Starting a brand is never easy, especially when it’s built from scratch. For me, Priyal Thacker, co-founder of Gusto Foods, the journey has been a blend of passion, perseverance, and learning every single day. With an educational background in Mass Media from NM and an MA in Strategic Marketing from Nottingham Business School, UK, I had a foundation in understanding audiences, strategy, and storytelling — but building a food brand required more than just theory.

Gusto Foods was born out of a simple yet powerful idea: bring the best of the world’s culinary tastes to the Indian palate. Having grown up seeing my husband’s family thrive in food processing and white labelling for over a decade, I understood the industry’s potential and the need for a brand that delivers quality, taste, and innovation.

Wearing Multiple Hats

Building Gusto Foods has been a journey of versatility. No role is too small or too big when creating a brand from the ground up. From co-founder to marketing manager, to picker and packer, I’ve learned that every task contributes to the bigger picture.

• Understanding the technical aspects of websites and marketing apps
• Creating marketing campaigns that resonate with audiences
• Selecting and nurturing the right team to bring the brand vision to life
• Ensuring quality and consistency in every product

Every day presents a new challenge and a new opportunity to grow, both personally and professionally.

Strategy, Support, and Learning

My experiences in advertising at Saatchi & Saatchi, marketing at Zee TV, and founding Enrico Eyewear taught me the value of strategy, creative thinking, and persistence. Bringing these skills to Gusto Foods, I focus on crafting strategies that not only promote the brand but also ensure sustainability and growth.

I’ve been fortunate to have unwavering support from my husband and father, whose guidance and encouragement make the journey smoother and more meaningful.

Building a Brand, Building a Life

Creating a brand is more than just business — it’s a lifestyle. I ensure dedicated hours for work and personal life, understanding that balance is key to creativity, focus, and well-being. Building a strong team, maintaining consistent quality, and driving innovation are at the heart of every decision.

Gusto Foods is not just about food — it’s about creating experiences, celebrating flavors, and building a brand that reflects passion, authenticity, and care.

Every product, every campaign, and every interaction is a step toward turning a vision into a reality, and the journey has only just begun.