Established in 2021, Poshilo Foods is a privately owned nutritional food manufacturing company based in Pokhara. It focuses on the research, development, and production of Satu, a Nepalese indigenous food traditionally made from roasted and ground grains like chickpeas and wheat. Satu is becoming popular among younger generations as a healthy meal replacement for protein shakes, energy drinks, and porridge. Poshilo is pioneering the development of a standardized line of branded Satu that combines traditional grains with superfoods to cater to modern tastes. The company offers four products: Multigrain for kids and the elderly, Nutty Delight for working adults, Protein Plus for mothers and beginner gym-goers, and Nutri Plus for trekkers, hikers, and regular gym-goers. Raw materials include wheat, maize, chickpeas, and superfoods such as flaxseed and almonds. 

Currently operating in Province 4, Poshilo has 21 employees. For more information, visit their website(https://poshilofood.com/) or Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/poshilofoods/). 

Improving the competitiveness of agribusiness through product diversification and extensive marketing

Poshilo aims to capitalize on the growing popularity of Satu, often referred to as ‘poor man’s protein,’ by promoting it as an energy-rich alternative. The increasing demand for high-protein products among health-conscious consumers is driving Poshilo’s growth, with plans to become the market leader in Nepal’s health food industry through diversification and the introduction of new products aimed at five additional market segments.

Despite preparing for the establishment of a new semi-automatic plant to enhance production, CASA has identified competitive gaps that could hinder Poshilo’s aspirations, including limited quality raw material suppliers, brand positioning challenges, factory productivity issues, and the need for quality certifications for export. CASA supported Poshilo in five core areas: leveraging investments to establish the new plant, expanding the supply chain, enhancing sales and marketing for brand development, standardizing factory operations for quality production, and facilitating export through necessary certifications. This support aims to boost Poshilo’s productivity, profitability, and overall competitiveness while ensuring better aggregation and guaranteed markets for smallholder farmers in the supply chain. 

The project is currently running since January 2024 and ends in December 2024. Both technical assistance and grants is provided in this partnership to reach 1,000 farmers. For investment, Poshilo is seeking both debt and equity to establish a new semi-automatic plant, upgrade machinery, and procure raw materials, with GBP 238,710 to be leveraged. Negotiations are currently in process.