Sringeri, a serene town nestled in the foothills of the Western Ghats, is known for its spiritual aura and ancient temples. But recently, it attracted a visitor with a rather unique quest – the irresistible magnetism of vacuum-fried chips! Meet Dima Petrakov, a man from Belarus, who embarked on a journey to India seeking spiritual relief and stumbled upon a delightful surprise – Fruit Treat snacks.
Discovering Fruit Treat
Drawn by the call of spirituality, Dima landed in India hoping to explore his inner self. His path led him to the renowned Ravishankar Guruji's Ashram, where seekers from around the globe gather to delve into the depths of ancient wisdom. It was during his stay at the ashram that Dima encountered Fruit Treat snacks, a local delicacy crafted with precision and care. His curiosity piqued, he savored the first bite of Jackfruit Treat snacks, and instantly, he was fascinated by their outstanding taste and crisp texture. At that moment, amidst the serene ambiance of the ashram, Dima found himself lost in a culinary reverie, admiring the brilliance of this innovative snack.
Driven by his newfound passion for these delectable treats, Dima sought to uncover the story behind Fruit Treat snacks and the team responsible for their creation. Determined to learn more, he embarked on a journey to Sringeri, where the offices of the company were located.
Upon his arrival, Dima was greeted with warmth and hospitality by the team at Fruit Treat Snacks. Eager to learn about their journey and the exact process behind their products, Dima engaged in a spirited conversation, exchanging insights and ideas.
"The concept of transforming vegetables into snacks greatly captivated me. These snacks are low in oil, free from preservatives, and contain no added sugar. As a vegetarian for the past 14 years, I find this discovery truly delightful," said Mr. Petrakov.
As discussions unfolded, Dima shared his vision of introducing these vacuum-fried delights to the markets of Belarus and Russia, recognizing their immense potential to delight palates far beyond the borders of India. Intrigued by his enthusiasm and genuine interest, the team at Fruit Treat Snacks welcomed the opportunity to explore new horizons and expand their reach to international shores.
"Your products boast excellent quality and deserve global recognition. Fruit Treat meets all the criteria for introduction in my country. I had the opportunity to sample all the offerings, particularly the Jackfruit, Banana, Sapodilla (Chickoo), Okra, Sweet Potato, Beetroot, and Carrot snacks, which I found truly fascinating. It's remarkable how these snacks weren't invented earlier, but I'm glad they're now available for us to enjoy," says Mr. Petrakov while speaking to one of our team members.
Through this serendipitous encounter, Dima's quest for spiritual enlightenment interlaced seamlessly with his newfound appreciation for vacuum-fried chips, underscoring the profound connections that often emerge when one embarks on a journey of exploration and discovery.
In our interactions with Dima Petrakov, we, the Fruit Treat Team, posed several questions regarding the friendship between Russia and India, among other topics. Here's what he had to share:
Q: What do the people of Belarus and Russia think about Indian People?
Ans: "India is undeniably a friend to us, and we hold a deep affection for its people. The rich and diverse culture of India is truly captivating, and what strikes us the most is the humility and ever-present smiles of its inhabitants. India's profound spirituality enriches not only its land but also extends its influence to the world, and for this, we are immensely grateful," says Dima.
Q: Do you have Indian Friends in Belarus?
Ans: "Absolutely, I have a dear friend from India named Ramesh, he is a businessman, who resides in Belarus. He graciously invites me to his home for delightful family dinners where I'm treated to a wonderful array of Indian dishes. The diversity and richness of Indian cuisine never cease to amaze me, and it's evident that people worldwide appreciate its flavors. India, with its significant vegetarian population, offers a remarkable variety of vegetarian dishes, which I find truly fascinating. As a vegetarian myself, visiting India provides me with the opportunity to explore and learn new culinary delights for my own enjoyment."
Q: Do you often come to India alone?
Ans: "Indeed, I frequently travel to India solo, and I'm not alone in my affinity for this land—my sister shares the same love for India, its people, and its rich culture. Whenever I embark on these travels, my guitar is always by my side. It serves as a source of inspiration, allowing me to craft music whenever I encounter new experiences and insights during my journeys."
Q: What about the weather you experience in the place which is usually above 35°C?
Ans: "Oh, it's so Hot here. The heat here is quite intense compared to our country, where temperatures rarely exceed 15°C, even in summer. In winter, it can plummet to as low as -15°C. However, viewing things optimistically, our country faces challenges in growing vegetables due to the harsh cold temperatures. Thankfully, in India, there are abundant opportunities for cultivating a wide variety of crops."
Q: What are your thoughts on the Russia-Ukraine war?
Ans: "The situation is incredibly distressing, particularly for ordinary citizens like us. The challenges are significant, as escalating prices and market disruptions affect us all adversely. However, Russia must prioritize safeguarding its sovereignty, especially with NATO's increasing proximity to former Soviet Union territories posing a threat to the nation's security. Just envision being surrounded by adversaries from all sides—it's only natural for a country to take measures to defend itself. This perspective should not only be understood by Russians but also acknowledged by Western nations. War is certainly not the solution. Diplomatic dialogue remains the most viable path toward resolution."
Conclusion
We concluded our discussion on a high note, wrapping up a truly engaging conversation. It's been a delightful experience for a man who journeyed from Belarus to Sringeri to savor our snacks. He's eagerly looking forward to the prospect of doing business with us.
In Sringeri, amidst the tranquil beauty of nature and the rich tapestry of spiritual heritage, Dima found not only solace for his soul but also a newfound passion for gourmet delights that transcended borders and cultures. And as he bid farewell to the quaint town that had captured his heart, Dima carried with him not just memories of his spiritual quest but also the tantalizing taste of Fruit Treat snacks, a reminder of the unexpected joys that await those who dare to venture beyond the familiar.