Savour every bite

Representation pic

Missing Alphonsos in December? A new Mumbai-based online grocery portal has a solution for you. Berrika, started by Krysh Bajaj and Dinesh Shinde last September, has found a way to provide India with its favourite fruit during the lean winter months. They have brought the Malawi mango from South Africa, a variant of the Alphonso, and grown from the same seeds.

On account of opposite mango seasons in the two countries, they have been able to make this possible, offering the fruit to Indians during winter last year.

Berrika, which sources produce from international farmers, also offers a range of other exotic items, among which are mangosteens, rambutans, longans, purple corn, baby mandarins and lotus roots. There are also acai berry and vegan mango milkshakes, gourmet cheeses like Boursin and Camembert, black and white truffle, imported meats like Iberico ham, and the popular Ben & Jerry's ice cream.

Krysh Bajaj and Dinesh Shinde

Since they deal with perishable items which are dependent on factors like customs and the weather of the place they source from, they say there is a 20-25 per cent loss on each shipment. "Import wasn't banned in India during the pandemic. Cargo flights were still running which meant that the produce was more expensive. But, at the end of the day, our customer is not someone who thinks of the price. They are more focused on the product and its quality," says Krysh Bajaj. To mark its first birthday this month, Berrika is planning to tie up with a charity to set up fridges for the needy, while working towards reaching local farmers.
berrika.com or download the app