Exclusive interview with Romil Ratra, The Brooklyn Creamery

Highlights of your journey in the hospitality industry and how it has shaped your leadership approach?

My journey in the hospitality industry began at the iconic Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai, leading to a diverse career trajectory. Over the past 29 years, I’ve had the privilege of moving through the ranks from a corporate management trainee to managing established ventures. 

Hospitality, as an industry, is fast paced and keeps one on their toes, fostering out-of-the-box thinking and innovation by design and requirement.

My leadership approach is deeply influenced by my early experiences in luxury hospitality, where attention to detail, exceptional service, and a relentless focus on guest satisfaction were paramount. Today, the same translates into going above and beyond for a great customer experience, focusing on delivering the right product and making sure that service channels are exceptional and we are where our consumers are.

The Brooklyn Creamery offers a unique range of ice creams with health-conscious ingredients. How do you ensure these products stand out in a competitive market?

The Brooklyn Creamery stands out in a competitive market by prioritizing health without compromising on taste. We understand that consumers are increasingly looking for better-for-you options that align with their dietary preferences and lifestyle choices.

Our approach combines cutting-edge food science with an unwavering commitment to quality. We use natural ingredients, avoid added sugars, and focus on creating products that are not only delicious but also nutritious. By staying attuned to global health trends and continuously innovating, we ensure that our ice creams not only meet but exceed the expectations of health-conscious consumers.

What inspired your new product line of latest guilt-free protein ice cream bars?

We have been noticing the shift in consumer sentiment towards protein rich diets and snacks.

Protein has taken a center stage in health conversations and across age groups, our TG is focusing on understanding protein needs through different life stages – it is visible everywhere – in gyms, in health centers, in influencer communities, on social media. It is no surprise that the global growth in the protein ice cream market is predicted to grow at 11% per year to 2030.

The Brooklyn Creamery is driven by these mined insights and what our consumers tell us and thus, came in the protein ice cream bars. The format is stickless, as we understand that a big percentage of usage is post/pre-gym and/or as a snack and we wanted to keep it easy to consume. As a company, we focus on all touchpoints and not just the product or the health benefit.

Can you share an example of a recent innovation at The Brooklyn Creamery?

One of our recent innovations that I’m particularly proud of is the 99-calorie fudge sundae.

We launched it in February 2024, and it sold out within 25 days, which speaks volumes about its popularity and the market’s readiness for such innovative products. The UAE market in particular, is very receptive to trying new formats, and this motivates us to keep pushing the boundaries. The success of this product underscores the importance of understanding consumer preferences and delivering products that not only meet but exceed their expectations.

How do you ensure that your products bring happiness to your customers while aligning with their dietary goals?

We are in the business of bringing happiness to our customers. Ice cream is universally perceived as a product that brings joy, whether it’s part of a family gathering, a date night, or a quick treat to uplift your day. With The Brooklyn Creamery, we ensure that this happiness comes without any guilt but added health benefits. Our products are designed to align with dietary goals, being low in calories and free from added sugars, so our customers can indulge without worry. By offering delicious, healthier alternatives, we provide the best of both worlds—happiness and health.

As an avid gastronome, how do your personal culinary interests and experiences influence the product offerings at The Brooklyn Creamery?

My personal culinary interests and experiences impact the product offerings at The Brooklyn Creamery when it comes to new product development and flavors and to some extent, I’d also like to say global trends as I’m an avid traveler too.

I have a deep appreciation for fine foods and innovative culinary techniques, which inspires me to push the envelope in our product development. Whether it’s experimenting with new flavors, textures, or health-conscious ingredients, my passion for gastronomy drives our commitment to excellence. This personal touch ensures that our products are not only nutritious but also delightfully flavorful, offering a unique culinary experience to our customers. Having an experienced RnD team, food technologists to execute the vision or an idea is a blessing!