Kudumbashree Mission - Tasting Success Story of Famous Bakery

Almost all the food items placed at the bakeries in Idukki District of Kerala is branded the same- Famous bakers! Famous Bakers is located in the Byson valley Grama Panchayath of Idukki District. It was formed as a result of the convergence between Kudumbashree Mission and Byson valley Grama Panchayath. And now it has turned into a business venture which have an average monthly sales of Rs 15 lakhs. ‘Famous Bakers’ produces bread, bun, snacks, cakes etc. As Famous Bakers’ products are of best quality and taste, their products are of high demand in and around Byson valley. Rs 2 crores is the annual turnover of Famous Bakers.

Launch of Famous Bakers

Started working on 24 November 2013, ‘Famous Bakers’ is the Kudumbashree oriented project of Byson valley Grama Panchayath.  It is run by Byson Valley CDS and the project aims at the empowerment of women, eradication of unemployment and financial development of women in Byson Valley Grama Panchayat.

Bysonvalley Gramapanchayath allotted Rs 80 Lakhs for the construction of building and for purchasing of machinery from the plan fund and handed over the same to the Byson valley Kudumbashree CDS.  10 women members of Kudumbashree Mission registered the unit together and started making breads and cakes for selling in bakeries. Byson Valley Grama Panchayath had given a tempo traveler to disburse the items to the respective bakeries. They had received financial assistance of Rs 6 lakhs from Kudumbashree Mission and had also availed Rs 18 lakhs from bank as loan, which is fully repaid now.

In Famous Bakers, the bakery items are processed in very hygienic environment. As the items are very perishable the product should be packed within no time after its processing is completed. Breads and carrot cake are the most famous products of Famous Bakers.

Growth of Famous Bakers

As they are not using any chemicals in making the food products, they are of high demand in and around the district.  Gradually they had begun making all bakery items. Byson Valley CDS started yet another unit on July 2015 for the production of chips, mixture and laddu etc. Kudumbashree women supply their agricultural products like tapioca, banana etc to the famous bakery directly, avoiding agents. Therefore, both the groups are benefitted out of the association. Famous bakers also collect jackfruits from Kudumbashree units.

Now they are making mixture, snacks and pickles as well. The employees of Famous Bakers are now working on shift basis starting from 6 AM to 8 PM. Famous Bakers have a total of 28 employees now. The appointed staff in the fixed posts like Manager, Chef, Store Keeper, helper etc are paid about Rs 350-Rs 1000 on daily basis.

As the sales increased, Famous Bakers had also hired a pickup van as well. A committee of 13 members is responsible for the functioning of the enterprise and is governed by this group of 13 members’ committee including a Chairperson.  Famous Bakers had received ISO certification in 2017. Famous Bakers also plans to launch curry powders in the near future.

Byson Valley CDS gives more priority to the production of healthy and fresh food items, as social commitment and unemployment eradication is important to them since its establishment.

Started as a small venture in a small panchayath in Kerala, the success that Famous Bakers had attained is mind blowing. Famous Bakers could be considered as an epitome of unaltered will power and confidence. With a gradual yet steady growth, Famous Bakers had proved that belief in their selves could take anyone to greater success. The Micro entrepreneurs are indeed tasting their success now!