Jackfruit—once a staple in Indian villages—is now finding its way back into urban kitchens, thanks to one man’s vision to transform this humble superfruit. Aman Chhabra, founder of the startup ‘Kathalfy’, is reviving jackfruit not just as a nostalgic ingredient, but as a modern, nutritious and versatile food option in ready-to-eat avatars.

The Inspiration Behind Kathalfy

Growing up in North India, Aman remembered jackfruit—‘kathal’—as a delicious but underappreciated part of home-cooked meals. But as he moved through urban life, he saw how this traditional fruit was vanishing from modern diets. Simultaneously, he noticed rising demand for plant-based, fiber-rich and sustainable foods, especially among health-conscious millennials.

That’s when the idea struck—why not bring kathal back, in a way that appeals to the urban palate, while retaining its health benefits and cultural essence?

Starting Small, Thinking Big

With limited capital but unlimited enthusiasm, Aman started Kathalfy in 2021. He sourced premium jackfruit from farmers in Kerala, Karnataka, and parts of the Northeast. His team worked with food technologists to craft innovative products—from jackfruit biryani and kathal tikka to ready-to-cook shreds that mimic meat for vegan diets.

The biggest challenge? Overcoming the perception that jackfruit is “sticky,” “smelly,” or “old-fashioned.” So, Aman focused on branding—modern, fresh packaging with clear nutritional benefits and catchy names that made kathal feel cool again.

Jackfruit’s Superpowers

Jackfruit is no ordinary fruit—it’s:

  • High in fiber

  • Rich in potassium and vitamin C

  • Naturally meat-like in texture

  • Ideal for diabetic and weight-conscious diets

  • A climate-resilient crop, making it a sustainable choice

By turning it into convenient, easy-to-use formats, Kathalfy has made it possible for busy urbanites to enjoy jackfruit without the hassle.

From Farmers to Supermarkets

Kathalfy today supports jackfruit farmers by reducing crop wastage and offering them better prices. Once discarded due to lack of demand, hundreds of kilos of jackfruit are now processed into healthy, hygienic food products.

Kathalfy products are available on major online marketplaces and retail chains, and are becoming a favourite among:

  • Fitness enthusiasts

  • Vegans and vegetarians

  • Conscious eaters avoiding processed meat

Milestones & Achievements

  • Over 25,000 units sold across India

  • Collaborations with dieticians and nutritionists to promote awareness

  • Features in national food and startup magazines

  • Low-waste production methods that utilize jackfruit seeds and fibers in secondary products

The Mission: Making Kathal a Kitchen Staple

Aman isn’t stopping with a few products. His vision is to make Kathalfy a pan-India movement—to see jackfruit back on dinner tables, lunchboxes, and even restaurant menus. He is exploring exports to countries like the UK, where demand for plant-based Indian food is growing rapidly.

He’s also piloting school and hospital meal programs that incorporate kathal for its high nutritional value.

Conclusion: A Fruit Reimagined

Jackfruit is more than just a fruit—it’s a part of Indian heritage. And through Kathalfy, Aman Chhabra is showing the world that tradition and innovation can deliciously co-exist.

By rebranding kathal with creativity, sustainability, and wellness, he’s giving India a reason to fall in love with this superfruit all over again—one ready-to-eat bite at a time.