Posted On: 2024-02-12 11:12 AM
Pickles are a staple in many people's meals worldwide, providing a flavorful addition that complements a variety of dishes. There are a variety of preservation techniques to make pickles. Whether preservation in brine or vinegar. Or some other methods. Now, pickles are mostly vegetarian. But another category is slowly gaining fame. In the non-veg pickles category, numerous brands cater to a global audience. Also, companies like Meatigo and TenderCuts offer delivery services for non-veg pickles, while smaller-scale brands like Nomad Food Project and Beevi’s are also carving out their niche in the industry.
According to data from Ipsos, a Paris-based global market research firm, the organized pickle industry is valued at around Rs 400 crore. However, the non-vegetarian pickles sector remains largely unorganized, with local players and cottage industries dominating the market. Despite its fragmented and niche popularity, there are companies dedicated to catering to these unique tastes. Meatigo, for example, offers a variety of non-vegetarian pickles, including flavours like sweet and spicy prawn sambal, smoked chicken pickle, pork pickle, and zesty chicken sambal. Also, the variety of flavours just makes the mouth water. You can’t help but fall in love.
Gayatri Tampi, CMO of Meatigo (and Prasuma), explains that the brand's pickle flavours draw inspiration from Malaysian, Sri Lankan, and Southeast Asian cuisines, as well as their family traditions and personal experiences with flavours from their upbringing. "Our target audience includes individuals who lack the time or expertise to pickle their ingredients. We focus on working professionals and students who need quick and convenient meal solutions without the hassle of elaborate preparation." Also, the leading manufacturer of non-veg pickles happens to be India. Or any country in Southeast Asia that fits the bill.
According to co-founder Advaith Inamke, Nomad Food Project incorporates bacon, chorizo, and prawn into many of their offerings to produce savoury jams and condiments. "Households and families often use them to prepare quick breakfasts or as an evening snack for kids returning from football practice, as well as for individuals living alone," he explains. Also, 150ml of pickle can be consumed in one sitting. As such, a family can have pickles with every meal. It is one of the best things to happen to dining. Thus, this is another reason to consider non-veg pickles.
To tackle the issue of preserving their products, the Nomad Food Project makes them in small batches. And stores them in the warehouse for a short time. Inamke shares that bacon fat helps keep all the flavours intact in the jar for a longer time. Without needing any preservatives. He and his team started looking into the market while they were still in college, and they began creating products after they finished their studies. Their ideas often stem from different regional cuisines of India, like Bacon Thecha or Goan Chorizo Jam.
In conclusion, while the pickle industry in India is predominantly vegetarian, there is a growing market for non-veg pickles, albeit largely unorganized. Companies like Meatigo and Nomad Food Project are tapping into this niche market by offering a variety of innovative non-veg pickle flavours influenced by diverse cuisines. Lifestyles are changing. So are palates. And non-veg pickles are one of the best things you could have. The market might be niche now. But they are fast gathering popularity. Also, non-veg pickles are one of the best additions to your meal. A delicious cleanser for the palate and the stomach.