Ronchard Ranasinghe studied graphic design and worked as a freelancer before deciding to leave it as he didn’t want to only replicate others ideas. During Covid-19 he started experimenting with the culinary arts and today runs his family business while holding down a full-time job. Here he talks about his journey and taking local produce to the world.
Q:Tell us about your business; how did you start? Where did you get the idea from?
I always had a passion for cooking. In 2014, my wife and I started a small bakery and catering business from home, named Gabriel’s after our son. Unfortunately, due to personal circumstances, we had to scale back, focusing on small orders from friends and family when possible.
My experience in the FMCG sector allowed me to have a better understanding of the market and products. It gave me the opportunity to attend international trade fairs like SIAL in France and Bio Food in Germany. These events were both inspiring and eye-opening. I was amazed by the creativity in product branding and design—something that was lacking in Sri Lanka at the time. It was disappointing to see ingredients sourced from Sri Lanka being used creatively abroad, like in a Cinnamon Vodka made with “Ceylon Cinnamon.” This sparked my desire to bring Sri Lanka to the world in my own way.
During the 2020 lockdown, I stumbled upon a book on wine-making, fermenting, and canning. Using the Nelli (gooseberries) and ginger from my garden, I made my first batch of homemade wine and sold it all that Christmas under our catering brand, Monkey Three. The 2021 gas and food shortage forced us to pause Monkey Three. We were left with 20 litres of wine and hot sauce that we couldn’t sell due to a lack of bottles and packaging.
No matter what, I found myself drawn back to food and the challenge of creating a quality product and brand. I decided to create a premium Sri Lankan brand under my own name, Ronchard.
At the end of 2023, we were approached by someone who had tried our product and wanted us to create a jam. The deal fell through, but it inspired us to launch our own brand of jams. After much planning and with some financial support from my sisters, we released our first batch of jams in June 2024.
Q :What are the difficulties and obstacles you faced in running your biz?
One of the biggest challenges has been finding unique packaging options, like bottles and jars, that help us stand out in the market. Balancing high product quality with competitive pricing has also been difficult. Additionally, our commitment to using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible presents its own challenges.
Q :Have you solved it? If so how?
We’ve tackled the packaging challenge by getting creative with our labels, though space limitations can be tricky! However, we’re still exploring new and innovative packaging options. On the ingredients side, we’ve built strong relationships with small vendors who understand our needs and assist with sourcing. We’re now working towards sourcing directly from farmers to ensure fair pricing and consistent quality.
Q :Are there others helping you? If so what type of help do you get?
It’s just my wife and I manage the daily operations, from planning and designing to purchasing, producing, packing, and selling. The kids pitch in a bit by washing jars, counting stock, and, of course, taste-testing, we rely on their taste buds, and if they like it, we know we’re on the right track. It’s a family affair!
Q :Has anyone inspired you? Where do you draw your strength and resolve from?
I’ve always been inspired by the quote, “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.” I firmly believe that while we can’t choose where we’re born, we can choose to make a positive difference. My strength comes from having faced challenges, like having an empty pocket and walking with holes in my shoes, and it fuels my desire to leave a lasting legacy.
Q :What is the benefit you get a part from making a profit?
To finally start making a profit, haha! But on a more serious note, it’s about having something that’s truly our own.
Q :In your opinion your positive or negative qualities that have helped or been detrimental to the business
On the positive side, I have a knack for envisioning ambitious ideas, which has led to some innovative concepts. However, this tendency to dream big can also be a drawback, as it sometimes results in impractical or overly ambitious plans.
Q : Any outsourced entities/person that benefit from your biz
Certainly, the farmers we buy produce from, suppliers of bottles and printing materials etc.
Q :Future plans?
Today, we are still learning, growing, and expanding our product portfolio, with new ideas constantly in the pipeline.
We aim to focus on areas that need improvement and expand our presence by getting into a few more outlets.
Q :Advice to a start up?
My advice for starting up is to plan as thoroughly as you can, but don’t stress about getting every detail perfect. You’ll learn as you go, and mistakes and failures will be your best friend, you will learn from them. Embrace negative feedback and criticism— you’ll receive plenty. Ultimately, trust your vision and take that leap of faith. As Denzel Washington wisely said, “A dream without a goal is just a dream.
The Diriya team wishes Ronchard, his family, and business the best of luck!
You can contact them on:
Tel: 0773819861
Social Pages – Instagram & Facebook: @_ronchard
>>>I did it all for a better life for my parents and myself – Kushan Randeni, Design Box
