Rajni Bector, the visionary industrialist who founded Mrs. Bectors Food Specialities and Cremica Group of Companies, was honored with India's fourth-highest civilian award, the Padma Shri, in 2021. Her remarkable journey, which began as a "hobby" in 1978, stands as a testament to passion, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to quality. In episode 2 of ScoopOut with Khyati, the brain behind the world-renowned firm Mrs. Bectors Food Specialities and Cremica Group of Companies recounted her journey.
How Mrs. Bector started Cremica?
Recounting the genesis of Cremica, Mrs. Bector shared, "I started (Cremica) as a hobby. My hobby was to make new things and learn something." What began with a pursuit of diverse flavors and toppings, even surprising a triple-doctorate Dean from Harvard, quickly evolved. "He started sending students to learn from me," she chuckled.
The turning point arrived when a doctor friend urged her to transform her passion into a profession. Initially hesitant, comparing herself to McDonald's, she was eventually persuaded. Her first public foray was at a fete, selling ice cream next to Kwality's Wall. To her astonishment, "not even a single person went to Kwality, but everyone wanted my ice cream. It became a hit."
Word-of-mouth propelled her forward. An impromptu catering request for a friend's party led to an even grander challenge: preparing salads, puddings, and ice creams for 3000 people for an MLA's daughter's wedding. "In Ludhiana, nobody knew what the pudding was, what the salad was. Ludhiana was such a backward place. So, that was a big thing that happened." This monumental undertaking cemented her reputation.
Why did Mrs. Bector name her company Cremica?
With growing demand, her husband encouraged her to formalize her efforts. "If you want to do anything, you better do it properly," he advised. Thus, a small ice cream unit was set up at the back of her house, quickly expanding to include puddings. The name "Cremica" itself was a spur-of-the-moment decision. "I will be making cream, let it be Cremica only. That was a minute show. Not thinking at all," she revealed.
Despite coming from a highly educated, service-oriented family and facing societal resistance in a "backward" Ludhiana, Mrs. Bector remained undeterred. "People started talking about me... She is mad, she has done these things... But I used to face everybody, and I was very bold. My husband's support was there for me. He said Do whatever you want, and at any time, I will not say why you have done it."
When McDonald's approached Cremica
By the 1990s, her enterprise had expanded to include bread and biscuits. Recognizing the need for scale, she invested in larger bread and biscuit plants, necessitating professionals. Her unwavering commitment to quality led to significant partnerships. "We also started supplying to the Army and, Railways."
A pivotal moment arrived in 1995 when McDonald's, struggling to find suppliers in India, sought her out. After a year of trials and adapting to local wheat, Mrs. Bector's company began supplying McDonald's across India. Today, they remain key suppliers to global giants like KFC, Burger King, and Subway. The introduction of sauces and breadcrumbs, including the pioneering eggless muesli, further diversified their offerings, maintaining their commitment to non-vegetarian-free products.
Record-breaking Mrs. Bectors' IPO
In 2020, Mrs. Bectors Food Specialities made headlines with a record-breaking IPO, shattering previous records by an impressive 98%. "This is the faith people have in me. That's the main thing," she humbly stated.
When asked about her motivation, Mrs. Bector emphasized, "No, I never used to bother for anybody when the ladies started working, then they get comments. Many bad comments are also because people will just add to your character." She stressed the importance of boldness, passion, and her husband's unwavering support. "When you are right, you cannot tolerate nonsensical things. The lady has to be bold. Then passion, I believe in passion. That is the main thing."
Mrs Bector tells the story of the English Oven and how her company is supplying to 67 countries
Her success, she firmly believes, hinges on "the quality of my stuff, which I maintained. I was very concerned about my quality and till today I am very considerate about my quality." This commitment is upheld through rigorous lab testing of all incoming materials and the use of state-of-the-art, untouched automatic machines in their factories, ensuring unparalleled hygiene and consistency, exemplified by the "English Oven" bread.
In a quick-fire round, Mrs. Bector revealed her preference for strategy, collaboration, well-thought-out decisions, planning, seeing things "from little to big," and relying on her head. "We are supplying to 67 countries in the world so people are liking our stuff. Sincerity is there. We don't want to play with anybody."
Mrs Bector on getting honoured with Padma Shri
Despite her monumental achievements, the Padma Shri came as a "very shocking news" as she never harbored such ambitions. She has been recognized by many dignitaries, including Abdul Kalam and Pranab Mukherji, and even for her social work during wartime.
What else did Mrs. Bector reveal?
In "The Uncomfortable Corner," Mrs. Bector candidly addressed the challenges women face in business and society. "Yes, people are (resistant to having women in power). In fact, in business, there is this problem. Nobody likes to have a woman there." She passionately advocated for stronger laws to protect women from ill-treatment, particularly those suffering due to drug abuse in Punjab. "There should be some law that really does something for them." While acknowledging that some girls may misbehave, she asserted, "some ladies who are suffering should get a law to do better, and at least they should be working."
She believes women "make better leaders because they have something in them that they can see the bad and the good points." Regarding personal finances, she noted that while some women may need to learn more, increased financial literacy is key. She personally never experienced disparity, always receiving respect, but acknowledged that other women might face it.
On family responsibilities, Mrs. Bector acknowledged the unique role of a mother. "The main thing is, whatever you may say, the mother is a mother. The way she can handle a sick person or a sick child, men cannot handle that." However, she advocated for full participation from husbands when wives have professional commitments.
How is Mrs Bector at home?
At home, Mrs. Bector describes herself as a "very humble person, down to earth," who has never scolded her sons, daughters-in-law, or even servants. A devout individual, she dedicates two hours to Puja every morning and enjoys traveling and hosting parties.
Mrs. Bector on upcoming female entrepreneurs
For upcoming female entrepreneurs, her message is clear: "You have to work with sincerity, and you have to work really hard for it. You cannot think everything is going to fall on you and come to you in your lap, no. Work is like worship. Lead with passion. Money will come."
To girls told to stay within limits, she advises, "Whatever finances you have, you have to be in those because you cannot cross those limits. But in small limits also, you can show your personality, you can show your talent. Be truthful about everything in life. Never hype."
Mrs Bector reveals an UNTOLD STORY about her banker brother, RK Talwar
She concluded by emphasizing the ingrained honesty within her family, citing her father's integrity and her brother, R.K. Talwar, the former Chairman of the State Bank of India, who resigned rather than compromise his principles for political pressure, later being declared the "best banker in the world." This legacy of honesty, she proudly states, is carried forward by her children.
"My father was a riser because of his honesty. Then my brother was the chairman of the State Bank of India. He left his job when 8 years were still remaining. He left his job because Indira Gandhi wanted undue things to be done that he refused to do. He said Give it in writing, then I will do it; otherwise, I will not do it. After 2 days, he was going to become the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India. Then Morarji Desai came and he brought him back, saying I will not do such things. You come back."
"He became the IDBI Chairman, and he was declared the best banker in the world. When Morarji Desai died, Indira Gandhi came back to power. He handed his resignation over to her. I was awarded State Bank of India a few years back in Mumbai. Nobody knew about my ancestors. When I was giving my speech, I said I am the sister of Mr RK Talwar. I got a standing ovation from thousands of people. The Chairman and everyone told me how you never told us. We were not aware that you were his sister. Even last year, Nirmala Sitharaman talked about him in the Parliament. Because honesty is really in our blood, even in my children."