Rajni Bector's Journey From Humble Backyard Bakery To Building 7000 Cr Empire

One of the country's most inspirational pioneers, Rajni Bector championed women's entrepreneurship in India by launching her brand Cremica in 1978. The Padma Shree awardee's journey from starting a humble bakery to building a 7000-crore empire is one full of resilience. Bector, who was born in Karachi in 1940, migrated to Delhi with her family post-independence. Her family had various high-ranking posts in the government of British India. Bector went to Miranda House and completed her graduation post her marriage in 1957.

The Rise Of Cremica: Beyond Buns 

After moving to Ludhiana to her husband's home, Bector grew fond of cooking. She would prepare all sorts of ice creams, cookies, and salads and would invite people over to taste them. She would host parties at her marital home and would prepare a sumptuous feast for her guests. She would also attend culinary-based courses available in Ludhiana. 

Her passion for cooking was further appreciated with her catering for 2000 guests for an event of a local MLA. She eventually decided to do something commercially and open her brand. Her mother-in-law initially disapproved, questioning why she needed to work when her husband and family were financially sound. However, her husband Dharamveer supported her.

With the support of her husband and Dr SC Jain of Punjab Agricultural University, Bector installed an ice cream manufacturing unit in 1978, which cost her around Rs. 20,000. She came up with the name ‘Cremica’ from ‘Cream ka’ (made of cream) as most of her products were made of cream.

With the rise of demand for Cremica products, their brand started producing breads and biscuits. In 1990, Operation Blue Star followed by the Sikh massacre in Punjab forced her in-laws’ family business to fold up. Her business started getting the family's attention with her sons joining their family business after completing their education.

In 1995, Bector won the tender for McDonald’s and started producing buns for them. The wheat came from Madhya Pradesh and the initial plant was in Ludhiana. Their plants also expanded to Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai. McDonald’s recommended Cremica to Quaker Oats, a Chicago-based company that introduced Cremica to the world of sauces. Three decades later, Cremica is still a supplier to McDonald’s.  

The Ludhiana-based entrepreneur, still actively participates in the tasting sessions of their new products. In 2021, Rajni Bactor was honoured with the Padma Shri — India’s fourth-highest civilian award.  

Cremica Bakes Financial Triumph For FY24!

The revenue of Mrs. Bectors Food Specialties Limited in FY24 was marked at ₹1,623 crore. The National Stock Exchange of India listed this company in December 2020. The gross profit of FY24 was marked 46.7%. ‘Cremica has delivered remarkable revenue growth of 17.4% and profitability improved by 21.6% to Rs. 33.6 crores in Q4 FY24 on a year-over-year basis’,  quoted by the Managing Director Mr. Anoop Bector.

Cremica is now a leading biscuits exporter to 69 countries across 6 continents. It also has tender of brands like McDonald’s, Subway, KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell and the Indian Railways. Bector’s Cremica is an Indian homegrown brand specializing in sauces, mayonnaise, breads, biscuits, and salad dressings.