From Being Forced to Quit School at 14 to Building a Brand Legacy: Celebrating 75 Years of Pune's Chitale Bandhu

Think of Bakarwadi and you immediately think of Chitale Bandhu! In the world of Indian snacks, few names evoke as much reverence and nostalgia as Chitale Bandhu. Celebrating a remarkable 75 years of culinary excellence, this family-owned enterprise has grown from a small store in Maharashtra to a beloved brand across India. Renowned for their delectable range of savoury treats, Chitale Bandhu's journey is a tale of tradition, innovation, and enduring success.

Founders and Early Days

Chitale Bandhu was founded in 1950 by Bhaskar Ganesh Chitale, affectionately known as Babasaheb, who began their journey in the town of Pune, Maharashtra. Its first outlet was set up in Bajirao Road, Sadashiv Peth in Pune. Bhaskar Chitale faced adversity early in life when he left school at 14 to support his widowed mother after his father's death. In 1939, he ventured to Bhilawadi in Sangli district to escape the struggles of his drought-hit village. Bhilawadi, with its abundant milk supply due to a surplus of fodder, offered a fertile ground for starting a dairy business. Initially, Chitale sold fresh milk and dairy products to Mumbai via British railways. Despite challenges like lack of electricity and market connectivity, Babasaheb's efforts bore fruit. By the mid-1950s, his sons Raghunath, Parshuram, and Dattaray joined the business, transforming it into Chitale Bandhu Mithaiwale and Chitale Dairy.

It started with a modest sweet shop, focusing on traditional Marathi sweets and snacks. Their commitment to quality and authenticity quickly set them apart in a crowded market. The brand's early success was built on its signature product, Chivda, a spiced rice flake snack that became an instant hit. By the 1970s, Chitale Bandhu expanded its product line and began to gain prominence across Maharashtra. Kedar, Indraneel, Nikhil, Atul, Rohan and Pushkar Chitale, the family's young scions, are now at the helm of the company activities, being guided by the experience and wisdom of the family veterans.

Expanding Horizons

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Chitale Bandhu diversified its offerings beyond traditional sweets. They introduced a variety of snacks such as Farsan, Samosas, and Pakoras. This period marked the beginning of their widespread appeal, as the brand's products began to reach consumers outside Maharashtra.

Chitale Bandhu has expanded its reach through a network of franchises, bringing their beloved snacks and sweets to new locations across India. This expansion has made their products more accessible to a wider audience, while maintaining the brand's commitment to quality and tradition. Additionally, to better serve their customers, Chitale Bandhu has updated their store timings, ensuring convenience and availability for snack enthusiasts. A brand that was once infamous for being a stickler for closing shop between 1 to 4 PM, has ditched that to stay true to the changing world of entrepreneurship.
Chitale Bandhu's first store in Mumbai, located in Dadar, was launched in 1983. This marked the brand's expansion beyond Pune and into a major metropolitan market. Later, Chitale Bandhu also started to sell their products online. They offer a range of their famous sweets, snacks, and dairy products through their official website and other e-commerce platforms. This allows customers from across India and even internationally to purchase their products online.

Today, Chitale Bandhu boasts an extensive product range, including savoury snacks, sweets, and bakery items. Notable products include:

• Chivda: A crunchy, spiced rice flake mix.
• Bakarwadi: A spicy, deep-fried snack roll.
• Kachori: Flaky pastry filled with a spicy mix.

The brand's commitment to quality has earned them a loyal customer base, with many families considering Chitale Bandhu’s products a staple in their homes. Local Samosa team, having tried their products for a long time, recommend their Motichoor Ladoos, a variety of Modak Pedhas for Ganesh Chaturthi and Amba Sanja Poli along with the savoury items.

A Star-Studded Partnership

In 2024, Chitale Bandhu marked its 75th anniversary with grand celebrations and a notable partnership with cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar. This collaboration featured a special edition of their popular Chivda, highlighting the brand's evolution and relevance in contemporary India. Tendulkar’s endorsement not only celebrates Chitale Bandhu's rich legacy but also bridges the gap between traditional craftsmanship and modern popularity. His involvement has propelled the brand to new heights, expanding its reach and introducing its iconic products to a broader audience.

Sustaining Tradition for the Future

Despite their growth, Chitale Bandhu remains deeply rooted in tradition. The company continues to use age-old recipes and methods, ensuring that each product retains its authentic taste and quality. This adherence to tradition, coupled with innovative approaches, has allowed them to remain relevant in a rapidly changing market. They even embraced the digital age recently with ease by introducing online purchasing of their quality products.

As Chitale Bandhu moves forward, its focus remains on maintaining the quality that has defined their brand for 75 years. With plans for further expansion and continuous innovation, the future looks bright for this cherished name in Indian snacks. Chitale Bandhu's 75-year journey is a testament to the power of quality, tradition, and innovation. From their humble beginnings in Pune to becoming a household name, their legacy continues to inspire and delight snack lovers across India.