HBI Staff | Hyderabad 
With over 27 years in the corporate world, Kewal Kotian, Founder & CEO of the artisanal serveware brand The Leafbud, views experience as a crucial asset. His diverse background in advertising, news, travel, and visa services, where creativity and information were key, has significantly shaped his approach to Leafbud. Kotian believes that creating more customer-focused narratives through their serveware pieces is essential, as periodic refreshment of serveware can drive engagement and repeat business. In a conversation with Hospitality Biz, he shared that founding Leafbud was a conscious and personal decision, motivated by his passion for building customer-centric businesses.
How does Leafbud’s artisanal crockery stand out in the competitive luxury hospitality market? What unique features or benefits do you offer that differentiate your brand from others?
At Leafbud, we live by the principles of artistry, craftsmanship, and authenticity. We’re not just another tableware design brand; we’re a community of passionate artisans devoted to creating designs that bring joy, beauty, and functionality into your life. When you choose us, you’re not merely purchasing homeware—you’re embracing a unique and meaningful experience. We recognize the crowded landscape filled with talented brands, but our authenticity sets us apart. From concept to execution, everything we do is distinctly ours. Authenticity and differentiation are two sides of the same coin for us. We ideate from a place of true reflection of our identity, building on what makes us exceptional. We don’t just keep pace with competitors; we carve out new paths where they can’t follow. When others zig, we zag—this is how we create a sustainable competitive advantage.
According to you, what specific needs or pain points of luxury hotels and restaurants does Leafbud’s crockery address?
The first thing that comes to mind is the “sameness” that plagues many restaurants. Most establishments use serveware that is nearly identical, often failing to make a lasting impression. Today’s discerning customer is exposed to global themes, trends, and cultures, and they expect experiences that extend beyond food and service. At Leafbud, each product carries a backstory, and I see no reason why restaurants catering to sophisticated patrons shouldn’t leverage that. While luxury hotels are ahead of the curve in terms of serveware, there’s still an opportunity to create more customer-focused narratives through our pieces, rather than solely focusing on branded items. Periodic refreshment of serveware helps in driving engagement and repeat business.
How do your products enhance the dining experience for guests and contribute to the overall ambiance of the establishment?
Dining out is about much more than just food; it’s about hosting, celebrating, and networking—each aspect rooted in engagement and storytelling. At Leafbud, we craft uniquely authentic artisanal serveware and décor, celebrating the imperfections that make us truly remarkable. Our creations are more than just products—they are vessels of stories, woven from the hands of skilled artisans. Sharing these stories with guests allows restaurants and hotels to leave a lasting impression, turning every meal into a memorable experience.
Can you discuss more on Leafbud’s scalability and production capabilities? How do you ensure consistent quality and timely delivery for large-scale orders from HoReCa clients, including customisation requests?
While we hold our brand proposition as sacrosanct, Leafbud has established two distinct supply channels to cater to the specific needs of D2C and institutional clients. Our supply lines are designed to accommodate the unique pain points, requirements, and customizations of each channel. We’ve even crafted exclusive products tailored for each market. Our partners and studios are equipped to meet demand, and customization requests that align with our brand philosophy are always welcome. We have established clear SOPs around these processes, ensuring consistency in quality and timely delivery every time.
What strategies have you implemented to overcome the challenges associated with transitioning from individual consumer sales to institutional sales?
As mentioned earlier, we’ve mitigated potential challenges by developing separate supply channels for each market. In our view, there’s no “transition”—both channels exist and operate in parallel, each with its distinct focus and strategy.
How do you plan to build relationships with key decision-makers in the HoReCa industry?
Direct contact remains the most effective strategy. My previous experience in the travel and hospitality sectors is certainly an asset. However, at the end of the day, the product must speak for itself. We are confident that the positive experiences our products provide will generate a strong word-of-mouth buzz within the industry.
Are you open to exploring B2B partnerships with hospitality consultants or distributors to accelerate Leafbud’s market penetration? What kind of partnerships would you be interested in pursuing?
As a startup, we’re eager to explore any and all opportunities that allow us to showcase our products and grow our business. Our business acceleration is closely tied to the growth of our supply chain. We’ve set stage-wise goals and are more than open to discussing these with potential partners or consultants who can add value to our journey.
