The Cinnamon Kitchen’s Sweet Victory on Shark Tank India Season 3
In a standout episode of Shark Tank India Season 3, The Cinnamon Kitchen, a Delhi-based bakery, secured a pivotal investment of ₹60 lakh from Aman Gupta, the co-founder and CMO of the popular electronics brand boAt. Founder Priyasha Saluja’s compelling pitch showcased the bakery’s commitment to crafting plant-based, organic, and gluten-free treats, impressing the Sharks despite initial concerns about packaging.
Founded in 2018 with just ₹50,000, The Cinnamon Kitchen has thrived under Priyasha’s leadership. The bakery offers a diverse range of healthy indulgences, including spreads, snacks, cookies, cakes, and breads, and has attracted attention from Bollywood celebrities such as Sonam Kapoor, Arjun Kapoor, and Malaika Arora.
Priyasha’s inspiration for The Cinnamon Kitchen comes from her personal health journey, having overcome PCOS and committed to a healthy lifestyle. From modest beginnings with annual sales of ₹1.4 lakh, the bakery’s revenue has soared to ₹6 crore in the current fiscal year, demonstrating impressive growth.
During her Shark Tank pitch, Aman Gupta initially offered ₹10 lakh for 2% equity, along with ₹50 lakh as a loan at 12% interest. Priyasha, preferring an equity-only arrangement, negotiated a revised offer: ₹60 lakh for 5% equity, which she accepted, marking a significant advancement for the bakery.
The Sharks, including Vineeta Singh and Anupam Mittal, raised concerns about packaging and branding. Priyasha addressed these by emphasizing her focus on quality and outlined plans for enhancing customer retention through superior products. She also discussed strategies for broader distribution, improved shelf life, and potential partnerships, particularly at airports to reach a larger audience.
With ambitions to expand beyond Delhi to cities like Bangalore and Mumbai and utilize platforms like Blinkit, The Cinnamon Kitchen is poised for national growth. The strategy to collaborate with airports highlights the brand’s goal to lead in the healthy snack sector, catering to a market increasingly drawn to mindful eating.
The Cinnamon Kitchen’s success story, fueled by Priyasha Saluja’s vision and perseverance, stands as an inspiring example for entrepreneurs in the health-focused food industry. As the bakery embarks on its next growth phase, it is well-positioned for continued achievements and broader recognition in the realm of healthy, guilt-free indulgence.