FIRST PERSON
Get Healthy
Short Hills resident, Sudeshna Kapoor, introduces
Amrita Lassi, a distinctive yogurt drink
W
hen friends and family would
visit Sudeshna Kapoor and
taste her homemade yogurt
drink recipe, their comments
all resonated the same – “you
must sell this on the market!”
It got Sudeshna thinking. With a background in
product marketing – and a will to overcome big
challenges – Sudeshna has succeeded in bringing
Amrita Lassi to market.
A NEW BUSINESS VENTURE
Fifteen years ago, when moving from the south, and
with close family in India, my husband and I were looking
for a community that would embrace our family. Short
Hills clinched the deal. About two-and-a-half years ago,
I began to get restless and to contemplate next steps.
Like so many other moms, I was hoping to find a way to
return to the workforce while maintaining some level
of involvement in the home. I embarked on this business
venture to bring my homemade yogurt drinks to the
public.
STRONG DETERMINATION AND HARD WORK
Soon I learned, “Easier said than done.” Because of
public health issues, the yogurt drink market is highly
regulated and there are huge barriers to entry. In Asia
and Europe, yogurt drink consumption has exploded.
But, good news — here in the U.S. — there’s room to
grow. After a difficult search, I found a milk plant in New
York State that was willing to work with me. The plant
had already launched many successful yogurt products
and the owner understood the nuances of my drink.
WHAT MAKES AMRITA LASSI DIFFERENT?
My recipe, called Amrita Lassi, is very distinctive from
other yogurt drinks on the market. The drinks are organic,
low in sugar and contain probiotics and unique spices
influenced by my Indian culture. Featured flavors are Ginger
Lassi, Cardamom Lassi and Vanilla Lassi. In the coming
months, I plan to introduce a zero-sugar-added savory drink.
CLOSE TO HOME
My Amrita Lassi drinks can be found locally at several
markets – Goldberg’s Deli in Millburn, Ashley Market in
South Orange, Kam Man Foods in East Hanover,
Grassroots Market in Denville and The Meat House in
Summit. And if you’re heading into the city, you can find
Amrita Lassi at Eli’s Manhattan.
Until recently, I have been a one-(wo)man operation.
In February, with the aesthetic eye of my older daughter,
Ilina, a budding artist, I redesigned the bottle and drink
labels for a cleaner, more modern look. Now working
with a distributor, my hope is to be everywhere in the
northeastern market —from specialty stores to the chain
supermarkets. I know this is a big challenge, but I keep
reminding myself to “dream big.” After all, look where I
was only three years ago. ■
– AS TOLD TO NANCY COHEN
16
MILLBURN • SHORT HILLS MAGAZINE MAY 2016
ANNE-MARIE CARUSO
WHAT DOES THE FUTURE LOOK LIKE?