Manikandan K S is the Founder and Managing Director of Thani Global Ventures Private Limited. As a business leader, he is focused on shaping the company’s vision, driving strategic growth, and exploring opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship. Through his leadership, he aims to build a strong business foundation and create meaningful value in the industry.
1. What was the one idea, insight, or moment that defined your brand’s 2026?
The idea that defined THANI in 2026 was to put quality first. I wanted to create beverages using ingredients familiar to Kerala households, such as coconut milk and winter melon. Preparing drinks from these ingredients takes time and effort. My aim is to bring them to customers in a convenient, ready-to-drink form while maintaining their quality.
2. Which campaign, launch, or decision this year are you proudest of, and what did it change?
I am proudest of choosing THANI’s first three products. I came across the ideas by chance, but as I researched them, I saw promising potential in the FMCG market. This gave me the confidence to take the ideas forward and build a clear launch plan around them.
3. What was the hardest call you made this year, and what did it teach you?
The hardest decision was to keep investing time and effort in developing our coconut milk beverage despite the uncertainty around shelf life. Each trial takes months of observation. If a trial fails, even after just one week, we may need to adjust the process and begin another two-month testing cycle. It taught me patience and the importance of proving product quality before bringing it to market.
4. If a young marketer asked you for one piece of advice this Diwali, what would you tell them?
Before starting a venture, spend time in the market. Study your product category, understand competing products, and speak to customers and retailers. Be willing to invest time and money in this learning. Before launch, prioritise market research so that your product and marketing decisions are based on a clear understanding of the market.
5. What is the one thing your brand will do differently next year?
In 2027, THANI will focus on developing products in categories where customer demand already exists. We will study what people are buying, identify where quality can be improved, and work to offer a better-quality product. Our aim is to build on proven demand while giving customers a stronger reason to choose THANI.
