We recently had the opportunity to interview Chef Bobby Kapoor, Founder and CEO of Cartalyst Food Solutions and Chef Partner at Classic Catering U.A.E. and Cartalyst Solutions. Bobby’s 35 years of F&B industry experience in hotels, restaurants, retail, QSRs, and manufacturing enables innovative solutions based on trends and best practices.
Bobby Kapoor is a thought leader on nourishing and nurturing the future of food and has also introduced CATZ – Catering A to Z, a consumer-facing venture committed to delivering wholesome, additive-free fare globally. He creates successful concepts and systems that focus on partnerships, products, processes, people, packaging, promotions, and profitability. With his team, Bobby simplifies food across various sectors and has been investing and incubating concepts for over 11 years. In this insightful interview, Bobby Kapoor speaks about his career trajectory, shifts in their business goals, and his visions for reshaping the food industry.
Career Trajectory
We started the session by asking, “Can you describe a pivotal moment in your entrepreneurial journey that fundamentally changed the trajectory of your business?”
Bobby Kapoor shared, “In the realm of politics, religion, and conformity, a chef typically doesn’t tread. Yet, I find my voice in nurturing my dreams, resisting conformity, and cultivating a thirst for knowledge. These qualities, I believe, position me as a thought leader in my field.
The trajectory of any business is far from linear; it’s a narrative punctuated by peaks and valleys. The advent of COVID-19 marked a pivotal moment for us, prompting a reevaluation of our go-to-market strategy. We realized that our clients, though loyal, needed more than just our products; they craved innovation and adaptability in a rapidly evolving landscape.
From serving the retail sector to Quick Serve Restaurants and beyond, we aim to stay ahead of the curve. We’re committed to providing products and solutions that not only meet existing needs but also anticipate future demands, ensuring our relevance and vitality in an ever-changing market.”
Shared Commitment To a Better Future
Eager to learn how the visions and priorities of Bobby Kapoor’s business have transformed over these years, we asked, “How have your initial visions for the company evolved in response to unforeseen challenges or opportunities?”
Bobby Kapoor responded, “Sustainability has opened a window of opportunity globally, compelling every nation to cultivate processes that foster growth and adaptability. As we gaze into the next 2, 5, and 10 years, we are confidently asserting our position ahead of the growth curve. Leveraging AI and predictive tools, we are navigating the terrain with foresight akin to driving a car—prioritizing safety across short-term, medium-term, and long-term goals.
While technological advancements like IBM’s Watson and blockchain offer promising solutions in the realm of food tech, the ambit of innovation must pivot towards a more holistic and conscientious direction. Humanity beckons us to break free from conventional norms; what was once considered a weed, like wheat, now holds potential ecological implications. The consequences of genetically modifying food have reverberated through health systems, urging us to explore alternative avenues, perhaps within our regional contexts, to anticipate the next wave of revolution or evolution.
Every business adheres to the bell curve, yet in our domain of food, our collective expertise spans over a century. This rich heritage serves as the bedrock upon which we build the future. Despite the dynamism of our industry, the continuity of our team remains steadfast. With an average age of 30, our team members, many of whom have grown with us over the past 8 to 10 years, have embraced increasing responsibilities, milestones like marriage and parenthood, and a shared commitment to our journey forward.”
Staying Updated With Latest Developments
We further asked, “What strategies do you employ to stay updated with industry trends and emerging technologies?”
Bobby Kapoor shared, “Having participated in the Global Restaurant Leadership Conference and collaborated with major players in the Food & Beverage industry, we possess a nuanced understanding of the insights provided by leading research institutions such as Kerry, OFI, and Griffith, which offer comprehensive reports on location-specific trends and geographies. Recognizing that trends constantly evolve across all levels, we acknowledge the importance of data-driven insights and learning from various countries’ experiences.
In the Middle East, however, such valuable information is often lacking. Therefore, we endeavor to pioneer a format that facilitates the dissemination of similar insights tailored to our region. For instance, if a global trend like the Rise of the She indicates a growing demand for healthier options, we proactively explore avenues to incorporate such offerings into our portfolio.”
“Our commitment to relevance extends beyond mere observation; we actively engage with companies across Retail, Quick Service Restaurants (QSR), and food service sectors. One of our esteemed clients, KOJ, exemplifies this ethos by aspiring to lead the food and beverage market with locally inspired offerings.
We collaborate closely with KOJ and other partners to reimagine their F&B offerings, particularly within airport environments. Their teams challenge us to continuously innovate and provide solutions that resonate with their vision. To meet this demand, we leverage our network of top-tier vendors, facilitating education and refinement of existing offerings to meet evolving consumer preferences.” He added.
Unmet Market Gaps, We asked Bobby Kapoor
To learn more about the market gaps that inspired Bobby Kapoor to venture into this industry, we asked, “What unmet need or gap in the market did you identify that led you to start your venture?”
Bobby Kapoor replied, “The UAE was more than just a location for me; it was home – a place where every business venture I encountered presented an opportunity to scrutinize bottom lines and profitability. It was from this necessity that Cartalyst emerged, driven by our firm conviction that financial success lies at the heart of any thriving enterprise.
Navigating the business landscape without familial ties or prior experience, I relied solely on my passion as a guiding force. Recognizing that continuous learning was paramount, I am committed to an ongoing process of self-improvement.
Central to my journey has been the ethos of adding value. I’ve cultivated relationships founded on mutual benefit, always mindful of sowing seeds for future growth and collaboration. In essence, Cartalyst embodies not just a business venture, but a testament to the power of passion, learning, and the art of nurturing relationships in pursuit of lasting success.”
Fostering The Best Talents
Having the right team counts the most when it comes to your success in a business. To gather insights on the approaches adopted by Bobby Kapoor to promote the best talents in his business, we asked, “What strategies have you employed to ensure that your company attracts and also nurtures and grows top talent?”
Bobby Kapoor shared, “Reflecting on my 35 years of experience, I’ve come to recognize the significance of Nature, Nurture, and Nourish as the guiding principles of my journey. As a chef, I initially exhibited a perhaps overly assertive approach, driven by an unwavering pursuit of excellence and a relentless desire to elicit awe-inspiring reactions from those I served. Central to my philosophy was instilling a mindset of boundless potential in every member of my team, fostering an environment where growth knows no limits.”
“Many of my team members didn’t come through traditional interviews; they sought mentorship and joined me based on attitude and culinary skills. Attitude is a key trait for success, prioritizing excellence over mere achievement.
Of course, challenges persist in our field, particularly as the culinary landscape evolves and generational shifts introduce new dynamics. The question arises: Can we effectively engage with the emerging cohort of Gen Z individuals? Managing conflicts and navigating change become paramount skills in this ever-shifting terrain. Drawing insights from diverse sources, including forums like TiE (The IndUS Entrepreneur) and the World Government Summit, we continually refine our craft, honing our abilities to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing culinary world.” He added.
Prioritizing The Right Move
We asked, “In the face of rapid industry shifts, how do you decide when to pivot your business strategy versus staying the course?”
Bobby Kapoor shared, “Amid the COVID-19 upheaval, jobless and reevaluating priorities, I realized health is crucial. Concern for my kids’ well-being led to a shift in perspective – prioritizing a nourishing, plant-based diet for longevity and vitality. Looking forward, the future of food poses challenges in gut health, culinary heritage preservation, and sustainability that require innovative solutions.
Delving into historical wisdom, I unearthed age-old insights from India’s ancient texts, such as the classifications of diets like Satwik, Tamasik, Rajasik, and Amanushya, dating back to the 2nd century BC. Yet, despite this wealth of knowledge, the gap between ancient wisdom and contemporary practices remains glaring. It’s evident that while solutions may exist, misinformation complicates the path forward.
In this context, the imperative is clear: food must be demystified, made accessible, and contextualized for the modern era. Moreover, disillusionment with conventional medical systems has led me to prioritize self-education in matters of health and wellness. The specter of greed looms large in the realm of medicine, eroding trust and reinforcing the necessity of remaining informed and empowered in matters of personal well-being.”
Current Offerings
To learn more about the services offered by Bobby Kapoor’s organization, we inquired, “What type of services do you provide considering the competitive landscape in this industry?”
Bobby Kapoor shared, “Cartalyst has embarked on a comprehensive consulting journey spanning diverse sectors aligned with our core beliefs. Under TRF Eats, our culinary arm, we unveil the Recipe Factory, specializing in bespoke spice blends, sauces, and bakery mixes. Tailored to the discerning palate of our food service clients, we offer a curated selection of signature items.
BU-Eat revolutionizes nutrition by promoting personalized diets based on body types and heart rhythms. The Infinity Diet maximizes each individual’s potential for health and wellness, while the Metabolic Diet uses advanced diagnostics to customize interventions and prioritize vital nutrients like Omega for overall well-being.”
Bobby added, “Transitioning from our roots in Classic Catering, we introduce CATZ – Catering A to Z, a consumer-facing venture committed to delivering wholesome, additive-free fare globally. Our innovative solutions encompass a range of offerings:
- Salt-free cuisine, utilizing probiotics such as Koji for marination and harnessing Umami to promote gut health.
- Sugar-free alternatives, eschewing traditional sugars in favor of fruit-based and fermented options.
- TRF Probiotic Signatures, featuring fermented and probiotic-rich delicacies catering to health-conscious consumers.
Furthermore, our revamped kitchen facility incorporates state-of-the-art features:
- High-risk zone designations to ensure safety and hygiene standards are upheld.
- Modified Atmosphere Packaging lines extending the shelf life of retail products to five days and offering 30-day shelf-life options for institutional clients.
- Cutting-edge dehydration and freeze-drying technologies, facilitate diverse culinary applications from bar garnishes to full meals.
With the recent addition of freeze-drying capabilities from Switzerland, we bolster our commitment to innovation and excellence in food production and distribution.”
Adaptability Amidst Uncertainties
To understand Bobby’s perspective on ensuring his business shines even amidst adversities, we asked, “As you look to the future, how are you preparing your business to navigate and thrive amidst uncertainties in the business landscape?”
Bobby Kapoor replied, “As we emerge from the grip of COVID-19, we’re confronted with sobering realities. Diseases are manifesting in unexpected ways, with generational skips becoming more apparent. Alarming projections suggest that by 2040, hormonal imbalances could jeopardize our ability to conceive, signaling a potential future devoid of offspring.
In response to these ominous trends, I find myself compelled to coin the term #FutureOfFood. I implore individuals to scrutinize labels, inquire about traceability, and demand transparency in their food choices.
The spotlight on our food system intensifies, prompting crucial questions about its trajectory. The delicate balance of our gut biome assumes newfound significance, as we recognize its profound impact on mental health and anxiety.
Sustainability sparks concern, urging a reevaluation of our relationship with food. Informed dietary choices are crucial. To address the $15.2 billion supplement industry, I propose a selective strategy that values health. Embrace shorter shelf life for food and avoid additives. Support seasonal, locally sourced, and nutritious meals for optimal well-being.”
A Reimagined Approach To Food
We ended the interview by asking, “As our global population hurtles towards nine billion by 2030, we stand at a crossroads. Should we passively accept the status quo or reimagine our approach to food?”
“My journey has only just begun, and I am committed to fostering awareness and collaboration with key stakeholders to address these pressing issues. As I gaze into the horizon of possibilities, I’m infusing my business with the zest of resilience, the richness of strategic foresight and innovation, ensuring we not only weather the storms of uncertainty but emerge as a thought leader that leaves competitors craving for more.” Bobby concluded.
Follow Bobby Kapoor on LinkedIn.
Find Cartalyst Food Solutions on their website www.cartalystsolutions.com
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