Member Spotlight: Amma-Ma Foods

Tell me a bit about yourself and how you got into food

I first came to London as a student, balancing studies and part-time work while adjusting to a new country. What I missed most was the taste and nourishment of traditional foods from home. Back in India, my grandmother — our Amma-Ma — would prepare laddoos from grains, nuts, seeds, and jaggery. These weren’t just sweets; they were natural boosters of energy, focus, and strength. That memory stayed with me and inspired me to bring those traditions into my new life here in the UK.

What inspired you to start Amma-Ma?

The inspiration came directly from my Amma-Ma and my mother. Their food was always prepared with intention — to heal, to strengthen, and to show love. When I began eating laddoos again during my studies, I noticed a huge difference in my energy and focus. That change made me realise there is a real need for wholesome, heritage-based foods in today’s busy lifestyles. Amma-Ma was born to keep that tradition alive while making it relevant for the modern generation in London.

How did you decide on your branding?

Our brand name, Amma-Ma, means “grandmother” — the symbol of care, nourishment, and authenticity. The colours — dark green and gold — reflect nature, purity, and trust. The branding blends tradition with a premium modern style, so when people see Amma-Ma, they feel both heritage and professionalism in one identity.

Can you tell me about Laddoo specifically, what do they mean and when do you eat them?

Laddoo is one of the most traditional Indian sweets — handcrafted, round, and filled with wholesome ingredients like nuts, seeds, grains, and jaggery. They are more than food; they are blessings. In India, laddoos are shared during festivals, weddings, and milestones — from celebrating a child’s birth to giving strength before exams. At Amma-Ma, we adapt this heritage into daily wellness, with boosters like Brain Booster, Calcium Booster, Energy Booster, so laddoos can be enjoyed as part of everyday nutrition, not just special occasions.

What is different about the way you make Laddoo?

Every laddoo is handmade in London, in small batches, using only natural and organic ingredients. We sweeten with jaggery or dates, never refined sugar. There are no preservatives, no colours, and our packaging is eco-friendly. What truly sets us apart is our philosophy: each laddoo is prepared with the same intention and care as my Amma-Ma once made for our family.

How did you launch your idea and how have you developed it since then?

We started by sharing small batches with friends and neighbours, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. That gave us the courage to officially register Amma-Ma Foods Ltd in London. Today, we run Amma-Ma stalls in markets, connect with communities face-to-face, and have even shipped laddoos internationally to countries like the USA and Sweden. Each step of growth has been organic, built on authenticity and word-of-mouth trust.

What do you love about running your own business?

The most rewarding part is the connection. Seeing someone try a laddoo for the first time and say, “This tastes like home” or “I’ve never had anything like this before” is priceless. Running Amma-Ma gives me the freedom to build something meaningful — food that nourishes, tells a story, and carries my Amma-Ma’s blessings forward.

What are the challenges?

Our biggest challenge is education — explaining to people what laddoos are, why jaggery is different from sugar, and how these traditional recipes support wellness. At the same time, being a small business means managing compliance, logistics, and scaling production carefully. But every challenge also pushes us to innovate and connect more deeply with our audience.

What do you love about the hospitality industry?

Hospitality is about people and stories. Through our stalls and events, we’ve had the chance to meet people from every background, share traditions, and build community. Food has the unique power to connect cultures, and the hospitality industry makes that exchange possible.

What changes would you like to see in the industry?

I would love to see more recognition and support for small, independent businesses that bring cultural authenticity to the market. Large brands dominate shelves, but independent producers bring diversity, quality, and heritage. More opportunities for these voices — especially at mainstream events and festivals — would benefit everyone.

How are you preparing for seasonal events like Diwali and Christmas?

Festivals like Diwali and Christmas are special for Amma-Ma. We create festive laddoo assortments and beautifully designed gift boxes so people can share blessings with family and friends. These occasions are not just sales opportunities but chances to be part of people’s celebrations and memories. We are also seeking more opportunities and support to bring Amma-Ma stalls to major events and festivals across London. With the right backing from organisers and partners, we can showcase authentic Indian wellness foods in spaces like Christmas markets, Diwali festivals, and other cultural gatherings.

What are your long-term plans for Amma-Ma?

Our vision is to establish Amma-Ma as a trusted name for heritage-inspired, wholesome Indian foods in the UK and globally. We aim to open a flagship Amma-Ma store in London, expand our product line into more traditional sweets and healthy snacks, and keep bringing heritage to modern life. Ultimately, Amma-Ma is about building a legacy — carrying forward the wisdom of our grandmothers for future generations.

Find out more at www.amma-mafoods.com

Instagram: @amma_ma_in_london