Keystone, India

Perfect Pricing Strategy for Indian Honey Gatherers

Securing a fair price for tribal honey gatherers in India’s Nilgiris Reserve was the shared ambition that drove three like-minded individuals to set up the Keystone Foundation back in 1995. Since then, Keystone has transformed the lives of more than 500 groups of honey gatherers, helping them to add value to their collection through filtering and cleaning.

Honey is big business. In the mid-1990’s honey was sold to traders for 15 rupees a kilogramme, today it yields between 100-140 rupees. Keystone led the way in this revolution.

An initial partnership with Ernst & Young in 2007 helped Keystone develop an enterprise business plan that would enable them to hold their own in a competitive market place and continue to make a difference to the honey gathers of Nilgiris for years to come.

Armed with a focussed plan and a renewed determination, Keystone introduced a revised pricing structure that enabled them to increase turnover by close to 20% in one year!

Over the past three years Keystone and Emerging World have developed a strong, mutually beneficial partnership. They have hosted two similar experiences with major corporations and their work has been featured in the Outlook Business journal as a shining example of good business practice – a testament to everyone involved in its ongoing development.

“We needed someone who was perceptive, who was sensitive to what we were doing, somebody who would flourish and help us flourish – we found it,” admits Pratim Roy, Founder and Director, Keystone Foundation. “People are now less burdened and things are being done in a more organized manner. The experience has given rise to a new sense of confidence and importance here at Keystone.”

Visit the Keystone Foundation website.