The use of data analytics in the food and agriculture industry has brought about a much needed revolution. As opposed to the traditional approaches, the new data driven insights coupled with precision agriculture techniques is empowering farmers and the agribusinesses alike.
By harnessing the power of big data, IoT (Internet of Things), and AI (Artificial Intelligence), this revolution is not only enhancing productivity but also promoting sustainability, reducing environmental impact, and fostering innovation. Analytics serves as the fundamental underpinning for informed decision-making within the agricultural and food sectors. It plays a pivotal role in enhancing the efficiency, resilience, and sustainability of food production practices.
The most important role played in this revolution is that of the technology leaders. Paving their way in this niche market, many leaders are emerging successful in bringing about the change.
Featuring for The Enterprise World’s this issue of The Most Successful Business Leaders to Watch is the story of one such leader- Bharat Aswani, who is establishing actionable solutions and achieving strategic goals.
The Illustrious Journey of Bharat Aswani
An Engineer by education, Mr. Bharat Aswani has nearly 26 years of professional experience in spearheading sustained organizational growth in dynamic environments. His professional expertise has been instrumental and has also proved to be a catalyst in building actionable solutions, building employee value, driving vision, and achieving critical strategic goals.
Bharat Aswani’s leadership has had proven value propositions where companies have added significant achievements in the bag. He has also been able to cater to some of the most premier and global brands, adding substantial value to their growth.
Though his journey is filled with accolades, one of the most important one he says is the opportunity to work with FOSS India.
About FOSS India:
FOSS is the world’s leading provider of innovative analytical instruments that monitor and control the food quality. FOSS India, a subsidiary of FOSS Denmark, is committed to a mission of sustainability in the global food industry.
Additionally, the company also provides solutions that help improve the customer’s business by running a sustainable and profitable operation, while also helping them deliver high quality products for the consumers.
“We address the growing demand for food production by providing innovative solutions for product quality, fair payment, efficiency, and waste reduction.”
The company’s foundation is built on core values that help them deliver the best results to their customers. These include:
- An emphasis on innovation.
- Focusing on client-centricity &
- Valuing collaboration & knowledge
“Aligned with FOSS Denmark’s vision, we aim to be a leader in analytical solutions, contributing to a healthier and more sustainable future for all.” Adds Mr. Bharat Aswani.
Sailing through the Pandemic
Regarding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, it presented the team with a mix of challenges and opportunities. They quickly adjusted to remote work arrangements, skillfully managed disruptions in the supply chain, and ensured a consistent flow of orders for our analytical instruments, with a particular emphasis on serving the Grain and Feed sectors.
The pandemic’s influence also hastened the pace of digital transformation, compelling the company to enhance its digital offerings and align them with the customers’ evolving requirements.
“This pivot toward digitalization allowed us to provide robust support in a rapidly changing landscape.”
Amidst these challenges and opportunities, FOSS remained committed to maintaining the high standards of service and reliability that the customers expect. The lessons learned during this period have reinforced the team’s dedication to adaptability and innovation, ensuring that they continue to meet the ever-evolving needs of our valued clientele.
FOSS’ Suite of Products and Services
FOSS, with a legacy spanning 66 years, has demonstrated relentless growth and innovation. The company has emerged as a leading provider of analytical instruments and solutions across diverse industries, including food, feed, wine, grain, meat, and dairy.
FOSS’ comprehensive offerings encompass a spectrum of technologies, such as NIR, FTIR, image analysis, and X-ray, ensuring precise quality analysis and safety assurance.
Over the decades, these solutions have evolved, becoming increasingly accurate and efficient. NIR facilitates rapid non-destructive analysis, FTIR identifies contaminants, image analysis supports visual quality control, and X-ray technology ensures product safety.
“Our unwavering commitment to innovation drives us to regularly introduce new solutions, enabling us to adapt to the dynamic needs of our customers.”
Taking a Step Ahead
FOSS is embarking on an exhilarating journey into the world of cutting-edge innovation and emerging technologies. The company’s foray includes state-of-the-art instruments designed to revolutionize process solutions, as well as a suite of software solutions and digital services poised to redefine the industry landscape.
Among the company’s groundbreaking offerings is “Micral,” a product that promises to propel them forward in the realm of mineral analysis within laboratories. Additionally, the team is proud to introduce “Mycofoss,” a powerful tool for analyzing a wide array of toxins.
“These ventures mark our commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and driving meaningful advancements in our field.”
At the Forefront- The Team of FOSS Surpassing Every Achievement
Highlights of the team’s journey include:
25% YOY growth FOSS Business since last 5 years:
FOSS’ success is grounded in the implementation of key strategies, the meticulous formation of teams from scratch, and well-planned entries into the emerging food and agriculture segment. The outcome is a solid assurance of sustainable double-digit profit growth, maintaining control over revenue, contribution margin, and EBIDTA. Additionally, they exhibit prudent management of receivables and inventory levels, underlining their commitment to a balanced and thriving business model.
They achieved a significant 20% increase in market share through their adept business development strategies and strategic entries into key markets. This accomplishment was made possible through the collaborative efforts of their marketing, sales, distributor, and key account management teams, consisting of 30 dedicated members (including 7 direct reportees). Additionally, they provided indirect oversight to 23 other employees and worked closely with 20 distributors, reinforcing their commitment to expansion and market leadership.
Global Benchmark In FOSS Thru Various Key Initiatives – Among The Peers & Management:
The company has built a strong legacy of customer testimonials, webinars, digital service innovations, and product GIFs, all of which have made a substantial contribution to lead generation and revenue growth.
Over the course of five years, they have successfully increased revenue by nearly threefold and expanded their market share by 20% to 40% across various categories. This impressive achievement can be attributed to their effective implementation of territory sales management, a three-axis growth model, and strategic coordination between sales and service teams.
Global and Local awards & recognition towards building core objectives of “ Self Reliant India” :
The team’s efforts have resulted in regaining a leadership position for FOSS within the Grain, Milling, and Edible Oil segment. This achievement has empowered Indian farmers by ensuring they receive the rightful value for their crops through instant and accurate analysis of their agricultural produce.
The company’s dedication and excellence has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the “Best Company of the Year,” “Emerging & Game Changer Brand of the Year,” and the “Growth Award 2020,” distinguishing them among all sales and service subsidiaries of FOSS.
Additionally, they have made a significant 15% contribution to revenue through emerging markets in Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Maldives.
Team for the Win
In the realm of leadership, certain qualities stand out as true markers of excellence. A leader who embodies crystal clear, crisp, and honest communication, demonstrates empathy and humility, leads by example, and maintains an unwaveringly positive attitude is a beacon of inspiration and guidance for their team.
These qualities not only define their leadership style but also set a high standard for others to follow. In this introduction, we delve into the remarkable journey and impact of a leader who possesses these exceptional qualities, leaving an indelible mark on those they lead and the organizations they influence.
Bharat Aswani is one of those leaders that embodies these qualities to take the team to a new level.
The FOSS India team has a diverse, innovative, and customer-centric culture. It comprises professionals with various expertise & promoting collaboration.
“Our focus on innovation encourages creative thinking and the development of cutting-edge solutions.”
To ensure team motivation and productivity, the company emphasizes clear communication, recognizes outstanding performances with various initiatives such as “Ring The Bell”, High Five notes etc., and invest in professional growth through training and skill development.
“We firmly believe ‘One team, One Goal’”, Mr. Bharat Aswani adds.
The collaborative environment of the company values each team member’s contribution, enhancing overall motivation and productivity. In summary, FOSS India’s culture and strategies enable them to excel in serving the customers and achieving their mission.
Bharat Aswani’s Advice to the Budding Entrepreneurs
“Continue to believe in the long-time success story of India, we have an ocean of opportunities available in the Indian subcontinent. Let’s stay true to our commitment with a competent and committed team and we’ll continue to witness growth for all.”
