handling accounts and learning about the production process. This hands-on experience prepared me for the challenges of the industry. Although I had no professional industry experience, I was able to overcome these challenges through hard work and a willingness to learn. I sought out mentorship and guidance from industry experts, including those in the Bottled Water Association and took up short-term courses that helped me navigate the intricacies of the industry.

What are the different responsibilities you shoulder as the Partner of Sincere Packaged Drinking Water & Soda?

Starting with the basics, I looked after the accounts at the factory, which laid the foundation for my involvement in the business. I then moved on to managing the production, streamlining the supply chain system, and improving the efficiency of our operations. This was followed by a focus on marketing, where we implemented new strategies to enhance our presence and increase customer engagement. We provided samples to key decision-makers and conducted market research to better understand customer preferences and buying habits. My focus also lies in effectively managing the workforce. I believe in understanding their needs and ensuring that they are able to deliver both quality and quantity. Additionally, I utilize my knowledge and experience to optimize our production and purchasing processes to align with our goals and plans. One of the key improvements we made was in organizing the purchasing process. Previously, the process was disorganized, but we brought structure and improved our ability to make informed decisions. I have taken a comprehensive approach to manage the business, handling all aspects of operations, from accounts to marketing. Through my efforts, we have seen significant improvements in efficiency, customer engagement, and the overall process.

Introduce us to Sincere Packaged Drinking Water & Soda.

Founded by my father, B.D. Agarwal, Sincere is a hallmark of purity and has rapidly grown to become a leading player in the packaged drinking water market in India. Our vision is to provide clean drinking water to everyone in a socially conscious way, and we recently entered into a partnership with United Spirits to manufacture and market the Bagpiper and MCDOWELL'S No. 1 Soda brands. We follow strict quality control procedures, as evidenced by our certifications from BIS, FSSAI, and ISO, and use only the latest and safest purification processes to ensure the water is 100 percent safe for consumption. Our success is due to its focus on providing high-quality drinking water and its strong value system. The company started with its own packaged drinking water brand and added franchised partners. Also gained a competitive advantage by supplying both soda and water, giving distributors a cost-effective option. The company envisions expanding into juices and soft drinks while partnering with big brands.

Throw some light on the most critical business challenges you faced.

People tend to overlook you when you don't have any experience or knowledge. However, I refused to let this deter me. I remained persistent, patient and composed, and with the help of my dad, I navigated these challenges. Being in a male-dominated industry, I refused to let the odds hold me back and persevered until I found my place and am now on the journey of making a name for myself.

Bhavika Agarwal, Partner, Sincere Packaged Drinking Water & Soda

Bhavika's journey is a testament to the power of learning and growth. Despite a lack of prior experience, she has taken advantage of every opportunity to develop her skills and become a leader in her field.