MBA Grad Turns Kerala Banana Chips Into Crore Business

When Manas Madhu moved away from Kerala for work, his parents always packed his suitcase with one thing: banana chips. But finding quality banana chips outside his home state proved nearly impossible.

The MBA graduate from Alappuzha saw an opportunity where others saw a snack. In 2018, he quit his corporate job to launch Beyond Snacks, determined to bring Kerala's beloved nendran banana chips to customers across India and eventually the world.

Madhu knew food would be his calling, but the exact path remained unclear until he read an article about value addition. That single piece sparked his eureka moment: what if he could transform Kerala's traditional banana chips into a premium, widely available snack brand?

Beyond Snacks sources fresh nendran bananas from farmers across South India based on seasonal availability. The bananas are cleaned, sliced, and cooked in pure oil without human touch, resulting in chips that are cholesterol and trans-fat free.

The twist came through flavors. While traditional salted chips remained the foundation, Madhu introduced desi masala, peri peri, salt and black pepper, hot and sweet chilli, and sour cream onion varieties. Today, more than 50% of sales still come from the original flavor, proving that authenticity resonates.

Madhu deliberately targeted non-Keralite customers in cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune, and Delhi. The strategy worked: Beyond Snacks now stocks over 3,500 outlets in Mumbai and Pune alone, and ships to the US, UAE, Qatar, Nepal, and Mauritius.

The breakthrough came when Madhu pitched on Shark Tank India's first season. He became the first entrepreneur to secure a deal with two sharks, Aman Gupta and Ashneer Grover, exchanging 2.5% equity for Rs 50 lakh.

The Ripple Effect

Within months of the Shark Tank appearance, Beyond Snacks became a bestseller on Amazon and Flipkart. The visibility transformed the company from a regional specialty into a nationally recognized brand.

The company now generates Rs 1 crore in monthly sales and has launched a Rs 22 packet to reach budget-conscious customers. They also offer combo packs featuring all six flavors and family-size portions for devoted fans.

Madhu's success extends beyond his own profit margins. By sourcing directly from South Indian farmers, Beyond Snacks creates consistent demand for nendran bananas, providing stable income for agricultural communities.

The team continues developing new flavors while staying true to their mission: giving Kerala's banana chips a global makeover. Madhu now shares his journey openly, teaching aspiring entrepreneurs the strategies that turned a homesick snack into a thriving business.

One man's childhood comfort food has become a nationwide movement proving that tradition and innovation can coexist deliciously.