Mr. Gagan Anand, Founder of Scuzo Ice ‘O’ Magic, India’s Largest Growing Popsicle & Gelato Brand, Starting his career at the early age of 17, he managed to balance work and studies, completing both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees while working part-time.

A BREIF INTERVIEW ABOUT HIM

1) Can you please provide a brief introduction to your professional background, highlighting key milestones and achievements in your career? 

Starting my career at the early age of 17, I managed to balance work and studies, completing both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees while working part-time. From 2008 to 2011, I worked in Pizza Hut as a General Manager in the Kandahar army base outlet, which was a demanding yet rewarding experience. I then moved to the UAE, where I worked as an Area Manager with Gloria Jean’s Coffees.

In 2012, I returned to India to serve as the Brand Head of Rasna, managing nationwide operations. I also worked with brands like Keventers and Chocolate Room. These experiences culminated in the launch of Scuzo Ice ‘O’ Magic in 2020 during the pandemic. Today, Scuzo Ice ‘O’ Magic is recognized as India’s fastest-growing popsicle and gelato brand, with over 45 outlets across India and projected revenues of 20 crores by the end of this year.

2) What inspired you to pursue a career in this business world, and how did you initially get started?

From a young age, I harbored a desire to become a businessman. Growing up in a village without electricity fueled my ambition to achieve significant goals. My initial experience at Pizza Hut revealed my aptitude for leadership and team management, which laid the foundation for my entrepreneurial aspirations.

Working with notable brands like Pizza Hut, Rasna Buzz, and Gloria Jean’s Coffees, I realized the limitations of not having decision-making authority and the potential for creating my own brand. The inspiration to start Scuzo Ice ‘O’ Magic stemmed from nostalgic childhood memories of ice cream vendors. This vision, combined with my professional experience, motivated me to introduce a unique, live popsicle concept during the pandemic, transforming a cherished childhood memory into a successful business venture. 

3) Can you share some insights about your business products or services? How do you keep them competitive in these changing market trends?

At Scuzo Ice ‘O’ Magic, we offer a diverse array of desserts designed to delight our customers. Our selection starts with our unique live popsicles, which are a cornerstone of our brand. We also feature handcrafted gelatos, sorbets, milkshakes, waffles, pancakes, sundaes, mocktails, and dessert cakes, providing a wide variety of indulgent options. What sets us apart is our commitment to using 100% natural ingredients. Our popsicles are made live in front of the customer using fresh fruits, creating a unique and interactive experience. We do not sell ready-made popsicles, which ensures that every product is fresh and free from preservatives or additives.

To stay ahead in the market, we continuously innovate based on customer feedback and market trends. We have protein-based products, vegan, sugar free options as well to cater to health-conscious consumers. Our focus on gelato, known for its healthier attributes compared to traditional ice cream, helps us appeal to a discerning audience that prioritizes quality and wellness.

We enhance our reach and convenience through strategic alliances with major food delivery platforms like Swiggy and Zomato, as well as our own delivery system, ensuring efficient and cost-effective service. Additionally, we engage with our customers through social media, running various contests and promotions to keep them connected and engaged with our brand. By prioritizing quality, sustainability, and customer engagement, Scuzo Ice ‘O’ Magic remains competitive and continues to grow in the dynamic dessert market.

4) What strategies or approaches have you employed to achieve success in your business endeavours?

Innovation and Variety: We continuously innovate while maintaining our core offerings, incorporating a diverse range of flavors. This approach keeps our brand fresh and exciting for our customers, ensuring they always have something new to look forward to.

Commitment to Quality: We prioritize using natural ingredients, ensuring every product meets our high standards. This dedication to quality is a cornerstone of our brand, reflecting our commitment to providing the best to our customers.

Engagement with Customers: We actively engage with our customers through platforms like Facebook and maintain strong community ties. Building and nurturing these relationships foster customer loyalty and a sense of closeness with our brand.

Strategic Expansion: Our expansion plans are guided by our commitment to quality and inclusivity. By ensuring consistent customer experiences across all locations, we aim to provide the same high level of service and satisfaction, no matter where our customers are.

5) How do you set your business apart from others in your industry? And how does your business look different now vs. when you first started?

Scuzo Ice ‘O’ Magic stands out from its competitors due to its unique live popsicle concept, offering customers the ability to choose their own fruits and witness the production process. Additionally, the focus on 100% natural products, sustainability initiatives, and commitment to quality and innovation differentiate us from the competition.

While initially focused on popsicles, we later expanded our product range to include handcrafted gelatos, and much more to cater to a wider audience. By offering a variety of desserts, we aim to attract and satisfy the diverse preferences of our customers. We have recently introduced a special range of Popping Boba Ice Tea. Additionally, we have entered the confectionery space. Currently, we have one manufacturing unit in Okhla and 45 outlets across India. By 2025, we aim to open two more manufacturing units and 100 outlets.

6) How have you grown personally from becoming an entrepreneur? Can you share a specific challenge or setback you’ve faced in your career and how you overcame it?

As an entrepreneur, I’ve experienced significant personal growth, particularly in terms of resilience and adaptability. One specific challenge I faced was during the pandemic, which was a major setback for many businesses, including mine. The uncertainty and sudden changes in consumer behavior were daunting.

To overcome this, I leveraged my creativity and passion for innovation. The idea for Scuzo Ice ‘O’ Magic originated from my childhood love for sweets and my professional experience in the F&B industry. The pandemic provided a unique opportunity to introduce the live popsicle concept. We opened our first store in Netaji Subhash Place, New Delhi, right after the first wave of the pandemic. This concept allowed customers to select their preferred fruits and witness the live production of their favorite fruit popsicles. 

Navigating through this period taught me the importance of flexibility and the ability to pivot quickly. We expanded our product range to cater to a wider audience, offering not just popsicles but also a variety of desserts. This strategic move helped us attract and satisfy diverse customer preferences, ensuring business continuity and growth even during challenging times.

This experience has not only strengthened my resolve but also highlighted the importance of staying true to one’s vision while being adaptable to changing circumstances. 

7) How do you foster innovation within your organization, and what role do you see innovation playing in the future of business?

At Scuzo Ice ‘O’ Magic, innovation is at the heart of everything I do. I foster a culture of creativity and continuous improvement, combining traditional methods of making kulfi with advanced technology in our popsicle churner unit. This blend of tradition and modern innovation drives my mission to deliver top-notch products. Every product we create at Scuzo Ice ‘O’ Magic, is a perfect fusion of old-school craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology, ensuring high-quality, delightful treats with each bite. Our goal is to offer an unforgettable journey through time and taste with every lick of our popsicles.

Looking ahead, we plan to leverage innovation to introduce more personalized and health-conscious dessert options, harnessing the latest advancements in food technology.

8) Could you share a specific accomplishment or milestone in your career that you are particularly proud of?

One milestone I’m incredibly proud of is the establishment of Scuzo Ice ‘O’ Magic, which now boasts around 45 outlets. The rapid evolution of our team throughout the recent pandemic highlights our outstanding perseverance and commitment to excellence.

9) What leadership qualities do you believe are essential for leading a successful business in today’s competitive landscape?

Successful leadership necessitates a visionary view, adaptability as well as empathic tendencies in today’s competitive business world. Heads of any organization ought to be the team’s motivators and encourage their innovativeness, therefore, being able to find solutions for the market challenges and, ultimately, to remain customer-centered. 

When it comes to doing business, I strongly believe in always doing it the right way. Honesty and fairness are at the core of everything I do. My main mission is to earn the trust of both our investors and customers by sticking to these ethical values.

Growing this franchise business has been a journey inspired by my mother. She taught me the importance of looking at things from different angles. By doing so, I gain a better understanding of what others are going through. This helps me connect with everyone involved and find solutions that truly work for them.

10) Foundr Magazine India often highlights businesses with a strong commitment to ethics and sustainability. Can you discuss your company’s approach to ethical business practices and sustainability initiatives?

At Scuzo Ice ‘O’ Magic, we are deeply committed to sustainability and have taken various initiatives to reduce our environmental footprint and promote mindful consumption. One of our most exciting innovations is the introduction of rice straws colored with edible flavors. These straws are safe for consumption and environmentally friendly. Additionally, we are proud to announce our eco-friendly bottles and edible food packaging.

By adopting edible food packaging, we have successfully eliminated the need for plastic cutlery in our stores. We are planning to introduce edible spoons and believe that it will inspire our customers to make more mindful choices while enjoying their meals.

We are constantly exploring and implementing various environmentally friendly practices in our stores. These efforts are part of our holistic approach to creating a positive impact on the environment and encouraging others to join us on the path towards a more sustainable future.

11) In your opinion, what are the key challenges and opportunities facing your industry today? Any recommendations on overcoming them?

The key challenges in our industry include evolving consumer preferences for healthier options, increasing competition, and logistical complexities. Opportunities lie in product innovation, brand differentiation, and strategic partnerships.

To address these, I recommend:

1. Product Innovation: Develop natural, low-sugar, and protein-based products to meet health-conscious demands.
2. Brand Differentiation: Highlight our unique live popsicle concept, use of natural ingredients, and sustainability initiatives.
3. Strategic Partnerships: Collaborate with other brands for product expansion and market reach.
4. Efficient Logistics: Develop our own delivery platform and partner with reliable delivery services.
5. Expansion: Use the master franchise model to grow our presence and diversify our product range to sustain business during off-peak seasons.

These strategies will help us navigate challenges and leverage opportunities for growth and success. 

12 ) What does the future hold for your business and your industry, and what are your long-term goals and visions?

I have ambitious plans for Scuzo’s future expansion. We  envision expanding our presence by opening 100 outlets by 2025 in various locations to reach a wider audience and cater to the growing demand for our unique desserts and live popsicle experience. On an international level, we are  in talks with Canada, Australia, and the Middle East. Our  plan is to rapidly expand by setting up multiple stores in each country, establishing a strong market presence. Opening just one unit in each country is not feasible, so our  approach involves rapid expansion once we enter. To ensure sustainability, we are considering establishing five to six locations within each country. We expect to finalize these discussions and enter these markets within the next couple of months.

We aim to promote the concept of “Make in India” by showcasing Indian flavors and expertise abroad. My goal is to tap into the global market and offer a unique culinary experience that reflects the rich cultural heritage of India.

13) How does it feel to be featured in Foundr International Magazine, and what message would you like to convey to Foundr readers and the wider business community?

Being featured in Foundr International Magazine brings a significant level of recognition to our work at Scuzo Ice ‘O’ Magic. It’s a mirror reflecting our dedication and results. To all the Foundr readers and the broader business community, I’d like to emphasize that innovation, quality, and customer focus are the pillars of a successful business. It’s crucial to stay true to your vision, embrace the challenges that come your way, and always be attuned to the needs of your customers.

14) Is there any other information or anecdotes you would like to share that could provide valuable insights for the Foundr Magazine article?

Scuzo Ice ‘O’ Magic has deep personal roots. The name “Scuzo” comes from my childhood love for sweets and my playful memories with jaggery, reflecting our passion for desserts. The concept of live popsicles, where customers choose fruits and watch their popsicles being made, was born during the pandemic and set us apart.

Our commitment to sustainability is evident through innovations like edible rice straws, enhancing the customer experience while reducing plastic use. This initiative has been well-received and aligns with our brand’s identity.

Expansion through the master franchise model has helped us grow in India and we are now looking to enter international markets like Canada and Australia, promoting “Make in India.”

Lastly, our focus on natural and healthy products, including protein-based offerings, caters to health-conscious consumers and keeps us relevant and appealing. Thank you for the opportunity to share these insights.