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How a dusty room and retailer empathy built Marico’s success story

A simple retailer’s suggestion changed everything. Discover how Marico’s founder turned dusty rooms and frontline empathy into a billion-dollar lesson for entrepreneurs.

In this image there is a super market, in that super market there are groceries.
In this image there is a super market, in that super market there are groceries.

How a dusty room and retailer empathy built Marico’s success story

Harsh Mariwala, the visionary behind Marico, began his journey in 1971. He visited the company's premises, determined to understand its operations first-hand, rather than relying on data or reports.

Mariwala's approach was unconventional. He didn't stay in luxury accommodations; instead, he lived at a distributor's home in a small town. His room was simple and dusty, reflecting the company's early days. This hands-on experience was invaluable. It allowed him to connect with the people who truly understood the business - the distributors and retailers.

One such retailer suggested a simple yet transformative idea: smaller packaging. This shift from bulk supply to 'grab-and-go' sizes made Marico's products more convenient for consumers. This innovation, born from empathy at the shelf level, shaped the company's strategy and helped it grow.

Mariwala's belief in understanding the business from the ground up, his emphasis on empathy, and his willingness to innovate based on real-world feedback have been instrumental in Marico's success. His approach continues to inspire entrepreneurs today.

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