In March 2020, Hyderabad-based couple Monica and Partheshwar started a pickle business with just ₹1,300 after the COVID-19 lockdown halted their incomes. Five years later, their venture, based on a traditional oil-based chicken pickle recipe from a grandmother’s secret, has grown into a ₹3.3 crore company, according to livemint.com.
The couple’s journey began when Partheshwar’s career break extended indefinitely after his father’s death, and Monica’s legal practice was suspended due to the lockdown. With no income and dwindling savings, they decided to invest their last cash into making and selling the pickle. Their product quickly gained traction, leveraging the unique family recipe and word-of-mouth marketing to build a loyal customer base.
This success story highlights the resilience of small entrepreneurs during the pandemic and the growing demand for traditional and artisanal food products in India. The couple’s bootstrapped approach contrasts with many startups that rely on external funding, showcasing how niche culinary heritage can create profitable direct-to-consumer brands. Their ₹3.3 crore revenue marks a notable achievement in the Indian food startup space.
The company’s growth underscores the potential for traditional recipes to scale commercially in India’s evolving food market. Monica and Partheshwar’s story was reported by livemint.com on June 13, 2026, illustrating how a modest initial investment can lead to significant business success over five years.