In India’s fast-evolving food industry, Chakradhar Gade stands out as a pioneer who has redefined how millions access fresh, natural products. As the co-founder and CEO of Country Delight, Gade has transformed the traditional dairy and grocery delivery system into a tech-driven, customer-centric model. Since launching in 2013, Country Delight has grown into a household name, serving over 5 lakh subscribers across 18 cities and generating an impressive ₹1380 crores in revenue in FY24. Gade’s journey from a corporate professional to a pioneering entrepreneur reflects his bold vision, resilience, and commitment to quality.
Chakradhar Gade’s path to entrepreneurship began with a strong academic foundation. He graduated from the prestigious Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore, where he developed a keen understanding of business strategy and management. He also earned a CFA certification, showcasing his expertise in finance. Gade’s early career included a stint as a Software Engineer at Infosys, followed by a role as Vice President at Indxx Capital Management. These experiences equipped him with technical and financial skills that would later shape Country Delight’s innovative approach.
The Birth of Country Delight
In 2013, Gade, alongside co-founder Nitin Kaushal, made a daring decision to leave their high-paying corporate jobs and enter the challenging dairy industry. They identified a gap in the market: the massive demand for fresh milk in urban India, with Delhi alone consuming 70 lakh liters daily in 2011, according to a Forbes report cited by Financial Express. Gade saw an opportunity to capture even a small share of this market by delivering farm-fresh milk directly to consumers. “Even if you can sell 1 lakh litre, it’s a good outcome,” he noted.
Starting with just 100 cattle, Gade and Kaushal founded Country Delight to bridge the gap between farmers and urban households. Their vision was clear: deliver fresh, high-quality milk within hours of milking, bypassing the inefficiencies of traditional supply chains.
Overcoming Early Challenges
The early years were far from smooth. Managing livestock proved to be a significant hurdle, with Gade admitting, “We couldn’t understand how to manage the cattle”. The dairy industry’s challenges—short shelf life, low margins of 3–5%, and fickle customer loyalty—made scaling difficult. For six years, Country Delight operated as a bootstrapped venture, focusing on building a robust foundation. This included developing technology for real-time quality monitoring, establishing a reliable supply chain, and creating a scalable distribution network.
Despite these obstacles, Gade’s persistence paid off. By focusing on customer trust and product quality, Country Delight established a loyal customer base, laying the groundwork for rapid growth.
A Tech-Driven Business Model
Country Delight’s success lies in its innovative direct-to-consumer (D2C) model, which eliminates middlemen to ensure freshness and quality. The company leverages advanced technology, including real-time supply chain monitoring and data analytics, to streamline operations and enhance customer engagement. One standout innovation is the Milk-Testing kit, developed in collaboration with the DRDO, which allows consumers to verify milk purity at home. This commitment to transparency has fostered deep trust among customers.
The company operates on a subscription-based model, delivering milk, dairy products, fruits, vegetables, and pantry staples like ghee, paneer, and smoothies. With 6,000 delivery personnel handling 5 million orders monthly, Country Delight serves over 3 lakh households across cities like Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Chennai.
Growth and Expansion
Country Delight’s growth has been remarkable. From a revenue of ₹19 crores in FY18, the company scaled to ₹600 crores by FY22 and reached ₹1380 crores in FY24, a 46% increase from the previous year. It now holds a 2–3% share in India’s milk segment and operates in 18 cities across 11 states. The company has expanded its product line to include bread, pastries, yogurts, and fresh produce, with plans to introduce jams, pickles, rice, and legumes.
Gade’s vision extends beyond dairy. “Our core mission is to provide superior-quality products to customers, cultivate customer loyalty, and add value to people’s lives,” he said at Inc42’s D2C summit. This customer-centric approach has driven Country Delight’s expansion and market leadership.
Recent Developments and Future Plans
In 2025, Country Delight continues to make headlines. In March, the company raised $25 million from Temasek, followed by talks of a $100 million funding round to fuel expansion and prepare for an IPO. With a total of $221 million raised across 20 funding rounds, investor confidence in Gade’s leadership is evident.
Gade has set ambitious goals, including achieving profitability, initially targeted for FY24, and going public by 2025. The company’s recent moves, including new product launches and a focus on sustainability, position it for continued growth.
Personal Insights and Leadership
Gade’s leadership is defined by his passion for innovation and ethical business practices. His mantra, “Natural India, New India,” reflects his vision of transforming how Indians consume food by prioritizing health and sustainability. His ability to navigate the complexities of the dairy industry, coupled with his strategic use of technology, has set Country Delight apart from competitors like Amul.
Gade’s journey inspires aspiring entrepreneurs. Leaving a secure corporate career to enter a low-margin, high-risk industry required immense courage. His focus on overcoming challenges, from cattle management to scaling operations, showcases his resilience and forward-thinking approach.
Chakradhar Gade’s story is one of vision, perseverance, and impact. From a modest start with 100 cattle to leading a company valued at over $600 million, he has revolutionized India’s dairy and grocery delivery landscape. As Country Delight prepares for its IPO and expands its offerings, Gade’s commitment to quality, transparency, and sustainability continues to shape the future of food consumption in India. His legacy is not just a successful business but a movement toward healthier, more sustainable living for millions.
