Rajni Bector, born in Karachi, Pakistan, migrated to Ludhiana, India, during the tumultuous period of partition. At the young age of 17, she married into a local business family, embarking on a new chapter in her life. With her children attending boarding school, Rajni found herself with time on her hands and a desire to learn. She enrolled in a bakery course at Punjab Agriculture University, igniting a passion for baking and confectionery. Her culinary creations, particularly her ice-cream recipes, quickly gained popularity among her friends, prompting her to consider turning her hobby into a business.
With a modest initial investment of just Rs 300, she purchased an oven and began making ice cream in her backyard, taking the first steps towards her entrepreneurial dream. However, the nascent business soon faced financial challenges, threatening to derail her aspirations. Undeterred, Rajni’s husband, Dharamvir, stepped in with unwavering support, providing her with Rs 20,000 to establish a proper ice-cream manufacturing unit in 1978. This marked a turning point for Rajni, laying the foundation for her future success. She named her brand ‘Cremica,’ a clever play on the Hindi words ‘cream ka,’ meaning ‘made of cream,’ highlighting the key ingredient of her delicious products.
Starting with ice cream, Rajni’s entrepreneurial spirit drove her to expand her business ventures. Despite facing the economic challenges of the 1980s, she persevered, driven by her unwavering determination and the unwavering support of her family. Her efforts paid off, transforming Cremica into a resounding success story. Today, Cremica stands as India’s second-largest exporter of biscuits, with its products reaching consumers in over 60 countries around the globe. The brand has also become a staple at weddings in North India, renowned for its delectable Western desserts, solidifying its position as a leader in the Indian food industry.
Cremica’s impressive annual turnover of Rs 7,000 crore is a testament to Rajni’s entrepreneurial journey. From a small-scale backyard operation to a global food empire, her story serves as an inspiration to millions of aspiring Indian women entrepreneurs, demonstrating that with hard work, resilience, and a touch of passion, anything is possible. Rajni Bector’s legacy as a pioneer in the Indian food industry continues to inspire and empower, showcasing the boundless potential of women in business.
