September 2025 Recapped

Why I’m writing this

Three months in.

The hype is supposed to fade by now. That’s what usually happens - big launch, loud noise, and then silence.

But September surprised me.

So I’m sitting down again, to tell you exactly what happened - the wins, the fixes, and the big shifts that made this month one of the most important yet.

The GST Revolution

Let’s start with something bigger than us.

In September, the government reduced GST on protein powders - from 18% down to 5%.

Usually, when tax increases, brands quickly raise prices.
But when tax drops? Most quietly keep the difference.

We didn’t.

We passed on the full 13% benefit directly to you.
Our 1 kg whey pack price came down from ₹2799 to ₹2491.

Not because it was good marketing - but because it was the right thing to do.

Referral for a Better Tomorrow

Every brand uses referral programs to boost sales.
“Refer a friend, get ₹100 off.”
But honestly - a coupon never changed the world.

So we launched something different: The Owners Circle.

Whenever you refer a friend and they buy using your link, we donate ₹100 to a cause you care about.

A child’s education.
Farmer support.
Planting a tree.
Cleaning a beach.

This is what I mean when I say conscious capitalism - profit and purpose don’t have to be enemies.

If we can build food differently, we can also build business differently.

Our First Office

For years, FoodPharmer was just a laptop in my bedroom.
Volunteers used to work from my dining table.
We’d run taste tests from my kitchen and edit videos sitting on the floor.

But in September, we moved into our first real office.

It’s small, imperfect, and full of energy - the kind that comes when people believe in what they’re building.

For me, this is emotional. My first ever office.

And the best part? Every inch of it was funded by people who believed in Only What’s Needed.

Revenue Update

Here’s the part that truly shocked me.

In August, our net revenue was ₹1.7 crore.
In September, it jumped by almost 50% - to ₹2.5 crore.

And remember - we’re not on Amazon, Blinkit, or any q-commerce platform.
We sell only on our own site as of now.
We don’t run Instagram ads.
We have just one product.

So how did it happen?

Two reasons:

1. Repeat buyers. People reordered because the product worked for them.
2. Word of mouth. You told your friends. Your parents. Your gym buddies.

The GST price drop helped too. But completely organic growth like this - in month three - usually doesn’t happen. And that’s because you’re not just customers. You’re co-owners in spirit.

Challenges & Solutions

Of course, not everything was perfect.

1. Paper Waste - Many of you loved the fridge magnets and leaflets that came with each order, but also pointed out the paper waste. You were right. From now, those inserts will only go in your first order. Repeat orders will come with just the product. Better for the environment - and for efficiency.
2. Packaging Waste - Earlier, when you ordered 1 kg of protein, you’d receive two 500 g packs. We’ve now introduced a single 1 kg pack to cut down plastic use.
3. Plant Protein Delays - This one hurts a little.
   We’re still working on it, but taste has been the hardest part - because we refuse to use artificial flavours. and filler ingredients. It’s taking longer, but it’ll be worth it.

A Community That Builds Together

We’ve started a new WhatsApp group for what we call our Superowners - people who’ve ordered 3 or more times in the last 3 months.
They give us raw, unfiltered feedback every week. They shape decisions. They represent what OWN really stands for - food powered by people.

And there’s something new I’m excited about -
We’ve launched a YouTube channel for Only What’s Needed.

Here, we’ll talk about everything beyond products - gut health, sugar myths, hidden ingredients, Indian diets.

Because our goal isn’t just to sell protein. It’s to build awareness.

Final Word

September proved that this movement is real.
Revenue grew. Trust deepened. Systems improved.

From a bedroom startup to our first office.
From discounts to donations.
From buyers to co-builders.

Thank you for showing that food can be built differently - openly, honestly, together.

See you in October’s report.
Let’s keep building a healthier India.

Revant (FoodPharmer)