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Hidden Gems: Meet Zubin Kuvadia of Munch Craft- AuraVi Foods

Today we’d like to introduce you to Zubin Kuvadia.

Hi Zubin, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I began my career in the chemical industry, spending over a decade at Dow leading innovation and digital transformation. With a PhD in Chemical Engineering and an MBA in Business Analytics, I had built a strong technical and business foundation, but I felt a strong pull to create something of my own — something tangible, consumer-facing, and rooted in passion. With my father’s 40+ years of food expertise as inspiration, I set out to build a brand that blended science, creativity, and flavor. That vision became Munch Craft — a Houston-based snack company focused on premium, air-roasted cashews with bold global flavors that are better-for-you and far from ordinary.
“I left a corporate career to build something personal — a snack brand rooted in Houston, inspired by flavor, and fueled by passion.”
The early steps have been a true founder’s hustle. I personally navigated FDA filings, customs, and supply chains from India, designed the packaging myself, and even stood in stores sampling to customers. Today, Munch Craft is carried by local Houston and Pearland specialty stores and is available online. Our launch flavors — Blueberry, Guava Blaze, Jalapeño Cheese, and Peri-Peri Lime — are already gaining traction with shoppers. While still in its early stages, Munch Craft is rooted in Houston and built on the belief that snacking should be both adventurous and wholesome.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
One of the biggest struggles has been navigating the maze of licenses, tariffs, and regulations. Even with my technical and business background, I found that food is its own world — one where an ingredient on the label can trigger a change in FDA requirements, or a missed detail in import filings can delay an entire shipment at port. Those lessons were learned the hard way, and they forced me to quickly become fluent in food law, compliance, and international logistics.

Another challenge has been the human side — building trust without an industry network. In the early days, It is common to be turned away by brokers, distributors, and even store buyers who are not sure about working with a small startup. Those rejections are tough, but they push me to find creative ways forward — leaning on local specialty stores, doing demos myself, and slowly proving that Munch Craft has a place on shelves. It’s still early days, and I know more hurdles are ahead, but that’s what makes it exciting — each obstacle is part of the adventure

As you know, we’re big fans of Munch Craft- AuraVi Foods. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Munch Craft is a Houston-based snack brand under AuraVi Foods LLC, and we specialize in air-roasted, gourmet cashews with bold, globally inspired flavors. What sets us apart is how we make our snacks — we use premium whole cashews, roasted without oil, giving them a light crunch and clean texture. Unlike many glazed or fried nut snacks, ours aren’t sticky or greasy, and they deliver a flavor experience that’s both adventurous and better-for-you.
We launched with four unique flavors — Blueberry, Guava Blaze, Jalapeño Cheese, and Peri-Peri Lime — and each one has its own personality, balancing tradition with global twists. I’m most proud of the fact that we’ve created a brand that feels premium yet approachable, something that sparks curiosity on the shelf and leaves customers excited to try all the varieties. Beyond cashews, our vision is to grow into almonds, pistachios, and even other formats — always keeping flavor innovation and quality at the core.
What I want readers to know is that Munch Craft is more than just snacks — it’s about making everyday moments feel special, adventurous, and fun. We’re proud to be a Houston-born brand, starting small but dreaming big, and we’re grateful for the local community that’s helping us grow one bag at a time.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is the value of agility and flexibility. In the food business, things change constantly — from ingredient regulations to shipping delays to customer preferences. What has helped me most is being able to adapt quickly, experiment, and learn on the go rather than waiting for everything to be perfect.
I’ve realized that small tests — whether it’s trying a new flavor, adjusting packaging, or running a store demo — teach you more than months of planning. This kind of fast learning keeps Munch Craft moving forward and helps us stay close to what customers really want. For me, agility isn’t just a survival skill, it’s a mindset — and it’s what makes building this brand both challenging and exciting.

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