Housewife Daksha Kumar brushes off retirement to launch a food empire
London, 18 November 2009

At the age of 65, sprightly Daksha Kumar has just been signed by Tesco to be the sole supplier for its new range of chilled home-style ready-made Indian foods, available in select Tesco stores nationwide. So impressive is her home-style range that even producers of the hit TV show Dragons’ Den once approached her to pitch on the show - but Daksha refused. And her decision to stay out of the Den has paid off, as she launches her vegetarian range, Kitchen Express, her non-veg halal range, Maryam’s and her beverage range, Rani exclusively into Tesco.

A bundle of energy and vigour, Daksha is a charming Indian housewife based in Wembley. Her 50-strong product range of chilled starters, main meals, desserts and beverages is inspired by the food that she prepares at home for her family. “Cookery is one of my biggest passions,” Daksha says, “and getting handpicked by Tesco to be its sole supplier of chilled Indian food is a huge testament to that passion, especially since the range is inspired by recipes that have been in my family for generations.”

Daksha’s gastronomic passion has made her a regular fixture at four of London’s major farmers’ markets, where she sells her delicious homemade fare to food lovers across the Capital. The vibrant packaging of each brand reflects the colourful Indian culture – and her personality - and will be displayed in specially designed fridges.

Andreas Grammatis, Tesco's buyer for the Chilled Ethnic range said: "Tesco's objective has been to launch a range of products that replicate home-made recipes. Our new ranges target our core South Asian customer by serving their shopping needs as well as catering to their personal tastes. Daksha's range of authentic dishes serves this purpose as she has a real passion for home-style quality Indian food and her successful venture in farmers’ markets demonstrates her talent in cooking exceptional, home-made Indian dishes."

The Kitchen Express, Maryam’s and Rani range for Tesco includes: Samosas and Dhokra’s, Onion Bhaji’s and Chilli Paneer in the starters, Daal Makhni, Methi Chicken and Kadhai Fish for mains, Gulab Jamun and Halwa for dessert and Salt Lassi to wash it all down with.