Meet Sairaj Dhond: the man who went from cross-examinations to cross-cut jackfruit slices. As a criminal lawyer, Sairaj could’ve stayed in the courtroom, objecting left, right, and center. But instead, he traded his briefcase for big dreams and a bigger mission serving plant-based, cruelty-free food to India and beyond.
The Wakao Foods Saga by Sairaj Dhond
Enter Wakao Foods in October 2020: a brand that’s as sustainable as it’s snackable.
Let’s dive into the juicy details of how this Goa-based visionary turned the humble jackfruit into a legit food revolution.
Spoiler alert: it involves sharks (not the aquatic kind, though 🦈)!
Humble Beginnings, Lofty Goals
Rewind to 2020. While the world was busy mastering banana bread, Sairaj was in his lab, experimenting with India’s underrated superfood—jackfruit. With the planet gasping for sustainable solutions and plant-based diets trending harder than 2000s low-rise jeans, Sairaj decided to swing for the fences.
His goal? To create a plant-based meat so good that even hardcore meat lovers would go, “Wait, this isn’t chicken?” No preservatives. No refrigeration. Just pure jackfruit magic wrapped up in slick, ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook formats.
Wakao’s Vision: Good for You, Great for the Planet
Wakao isn’t just selling food, it’s pitching a lifestyle. Their mantra? Make eating healthy and sustainable *the* cool thing to do. They’re all about cruelty-free living, supporting farmers, and serving up meals that are good for your health *and* the planet. And honestly? That’s a vibe we can all get behind. 🔥
Oh, and did we mention they’ve got a whole blog dedicated to drool-worthy jackfruit recipes? From zesty tacos to indulgent curries, Wakao isn’t just helping you eat better; it’s helping you cook like a pro. Time to throw on that apron and get chef-y.
The Guy Behind the Fruit: Sairaj Dhond
Sairaj Dhond isn’t your typical entrepreneur. This guy went from drafting legal arguments to drafting business plans, like a total boss. His vision? To make Wakao a global name while staying true to its sustainable, cruelty-free roots.
Fun fact: Wakao isn’t Sairaj’s first gig. He’s also dabbled in solar solutions, lighting, and real estate restoration. He’s the multitasking king we didn’t know we needed.
Shark Tank: Swimming with the Big Fish 🦈
What do you do when you’ve got a killer product but want to take it to the next level? You walk into Shark Tank India and casually make history.
- Wakao Foods entered the Tank in Season 1 and walked out with a killer deal
- ₹75 lakhs for 21% equity from Vineeta Singh, Ghazal Alagh, and Namita Thapar marking the first time all three female sharks teamed up on an investment.
- Girl power + jackfruit power = unstoppable. 💪
Post-Tank Glow-Up
The post-Tank days have been nothing short of iconic. Wakao is now growing like a well-watered houseplant—25% growth every month! Let that sink in. From stocking high-end hotels like Hilton and Oberoi to shipping worldwide to the USA, Mexico, Dubai, and Norway, Wakao isn’t just surviving; it’s thriving.
International foodies are vibing with this jackfruit genius, and honestly, can you blame them? It’s healthy. It’s high-protein. It’s vegan. And the best part? It’s shelf-stable for a year. Forget refrigerated aisles—Wakao’s jackfruit meat is here for the pantry squad.
What Makes Wakao a Whole Vibe
Wakao isn’t just another food brand; it’s got *personality*. 🦸 The secret sauce? A mix of ethics, innovation, and that Goan laid-back energy.
Here’s what makes it stand out:
- Super Sustainable: Jackfruit’s not just tasty; it’s good for the planet. It’s sourced ethically from Indian farmers, meaning you’re supporting local agri-practices while munching on pure goodness.
- Health Goals: Jackfruit is crazy versatile. It’s high in fiber, low in calories, and carbs, and has this game-changing meat-like texture. Keto? Vegan? Flexitarian? Wakao’s got you covered.
- No Fridge, No Worries: With zero preservatives and a one-year shelf life, Wakao’s products are low-maintenance. Perfect for people who “accidentally” forget to clear their fridge for weeks. (No judgment. We’ve all been there.)
- Farmers First: Fair prices for growers are non-negotiable for Wakao. They’re proving that you can succeed while uplifting others.
*Legit wholesome vibes.*
Jackfruit: The Underappreciated MVP of Food
It’s high time jackfruit gets the spotlight it deserves. This superfood checks all the boxes:
- High in fiber (your gut will thank you).
- Versatile AF—think tacos, curries, biryani, and more.
- Low-cal, low-fat, but BIG on taste.
It’s like the quiet kid in school who grows up to be a rockstar. And Wakao? They’re the talent scout who saw the potential.
Wakao’s Big Plans: Dream Bigger, Hustle Harder
So, what’s next for Wakao? Only global domination, duh. They’re not just content with ruling the Indian vegan scene, they’re expanding their product range and their footprint. Future menu teasers include more plant-based goodies that’ll leave you shooketh.
Wakao Foods has proven that you don’t need preservatives, animal products, or even a fridge to make food. From Shark Tank fame to international acclaim, this brand is making plant-based eating cool, convenient, and oh-so-tasty.
So, if you haven’t already, it’s time to hop on the Wakao train. Because whether you’re a gym bro looking for high-protein gains or a foodie searching for guilt-free indulgence, Wakao’s got your back.
In short: Jackfruit = Life. Wakao = Revolution.
And you? You’re about to become a fan. 🪭
Follow their journey: Wakao Foods | Shop: Wakao Foods
