Redefining responsible retailing - Gaurav Manchanda

As the founder of Nimida Group, a Bengaluru-based company espousing clean and sustainable living, Gaurav Manchanda has been at the forefront of India’s responsible retail landscape through multiple initiatives including The Organic World - a chain of organic and natural retail stores. Launched in 2017 as a pilot project in Bengaluru, the brand is built on three foundational pillars—accessibility, affordability, and authenticity—ensuring consumers safe, natural, and healthy choices.

Now with 23 stores across Bangalore and Hyderabad and plans for further expansion, Manchanda remains dedicated to delivering worry-free, wholesome and eco-conscious products. In this interview, he shares insights on the brand’s journey, the inspiration behind ventures like Osh Homecare and Wellbe Foods and his commitment to mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs.

1. The Organic World has established itself as a responsible retailer in its space. What was your initial vision for the brand, how has it evolved over the years, and what are your future plans for its growth?

My vision for The Organic World was founded on three pillars – accessibility, affordability and authenticity, to ensure clean eating choices for a safer and healthier lifestyle were available for all.   I wanted to create a place where customers could shop worry-free—knowing that every product on our shelves was safe, authentic, and in line with their values for health and safety. We started off as a pilot project in JP Nagar in 2017 selling organic fruits and vegetables and gradually expanded over the years to include food and other everyday and monthly essentials that cover the entire consumption basket for a family.  As part of the Nimida Group, whose overarching goal is to offer better choices and create sustainable value, The Organic World has stayed true to this core mission while constantly refining our offerings and customer experience. We've introduced more transparency around sourcing and quality, expanded our selection, and strengthened our commitment to sustainable practices.

Currently we have 23 stores across Bangalore and Hyderabad – we marked our first foray outside Karnataka earlier this year. Looking forward, we plan to expand The Organic World into more cities and increase our online presence. We have set an ambitious target for ourselves– reach 100 stores or 100 crores over the next couple of years or so! 

We also want to grow and further solidify our position as India’s leading Responsible Retailer, offering worry-free, wholesome curated groceries that meet higher than established industry standards, benefitting all participants in the retail ecosystem. We want to keep educating people about the impact of chemical-free products, building a community that trusts us for their well-being and lifestyle needs. 

2. What triggered the idea for Osh Homecare & Wellbe Foods? Do you have plans to expand beyond these brands?

Over the years, we have expanded the bouquet of brands under the Nimida Group. Osh Homecare and Wellbe Foods came from our desire to offer worry-free, clean alternatives in every area of our customers’ lives—not just their food. We noticed gaps in the market for truly effective and safe homecare solutions and snacks made from plant-based ingredients, so we decided to create them ourselves with Osh. Osh Homecare focuses on non-toxic, plant-powered cleaners that don’t compromise on efficacy while being safe, even for the most sensitive skin types. 

WellBe Foods was inspired by a passion to offer our consumers clean food choices – a range of staples, snacks, snack bars and breakfast options that are not only delicious but also nutritious. Our aim was to create a direct-to-consumer (D2C) brand that offers convenient and wholesome food options for those seeking healthier alternatives. Wellbe Foods brings Deliciously Good, Honestly Made snacks and more with No Nasties to the table.

Both brands embody the same standards and transparency that define The Organic World. As for future plans, we’re always exploring new ideas that align with our mission of wellness and sustainability, so expansion into new categories is certainly on the horizon."

3. As an entrepreneur, do you invest in or mentor startups? What has been your experience with other young entrepreneurs?

Yes, I believe that sharing knowledge and resources is essential for fostering a healthy entrepreneurial ecosystem. I do invest in and mentor startups, particularly those that show innovation in sustainability and social impact, alongside sport, which is a passion of time, technology and education. Working with young entrepreneurs is always inspiring—they bring fresh perspectives, determination, and creativity to the table. It’s rewarding to help them navigate challenges, learn from my own experiences, and support them in making their visions a reality. I’ve found that mentoring isn’t just about giving advice; it’s a two-way exchange that continually shapes my own outlook on business and growth.