Four friends from Kozhikode, Kerala, have embarked on an extraordinary venture by launching a startup that delivers halwa around the world. Their company, Fulva, is quickly gaining popularity and generating significant revenue. The success of Fulva is rooted in its ability to evoke nostalgia for this beloved childhood treat, particularly among those living far from home. While platforms like Swiggy and Zomato dominate the Indian food delivery market, these entrepreneurs are connecting with customers globally through their online platform.

Business venture

The four friends behind Fulva, Shabas Ahamed NC, Sanu Muhammed C, Irfan Safar S, and Thesreef Ali PK, were inspired to start this venture by their shared love for halwa. Remarkably, Fulva offers 24 varieties of this traditional sweet, shipping them to numerous countries around the globe.

Serving traditional flavours

This jelly-like halwa, prepared in a variety of vibrant colours, is immensely popular in Kerala. Made from a blend of flour, butter, milk, and sugar, it evokes a deep sense of nostalgia among those who have relocated from Kerala for work or other reasons. Recognising this gap, the four friends aimed to make this traditional delicacy accessible to Keralites living around the world, leading to the creation of Fulva.

Gaining success

Launched in 2023, Fulva has already generated approximately Rs 84 lakhs in revenue within its first year. Offering a diverse range of halwa, the startup features everything from traditional recipes to innovative variations like dry coconut and watermelon halwa. Fulva has partnered with local sweet makers who have been preserving the art of halwa-making for generations.

Global reach

Fulva operates entirely through its online platform, serving customers in countries such as Germany, the UK, the UAE, and Turkey. Their initial offering, a premium box featuring 24 varieties of halwa, received an overwhelming response, with over 300 orders fulfilled in its first month alone. Encouraged by this success, the startup plans to expand its offerings by introducing other traditional Kerala food items to a global audience.