A special order to change your life!
This is what it was when Jodhpur-based Amit Soni received a special order to make confectioneries from millet by the PUSA Institute, or as we popularly know it, the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI).
He was little aware of the fact that this endeavor would soon captivate the nation’s elite. Just two days later, a message arrived, accompanied by a video link. He was astonished by the sight that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, surrounded by prominent figures such as Narendra Singh Tomar, Kailash Choudhary, and Rajnath Singh, was cutting his (Amit Soni’s) millet cake.
Wow! I would have screamed and fainted with excitement.
Seems like a dream, right? But how come he landed this opportunity?
Early Life and Background
Amit was born and raised in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. He came from a family of jewellery artisans, but he wanted to do something different and chose a different path. After completing his master’s degree in HR and marketing, he worked a variety of jobs: a salesman in the electronics sector to an event manager. But all this was not what he truly desired.
The Path to the Ultimate Dream
While working as a factory manager at a local company, he learned about the business while visiting Britannia and Amul.
It was 2017, and Amit’s job was going well, but he then he quit his job. WHY? Are bhai business and job ek sath kaise manage kare koi?
Up until then, he was selling his company’s cakes, but now he wanted to make and sell cakes of his own. And to fulfil his dream he needed training, for which, he took formal training at the IHM (Institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition), Mumbai.
Later, he worked at exotic locales in Phuket, Thailand. He was also receiving job offers from Saudi Arabia and Canada, but following his father’s wish, he decided to stay back in Jodhpur.
An Invaluable Support 🧑🏻👩🏻🧒🏻
After returning to India, the family had a heartfelt conversation when Amit’s father announced to financially support Amit. Also, Amit’s mother lent a hand in perfecting cakes and cookies.
And when, finally in 2019, he launched his bakery, he dedicated his business to his parents, Ramesh and Durga and their marriage anniversary, by naming the bakery RD’Z 1983 Bakery.
The Beginning
Initially, the bakery offered regular things like cakes, breads and all. But that historical order from ICAR Rajasthan for a bajra (millet) chocolate truffle cake brought a new character in Amit’s business: MILLET.
Yes, until then he never thought of working in that direction but seeing the final result and how his cake was enjoyed by BIG names, he decided to shift his focus to it.
Next Target: Bake gluten-free millet cookies, breads, and brownies.
Why these items when his cake made him famous overnight?
Think logically, these items have a longer shelf life than cakes.
However, this new mission was not easy to conquer because pearl millets have no binding agent like gluten, and they don’t actually taste that good, even though they are highly nutritious.
Amit took the challenge head-on and started experimenting with the ingredients. It took him 3 months and numerous (literally numerous) attempts to develop 2 varieties of millet cookies: sesame seed variety and dry fruit variety.
The Bittersweet Taste of Success: Just Like Millets Cake
Today, RD’z pearl millet cookies stand out as a signature item of his bakery. Eventually, they are widely distributed to more than 100 hotels in India and exported to Bahrain and Dubai. Surprise!
Connections to Higher Authorities
This may sound oh scary, but Amit’s strong determination has opened up amazing opportunities for him. After his millet cake endorsement, his bakery got national attention, leading to connections with APEDA and various other government agencies.
Daebak! 👍🏿👍🏻
After our respected Prime Minister’s video of cutting the RD’Z cake went online, there was a surge in orders. It is not a surprise that RD’Z millet cookies are now served at UN meetings, government offices, and major events like the G20 summit in Udaipur.
It is remarkable, and a point to note, that our leaders are replacing traditional maida cookies and promoting healthier eating habits. 🫡 Salute!
What are we doing? 🤔
Amit’s millet cookies are not just health-friendly but also ecologically conscious as he does not use maida and palm oil.
What NOW?
Arey! Now, Amit’s younger brother, Dr. Sumit Soni, has also joined the venture and brought his expertise as a physiotherapist to the business.
The RD’Z bakery produces an impressive 150 kg of cookies per day and serves the cravings of up to 15,000 customers each month.
Secret Recipe of Success: Always Keep Your Innovative Side Alive
Amit, following his passion, is innovatively creating health-focused baked goods using multigrain instead of maida. His new range of millet cakes and cookies are available in different mouthwatering flavors: blueberry, cumin, chocolate, dried fruits, and vanilla.
RD’Z millet cookies and growing line of cakes have generated an impressive ARR of Rs 1.5 crore. After this, he extended his presence into cities such as Bengaluru and Mumbai. Furthermore, looking ahead, he has set his mind on international markets, with plans to expand into Ethiopia, Georgia, and Germany.
Shop for your millet-based confectionery @RD’Z 1983 BAKERY 🛒
