Dr. Mahesh Gupta, the Pure Water Man of India, Transforms Kent RO into a Market Leader
From Humble Beginnings to Defeating Giants like Tata and HUL
In a remarkable journey of resilience and innovation, Dr. Mahesh Gupta, the visionary founder of Kent RO, started with a mere Rs 20,000 and triumphed over industry giants like Tata and HUL. The catalyst for his journey was a personal one, as both of his children suffered from jaundice due to polluted water, echoing the plight of 200,000 others in India.
Undeterred, Dr. Gupta, drawing from his savings at Indian Oil, imported a membrane and pump from the US to create a home water purifier. After months of relentless experimentation, he discovered the groundbreaking Reverse Osmosis (RO) technology, giving birth to Kent RO in 1999.
However, the market posed formidable challenges. Eureka Forbes dominated with a 70% market share through Aquaguard. Despite launching his product at a higher price point, Dr. Gupta faced initial setbacks, selling only 100 systems in the first year. A shift to a door-to-door sales strategy, fueled by word of mouth and strategic retail placement, marked the turning point.
The brand’s ascent continued with strategic decisions, such as enlisting the iconic Hema Malini as a brand ambassador in 2006, accompanied by the memorable tagline “Kent RO hi lena.” This move propelled Kent RO to unprecedented heights, reaching a revenue of 250 CR by 2010.
As the company thrived, Kent RO strategically invested in branding, achieving a remarkable revenue of 1200 CR by 2020, capturing an impressive 30% market share. Even industry giants like HUL and Tata attempted to replicate Kent RO’s technology but fell short.
Today, Kent RO stands as a testament to Dr. Mahesh Gupta’s vision and determination, boasting 3000 employees and an astounding 45% market share. Beyond Indian borders, Kent RO has expanded its footprint to Nepal, Bangladesh, Kenya, and the Middle East. Dr. Gupta’s accolades include being recognized as the “Pure Water Man of India,” an honor truly reflective of his extraordinary contributions to the water purification industry.
