In the heart of Maharashtra’s bustling city of Pune lies a tale of resilience, innovation, and mouth-watering treats – the story of Chitale Bandhu. It all began with a setback during the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918 when Bhaskar Ganesh Chitale’s cattle fell prey to the disease, leading to a significant loss in their milk business. However, undeterred by adversity, Bhaskar’s son, Raghunath Rao Chitale, embarked on a journey that would redefine the family’s legacy.

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Establishing the Chitale Group of Industries in 1939 with the inception of Chitale Dairy, Raghunath Rao ventured into the world of B2B transactions in Mumbai. Despite the absence of pasteurization or standardization of milk at the time, the Chitale family persevered, laying the foundation for what was to come.

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The Journey of Chitale Bandhu Mithaiwale

In 1950, Raghunath Rao pivoted to Pune, where he set up a modest 500 square feet “sweet meat” shop on Bajirao Road, thus giving birth to Chitale Bandhu Mithaiwale. The term “Bandhu,” meaning brothers, aptly represented the collaborative spirit that fueled the enterprise’s growth.

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The turning point came in the 1970s when Narsinha Chitale discovered a unique twist to the popular Gujarati snack, Bhakarwadi, courtesy of his neighbor’s “Nagpuri” variant. This fusion of spicy Nagpuri flavors with the traditional Bhakarwadi shape sparked the birth of Chitale’s Bhakarwadi in 1976. Soon, the snack became synonymous with the Chitale brand, witnessing a surge in demand that prompted the installation of machines to maintain its signature shape.

The Culinary Odyssey of Chitale Bandhu Mithaiwale

By the early nineties, Chitale Bandhu was selling a staggering 3000 kg of Bhakarwadi daily, a testament to the snack’s popularity and the enterprise’s innovative spirit. This demand even caught the attention of international markets, leading to the adoption of semi-automatic production in 1989, followed by full automation later on.Chitale Bandhu Mithaiwale boasts an extensive product range, offering a delightful array of savory and sweet treats to satisfy every palate. With over 40 varieties of Namkeen, including classics like bhakarwadi, sev, and papri chat, customers are spoiled for choice when it comes to savory snacks. Among their everyday favorites is the delectable ‘Patal Poha Chivda,’ a harmonious blend of mildly seasoned rice flakes, crunchy peanuts, and crisp grated coconut, perfect for munching on any time of day. For those craving the iconic flavors of Indian street food, Chitale Bandhu Mithaiwale also offers popular chaat items like samosas and kachoris, sure to tantalize taste buds with their savory goodness. For satisfying a sweet tooth, the options are endless, with over 60 varieties of sweets ranging from indulgent halvas to delicate barfis, fragrant pedas, melt-in-your-mouth laddus, and syrupy jalebis. With such a diverse and delicious range of offerings, Chitale Bandhu Mithaiwale ensures that every visit is a delightful culinary adventure.

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The journey of Chitale Bandhu is not just a story of culinary success but also a testament to the family’s ability to adapt, innovate, and thrive against all odds. From the humble beginnings of a milk business setback to becoming synonymous with one of Maharashtra’s most beloved snacks, Chitale Bandhu’s story continues to inspire generations, reminding us that with determination and creativity, even the toughest challenges can be transformed into sweet successes.