The story behind Gujju®.
Founded by Ulhasben Zaveri — a homemaker, entrepreneur, and pioneer who turned her kitchen into a hub of creativity, enterprise, and global flavour.
Ulhas Zaveri
"Success is not measured by wealth, but by the joy of creating something that touches lives."
Ulhasben Zaveri was born in Mumbai in 1949 and pursued her education in Food & Nutrition, laying the foundation for what would become a pioneering journey in homegrown entrepreneurship. In 1983, she shifted to Gujarat with her family, settling in a large ancestral home. The 1985 riots brought a moment of reflection and resilience — sparking the need for an additional income and inspiring her to begin her entrepreneurial path.
What began as preparing masalas and pickles at home for local sale soon evolved. With a blend of culinary wisdom, discipline, and determination, she formally registered her company Pepper & Spices (India) in 1989. In the years that followed, she expanded her offerings to include mukhwas, garam masalas, winter health foods, and instant meal mixes.
Ulhasben is known for inventing beloved products such as Sweet Amla Candy, Mango Candy, and a variety of mouth-refreshing mukhwas. She personally marketed her entire range, building her brand from the ground up. Her brand Gujju® now reaches international markets including the USA, New Zealand, Australia, and the UK.
Rooted in family values and traditions, she credits her mother and mother-in-law as her greatest inspirations. Their strength and guidance shaped her commitment to work with sincerity, grace, and resilience. A spiritual woman, Ulhasben follows a disciplined routine of yog, pranayam, and meditation, nurturing both inner peace and clarity of purpose.
Turning home into a centre of leadership and impact.
Ulhasben Zaveri believes that a well-defined business plan is the foundation of any entrepreneurial journey. Her path as a home-based entrepreneur demonstrates how strong ideas, rooted in traditional knowledge and driven by innovation, can build not only a successful business but a lasting legacy. Balancing her roles as a homemaker and businesswoman, she transformed her kitchen into a hub of creativity and enterprise, setting an inspiring example for women everywhere.
Her values — honesty, sincerity, and unwavering dedication — have guided every aspect of her work. Open to challenges and inspired by the energy of emerging entrepreneurs, Ulhasben has consistently made thoughtful, bold decisions that expanded her brand's reach to global markets. Her belief in working independently from home, especially as a woman, showcases the power of turning domestic spaces into centers of leadership and impact.
Recognized for her contributions to the food industry, she has received several honors including the Best Woman Entrepreneur Award by the Gujarat Chambers of Commerce & Industry (GCCI), a Lifetime Achievement Award, and accolades from institutions like Divya Bhaskar. Today, she stands as a proud symbol of self-made success — an enduring inspiration for women to embrace their strength, lead with passion, and pursue purpose with grace.