Starting with a humble investment of Rs. 20,000, Mrs. Rajni Bector, the visionary behind Mrs. Bector’s Food Specialities Limited has emerged as a leading force in the FMCG industry. Recognizing her exceptional journey, the Indian government honored her with the prestigious Padma Shri Award in January 2021.
Mrs. Bector is one of a growing breed. Over the past two decades, there has been a remarkable surge in the number of women entrepreneurs in India, breaking barriers and excelling in various business fields.
Rajni Bector’s entrepreneurial saga began with determination and a dream. Born in Karachi, Pakistan, in 1940, she relocated to Delhi after the partition. At seventeen, she married and moved to Ludhiana, where her husband managed the family business. Despite lacking prior experience, Rajni ventured into the food industry, initially selling homemade ice cream from her Ludhiana residence. Her grit and perseverance led to the establishment of renowned brands like English Oven and Cremica under her parent company, Mrs. Bector’s Food Specialities Limited.
In 1989, Rajni’s ice cream business witnessed a significant breakthrough, producing 50,000 loaves in a single day despite fierce competition. However, amidst success, challenges arose during the anti-Sikh riots of 1984, the Bector family, like many others, faced threats to their safety. They received terrifying warnings of violence, adding to the chaos and uncertainty of the situation.
Following her children’s enrollment in boarding school, Rajni pursued her passion for baking. Enrolling in a baking course at Punjab Agricultural University, she sharpened her skills and experimented with diverse culinary creations. In 1996, McDonald’s recognized her company as a permanent bun supplier, marking a pivotal milestone. To meet escalating demand, Rajni expanded operations, establishing manufacturing facilities in Greater Noida and nationwide.
In 2020, Mrs. Bector’s Food Specialities Limited made headlines with its IPO launch, further cementing Rajni Bector’s legacy as a force to be reckoned with in the Indian entrepreneurial landscape.