Keripik Pisang Bawa Hoki??? Kok Bisa???

Summary

The transcript narrates the inspiring journey of Pratama, a former office worker turned banana entrepreneur in Indonesia, capitalizing on the country's status as the world's third-largest banana producer. Pratama's brand, Musik niia, began with chocolate banana chips, expanding to various flavors and products like granola, banana flour, and innovative items like frozen fried bananas. The business has grown to include collaborations with local farmers, suppliers, and international exports, emphasizing sustainability and eco-friendly packaging. Pratama's success is marked by numerous awards and a commitment to empowering the community and expanding the banana export market.

Takeaways

• 🌴 Indonesia is the world's third-largest producer of bananas, with a significant annual increase in production, providing a rich source of raw materials for banana-based businesses.
• 📈 The speaker, the owner of Pratama, saw an opportunity in the banana business due to the abundance of bananas in Indonesia and the suitability of the tropical climate for their growth.
• 💡 The idea for starting a banana business came from a need to secure retirement and the realization that children may not always be available for support in old age.
• 🍌 The business began with a single product variant, chocolate banana chips, but expanded to include various flavors to cater to different tastes.
• 🏪 Initially, the business faced challenges with capital and market acceptance, leading to a strategy of selling on consignment and building cash reserves through social networks and school groups.
• 📦 The packaging of Pratama's banana products is designed to be eye-catching and reusable, reflecting a commitment to environmental sustainability.
• 📈 The business has grown to include a wide range of banana-based products, including chips, granola, flour, cookies, and complementary foods for children.
• 🏅 The company has received recognition in various national competitions and awards, highlighting the quality and innovation of its products.
• 🌐 Pratama's banana products have been exported to several countries, including Australia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Canada, and are exploring new markets like Egypt.
• 🔍 The company conducts extensive research on different types of bananas to determine their best uses, from chips to flour, and innovates to make the most of each variety.
• 🤝 Pratama collaborates with local farmers and suppliers to source bananas and support the local community, contributing to the broader economic ecosystem.

Q & A

Why did the owner of Pratama decide to start a banana business?

The owner decided to start a banana business because Indonesia is the world's third largest producer of bananas, ensuring a consistent supply of raw materials. Additionally, bananas are very suitable for the tropical climate and do not require extensive care, making them an ideal choice for a business.

What was the initial challenge the owner faced when starting the business?

The initial challenge was the lack of capital and the need to prove the product's durability for long-distance selling. The owner also had to overcome the skepticism of shops that were not familiar with the brand.

How did the owner's background as a private teacher influence the decision to start a business?

The owner, being a private teacher, was concerned about the future retirement and financial stability for her family. This concern led her to consider starting a business as a means to secure their financial future.

What was the first product made by Pratama using bananas?

The first product made by Pratama was chocolate banana chips.

How did the owner diversify the product line to cater to different tastes?

The owner diversified the product line by introducing various flavors of banana chips, such as salty and cheese, after receiving feedback from customers who did not prefer chocolate.

What strategy did the owner use to overcome the lack of capital at the beginning of the business?

The owner used a cash sales strategy, selling directly to groups and social gatherings to accumulate enough capital to cover production costs and later supply to shops.

How has Pratama expanded its market reach?

Pratama has expanded its market reach by collaborating with 400 partners, including souvenir shops, supermarkets, convenience stores, cafes, restaurants, and resellers across Indonesian cities. They also export to countries like Australia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Canada, and Egypt.

What unique packaging approach did Pratama adopt for its banana products?

Pratama adopted an attractive color-coded packaging approach that matches the taste of the product, making it easily identifiable from a distance. They also ensured the packaging is reusable and has complete permits, including BPOM permission and HACCP certification.

How does Pratama support local farmers and the community?

Pratama supports local farmers by purchasing various types of bananas, including those that are less popular or have fillings, and turning them into different products. This helps in reducing waste and providing an additional income source for farmers.

What are some of the innovations and new products introduced by Pratama over the years?

Pratama has introduced several innovations, including banana chips, granola products, banana flour, granola cookies made from banana flour, complementary food for breast milk, banana crackers made from ripe bananas, and frozen fried bananas.

What recognitions and awards has Pratama received for its business and products?

Pratama has received recognitions and awards such as winning the FSI Food Startup Indonesia, EV Indonesia Food Innovation, Pertamina Foundation Pre-Retirement for the Best Women Pre-Retirement Program, the Hijrah Pre-Ner Competition from Bank Indonesia, the Food Award from the Ministry of Trade of the Republic of Indonesia, and being the Champion of the Pertamina UMK Academy program.