Homemade Pickles Made with Love and Care

A spicy condiment made from slice-dried beef mixed with garlic, ginger, and hot chili flavors. It seems to be known for its intense spiciness.

When the container of is opened, the strong aroma of hot chili flavors fills the air. The combination of garlic, ginger, and fiery chili creates a powerful and enticing scent that is likely to stimulate the senses.

It is the spiciness of Shakam Ezay among other pickles of Twang Products, it appears to be significant enough that a person feels the need to have water with every meal when it is present.

Twang Products, founded by Aum Tashi Wangmo, is known for producing a range of homemade pickles, including the intensely spicy condiment called Shakam Ezay, Garlic and Ginger pest, Dolley Pickle, Nutrela and Zhimtse Pasta among others.

Aum Tashi Wangmo, a 40-year-old housewife and mother of four, has always been a passionate businesswoman with a desire to create her own products. Before venturing into the pickle business in 2018, she had previously engaged in small home-based businesses, such as selling clothes and bags.

The popularity of homemade products, particularly pickles, has been on the rise, with customers seeking unique, high-quality offerings made with love and care.

Aum Tashi Wangmo recognized this demand and decided to create her homemade pickles using various Bhutanese ingredients.

Establishing Twang Products came with its fair share of challenges. From production to marketing, the company had to navigate obstacles to achieve its long-term goals. Location played a crucial role, and after thorough market research and planning, Aum Tashi Wangmo purchased a house in Hontsho, Thimphu – which provided a spacious and clean environment for production.

“Securing capital for the business was not overly difficult,” Aum Tashi Wangmo said, adding that she obtained a business loan. “However, the biggest challenge for Twang Products was marketing,” she said.

To overcome this obstacle, Aum Tashi Wangmo employed a determined and proactive approach. She went door-to-door, introducing her products and providing free samples to potential customers. “This strategy paid off, as I received numerous orders from retail shops and households,” she said.

The success of Twang Products wasn’t limited to the domestic market. Aum Tashi Wangmo expanded her reach and began exporting her Bhutanese pickles to places like Kalingpong and Sikkim.

“The business was flourishing until the COVID-19 pandemic hit, causing disruptions. However, Twang Products has managed to bounce back and is now running successfully. Our pickles are marketed in all twenty Dzongkhags (districts),” she shared.

Aum Tashi Wangmo believes that being a businesswoman doesn’t necessarily mean being confined to an office job. She encourages unemployed youth to seize opportunities and act on their ideas, emphasizing that obtaining a business loan is achievable and can lead to not only achieving personal goals but also creating employment opportunities.

“By taking risks and pursuing dreams, individuals can bring their aspirations to life,” she said.

The success of Twang Products is a testament to the power of passion, craftsmanship, and authenticity. Through unique recipes, small-scale production, strong branding, customer engagement, and sustainable practices, the company has carved a niche for itself in the culinary world.

By Content Writer: Tendrel Zamgmo