Health Meets Convenience: Journey of Gudworld, the cool Jaggery brand in Shark Tank India Season 4
Everyone enjoys indulging in sweet treats made with sugar, but the nostalgic taste of jaggery from our childhood is becoming increasingly rare. Jaggery, a history spanning thousands of years, has been a cornerstone of Ayurvedic remedies and a key ingredient in traditional Indian recipes. However, in today’s fast-paced world, it has faded from our daily lives. To revive this timeless treasure a company "Gudworld" has introduced jaggery in convenient packets and made it easier for everyone to enjoy its goodness once again.
Who are the founders of Gudworld?
20 year old Sayali Babasahib Shinde and 26 year old Preeti Prabhakar Shinde are the founders of Gudworld. It is the brainchild of these two cousins Sayali and Preeti. It is a modern take on an ancient superfood: jaggery. They founded “Gudworld” in April 2020. Tthe brand has quickly made its mark by reimagining jaggery for contemporary consumers. Gudworld’s journey is not just a story of business success; it’s a tale of determination, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to preserving tradition.
Education and the Idea of Gudworld
Preeti and Sayali were born and raised in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar (Aurangabad). Preeti completed her Bachelor of Arts in psychology in 2018 and pursued a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Studies and Research from FLAME University. She also did the Women Entrepreneurs Program at Indian Institute of Management Bangalore. Sayali completed her Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in 2024 from FLAME University.
Since childhood, they have been deeply influenced by the cultural and health significance of jaggery. Preeti recalls her grandmother meticulously pounding jaggery blocks for hours, ensuring the family always had this wholesome sweetener in their diet. As generations moved forward, this practice faded, and refined sugar began to dominate kitchens. However, Preeti’s personal experience of jaggery’s health benefits reignited her passion for this humble product. “In my younger days, I fell sick frequently, and incorporating jaggery into my diet transformed my health,” she shared. She was determined to make jaggery accessible and appealing to modern consumers, this is how the idea for Gudworld was born.
About Gudword
Gudworld stands out by marrying decades of jaggery-making expertise with a fresh, innovative approach. Backed by their family’s 40 years of experience in jaggery production, Sayali and Preeti introduced bite-sized, flavored jaggery cubes designed for convenience and versatility. Available in 12 unique flavors like ginger and coffee, these cubes cater to diverse palates while preserving the nutritional value of jaggery.
The cousins’ commitment to quality is evident in their production process, which prioritizes hygiene and sustainability. Unlike traditional jaggery that often comes in large, inconvenient blocks, Gudworld’s cubes are pre-portioned in 5–10 gram sizes, making them perfect for modern lifestyles.
Gudworld’s success lies in its ability to blend tradition with innovation. The brand has carved a niche in the market by offering flavoured jaggery in a convenient format, setting itself apart from competitors like Organic India and 24 Mantra Organic.
Gudword in Shark Tank India Spotlight
Recently Gudworld appeared on Shark Tank India Season 4 and brought their brand into the limelight. They pitch to the panel of ‘sharks,’ including Peyush Bansal, Anupam Mittal, Vineeta Singh, Aman Gupta, and Varun Du. The cousins sought an investment of Rs 50 lakh for 2% equity, valuing their company at Rs 25 crore. Preeti’s confident communication and leadership skills immediately captured the attention of the panel. Sharks appreciated her command of the product and pitch during the show.
They also appreciated the innovative concept and the founders’ clarity of vision, and discussions about family involvement in the business raised concerns. With 30% of Gudworld owned by their brothers-in-law and operations supported by their family’s 400-acre land, the sharks debated the potential challenges of balancing family dynamics with professional growth. However, Preeti’s assurance of maintaining operational independence won over Aman Gupta and he ultimately sealed the deal with an investment of Rs 50 lakh for 5% equity.
With a diverse sales strategy, Gudworld’s revenue streams are evenly distributed across general trade 45%, modern trade of 15%, e-commerce and website 15%, exports 15%, and the HoReCa segment 5%. This balanced approach ensures stability and scalability as the brand continues to grow.
Gudworld is more than just a business; it’s a movement to preserve a vital part of India’s heritage while empowering consumers to make healthier choices. Sayali and Preeti’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience and vision. By transforming a traditional product into a modern-day essential, they have not only created a successful business but also inspired countless others to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. Sayali and Preeti are proving that the perfect blend of tradition and modernity can create a recipe for success.