How a Father-Son Duo Built a Rs 250 Crore Turnover Vinod Cookware Legacy

Joining his father’s business at the age of 19, Sunil Agarwal took over the reins of Vinod Cookware in 2010 after his father’s demise and rapidly scaled up the business, building on the solid foundation laid by his father and continuing the brand’s legacy as a frontrunner in the cookware market.

Today, Vinod Cookware is a Rs 250 crore turnover company, offering an extensive range of over 400 products, including stainless-steel pressure cookers, cast iron cookware, and PFOA-free non-stick cookware.

Sunil Agarwal joined his father-led business, Vinod Cookware, at the age of 19 (Photos: Special Arrangement)

From stainless steel pressure cookers to the perfect non-stick dosa tawa, Vinod Cookware’s products are designed to meet the diverse needs of Indian kitchens.

Today, the brand has transformed from a local manufacturer of stainless steel bowls and dishes into a global name in the cookware industry.


Founded in 1962 by Sunil’s father, Rajeram Agarwal, the journey of Vinod Cookware started as a trading business. In 1977, they set up their first factory in Bhandup, Mumbai, and started manufacturing stainless steel products.

Becoming a successful second-generation entrepreneur often needs a delicate balance between preserving traditional values and embracing innovation to ensure the company stays relevant even after decades.

“Almost all second-generation entrepreneurs have similar advantages and challenges. The advantage is that you have a platform which is already there. However, there’s a legacy to live up to,” observes Sunil.

“With a strong foundation and a legacy to uphold, every decision I make is influenced by the high standards set by my father.”

From establishing a new impact-bonded line for manufacturing pressure cookers and cookware in 2009 to launching the Triply Series in 2016—featuring three layers of stainless steel to enhance heat conductivity and durability—Vinod Cookware has consistently stayed at the forefront of innovation.

Sunil strategising the next big move with his team, where innovation meets tradition

In 2021, the company merged 100% hard anodised virgin aluminium cookware with a PFOA-free non-stick coating through the HANOS range, giving customers better and healthier cooking options.

Sunil Agarwal says that after watching the 2019 movie Dark Waters starring Hollywood actor Mark Ruffalo, he was inspired to launch a PFOA-free cookware range.

“Although the movie revolved around the industrial use of chemicals (including PFOA) around the contamination of a small town’s water supply with toxic chemicals, it got me thinking that Indian customers deserve better.

“Today, PFOA-free range cookware has become quite common. However, we were among the first Indian brands to introduce the PFOA-free range cookware.”

At Vinod Cookware, innovation is a continual journey. In 1987, the company introduced aluminium sandwich bottom cookware and expanded globally under the brand Kraft Wares, exporting to the UK, USA, Germany, France, and other countries.

Reflecting on the challenges of going global, Sunil shares, “At that time, Indian utensils were often packed in poor-quality bags or wooden boxes, which were not suitable for the international market. We changed that narrative by consistently delivering high-quality cookware with superior packaging and on time.”

Vinod Cookware was among the first Indian brands to manufacture pressure cookers. In 1990, the company introduced a specialised heavy aluminium core that ensured even heat distribution across the utensil, allowing for reduced oil usage.

This innovation, however, came with added costs. “My father was well aware of the Indian market's cost-conscious nature. He always prioritised educating people and marketing our products effectively,” says Sunil.

“Our marketing and advertising campaigns were all about educating customers about the benefits of buying high-quality cookware.”

In 2000, Vinod Cookware set up a state-of-the-art facility spanning 1,25,000 sq ft, with a capacity of manufacturing 2.5 million products per year.

To foster innovation, Sunil emphasises the importance of consensus-building and delegation. “I believe in taking everyone along. I seek consensus all the time, and I like to delegate. I focus on the topline and bottom line of the business to avoid interfering in daily tasks—no micromanagement at all,” he asserts.

“Our teams travel the world and see what the world is up to and how we can be better than them. Year after year, we keep on doing this and our strong research and development team continues to launch cookware made of new-age materials and using new technologies.”

Sunil and Arjun Agarwal: A father-son duo shaping the future of Vinod Cookware together

Complacency is not a concept Sunil is familiar with; instead, he is constantly thinking about what the future holds. The company recently acquired majority stakes in the Bangalore-based premier consumer brand Healux International Pvt. Ltd, with the aim of expanding its existing B2C reach.

“I have been following the journey of this company for quite some time. The opportunity to leverage Healux’s direct-to-consumer network will enhance our ability to connect with customers on a more personal level. Moreover, Healux International will get access to Vinod’s advanced facilities,” shares Sunil.

He reveals that Vinod Cookware, along with Healux International, will soon be launching “waterless and fatless” cookware made from AISI 304 Surgical Stainless Steel. This cookware will be designed in a way that will require no water and oil to cook food.

“It will be a high-quality product that will help in fostering healthy living by helping to retain nutrients in the food,” he adds.

Sunil took over as the director of Vinod Cookware in 2010 after his father’s demise. However, by this time, he had already accumulated over two decades of hands-on experience under his belt.

While pursuing his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management from Mumbai University (1987-1992), he would visit the factory to assist his father during Dhanteras and Diwali holidays—a period traditionally marked by the purchase of new utensils and cookware.

“I started working with my father at 19 and was fortunate to gain 21 years of experience under his leadership. I began by handling export sales and a bit of production,” Sunil recalls about his early days working with his father.

“The best thing about working with my father was that he gave me little pieces of helpful advice every now and then. The best thing was he led by example.

“He was very hard-working. I remember once he wasn’t keeping well, yet he went from hospital to office and office to hospital. All this while he kept a tab on what was happening in the office. The hard work and effort that I saw in my father prepared me to take over as director in 2010.”

His fondest memories are during the holidays when he would see distributors coming to their office in droves to make purchases. “That kind of demand created a profound sense of pride and inspiration for me. It was truly motivating to witness our brand making such a significant impact.”

“Our father had a policy that he would never ask us to come to the office during college days. Only during Diwali vacation, when there was a load on the business, did I actively participate.”

When Vinod Cookware was launched, the cookware industry was unorganised, and there were only a few brands in the market. As an industry leader, he envisions the cookware industry evolving to become more brand-conscious in the next 10 years.

Building on a solid foundation, forging ahead with innovation. – Sunil Agarwal in focus

“The market will become highly brand-conscious. In the future, consumers will seek brands that offer not only high-quality products but are also committed to sustainability, health, and technological advancement,” says Sunil.

Beyond his father, he deeply respects Ratan Tata, former chairperson of the Tata Group. “I look up to Mr Tata for making a significant impact beyond the corporate world. His remarkable community work has improved the lives of people across the country.”

Tata’s influence is evident in Sunil's own efforts. “We have built washrooms for people in the community where our factories are located. We keep on doing activities that support the well-being of those around us.”

Talking about his simple lifestyle, he says, “I get this from my mother. She was a housewife, and she taught us the importance of frugality and being very conscious of how we spend money. Even today, I don’t have an expensive lifestyle.”

Sunil lived in a 2 BHK house in Malabar Hills, where he had a normal upbringing alongside his three siblings. “We are four siblings, and we had quite a normal childhood. Although my father wasn’t highly educated, he understood and spoke English and put us in an English-medium school,” he shares.

“My mother wasn’t educated at all. So, we did a lot of things on our own, especially when it came to studies. All four of us were good in our studies. We never troubled our parents, and there were no complaints from school or college. As students, we were not the best but good.”

Sunil reflects on his family life, acknowledging that when his children were young, he didn’t have as much time to spend with them as he would have liked.

However, he’s thankful to his wife Ishika Agarwal, also a director at Vinod Cookware, for being the cornerstone of the family and being supportive during that time.

“My wife Ishika is a wonderful human being. While I was focused on building the business and travelling frequently, she was incredibly patient and supportive. Now, I cherish the time I get to spend with my family.”

Paving the way for the next chapter in the company’s legacy, Sunil’s daughter, Malvika Agarwal, and son, Arjun Agarwal, are already bringing fresh perspectives to advance the brand’s legacy.

The Agarwal family: Where love, tradition, and business flourish (From l to r - Malvika, Ishika, Sunil and Arjun)

Malvika, a Harvard University graduate, serves as the brand manager at the company, while Arjun, a Drexel University graduate, manages branch operations, fresh perspectives, and modern approaches to the business. His second daughter, Anisha Agarwal, runs her own business.

“Both Malvika and Arjun are looking for different ways to grow the company,” says Sunil. His only advice to his children is to “be nice and kind to everyone, be it someone in their personal or professional life.”

A self-confessed travel enthusiast, he says, “I have given up business travel and have delegated it completely. Now, I only travel for holidays. I love travelling in India, and Goa, Kasauli, and Landour are among my favourite destinations.”

He is also passionate about fitness, mentioning that he enjoys working out in the gym and spends nearly three to four hours a week there. - ©TWL