Mumbai, MAY 2, 2022: Retailers Association of India (RAI), presented the fifth edition of the ‘Retail Startup Awards’ recognizing the most innovative retail startups to look out for in 2022. The glittering ceremony was held during the Retail Leadership Summit 2022 (RLS 2022) organized by the Retailers Association of India (Rai). RAI Retail Startup Awards have been instituted to celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurship. It is a recognition of the indomitable spirit that drives entrepreneurs to convert their dreams into realities and ideas into viable business.
“Startups have been enriching retail with their contribution. Especially during the recent crisis, when established businesses were floundering, several startups rose to the occasion to fulfil consumer demand, fill in gaps in the market and offer convenience and comfort to customers who were locked up in their own homes. This year there was rich diversity in the nature of startups that applied and the jury had a tough time picking the contenders for Retail Startup Awards 2022. We are happy that at the end of the process, the winners that emerged are ones that add value to the industry in some form or the other,” said Dr Hitesh Bhatt, Director-Marketing and Communication, Retailers Association of India (RAI).
The preliminary jury comprising of Alisha Malik, Metro Brands Ltd,; Bhupesh Dinger, Enrich; and GR Srikkanth, Spencer’s Retail Ltd evaluated the entries on a set criteria and delivered a final shortlist of 10 innovative retail startups, who then presented to the grand jury comprising of P Jayakumar, CEO, Apollo Pharmacies; Suhail Sattar, Director, Hasbro Clothing; and Sunil Sanklecha, Founder, Nuts n Spices.
After a rigorous evaluation process these three retail startups have emerged as the winners of the RAI Retail Startup Awards 2022:
Winners:
MyPaperclip (Gabss printmart private Ltd.)
Urban Farmart India Private Ltd. (Urban Farm Fresh)
1st Runner Up:
Samkan products private Ltd. (House of Candy)
2nd Runner Up
Cold love Ice Cream Private Ltd.
The final shortlisted retail startups besides the winners were – Avni Foods, Godhawat Retail Ltd., Mother Nature Innovations Pvt. Ltd., NG Corporation, The Kettlery (CPK Food & Beverage Pvt Ltd.), and Toesmith Pvt. Ltd.