How Four Friends Turned Kozhikode Halwa into a ₹84 Lakh Startup with Fulva

It all began with a promise. When Shabas Ahamed N C tasted a poorly packed halwa
outside Kerala, he knew the beloved Kozhikode sweet deserved better. That simple insight
led him and his childhood friends—Sanu Muhammed C, Thesreef Ali P K, and Irfan Safar
S—to launch Fulva. Their goal? Bring hygienic, travel-friendly, and vibrant Kozhikode Halwa
to homes across India and beyond.

How a Promise Sparked an Idea

The spark came when Shabas was asked to bring halwa during college trips home. But the
halwa he found came in oily, messy packaging and didn’t taste fresh. Instead of adapting to
the status quo, he decided to bring the authentic sweet back to its glory—and share it with
the world.

How Tradition Met Modern Packaging

Kozhikode Halwa has centuries of legacy, yet lacked branding or quality packaging. The four
founders decided to modernize the whole experience. They partnered with a skilled halwa
maker and revamped his workshop—introducing standardized recipes, quality control,
hygienic practices, and spill-proof packaging. The result: a delicious halwa that stayed fresh
for up to 40 days and was easy to ship.

How Variety Became the Brand’s Strength

Fulva launched with a vibrant assortment—24 different flavors of Kozhikode Halwa
packaged together. The diverse box was an instant hit. From classic variants to bold
innovations like passion fruit or green chili, each flavor honored tradition while welcoming
creativity. As demand rose, Fulva expanded to over 20 SKUs—including diabetic-friendly
options—to reach a wider audience.

How Community Campaigns Built More Than Sales

During Ramadan, Fulva launched its “Empower by Fulva” initiative. Over 40 women from
the community helped prepare Iftar boxes featuring halwa and other treats. Students sold
these boxes at beaches, helping 20,000 boxes sell out quickly. More than revenue—₹48
lakh—this campaign embodied Fulva’s commitment to culture, community, and collaboration.

How the First-Year Numbers Gifted Momentum

In its first year in business, Fulva earned ₹84 lakh in revenue with around a 50% profit
margin. They gained over 25,000 customers, including bulk corporate orders, and expanded
to international markets like the UAE, Germany, and the UK. Direct-to-consumer sales
generated over 90% of their income, showing strong online demand.

How Fulva Balanced Heritage and Innovation

The brand’s magic lies in its ability to preserve cultural essence while appealing to modern
sensibilities:
● Authentic taste, backed by traditional artisans
● Premium packaging fit for gifting and gifting-worth deliveries
● Flavor creativity, from red and green halwa to health-conscious and fruit-enhanced
variants
● Ethical empowerment, by supporting local makers and homemakers

How the Future Looks Sweet for Fulva

Now, Fulva aims to double its revenue to ₹1.5 crore within the year. Expansion plans
include:
● Launching 30+ SKUs, including snacks and kids’ variants
● Partnering with top e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Flipkart
● Introducing fresh snack lines via Home-to-Home deliveries in Kerala
● Winning presence in quick commerce and premium retail formats
● Growing corporate gifting to over 40 brand clients
● Obtaining ISO certifications for hygiene assurance
● Exploring markets in the Gulf and beyond

Featured by TheMarketingMirror.com

At TheMarketingMirror.com, we shine a spotlight on startups that blend culture with
innovation and scale with soul. Fulva’s journey—from a promise during college to an
₹84 lakh business, preserving Kozhikode’s halwa legacy—shows how tradition can be
reimagined with care and clarity. It’s entrepreneurship rooted in heritage, powered by
passion.
If you’re building something meaningful, grounded in culture, and poised to impact, we’d love
to share your story here.

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