In a state renowned for its vibrant tourism and culinary diversity, few names in the food industry resonate as strongly as Desserts N’ More.
Established over a decade ago by the enterprising Mrs. Pallavi Salgaocar, the brand has risen to prominence as one of Goa’s go-to dessert destinations—synonymous with quality, creativity, and innovation. The story behind this beloved bakery is not just one of entrepreneurship, but also of resilience, reinvention, and an unwavering commitment to delivering delight through the finest confections.
Mrs. Salgaocar, a Chartered Accountant by profession and the Finance Director at Geno Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd., is also a first-generation entrepreneur who ventured into the bakery business with the vision of offering more than just desserts.
“Desserts N’ More is not just a name; it is a promise of indulgence, quality, and variety,” she shares. “From cakes and cookies to savory bites and beverages, we continually innovate to keep our offerings exciting and fresh.”
The Genesis of a Visionary Brand
The inception of Desserts N’ More in 2014 marked a turning point in Mrs. Salgaocar’s journey. What began as a small division under Geno Pharmaceuticals has now blossomed into a robust chain of self-operated stores, franchises, express counters, and supermarket partnerships.
But her foray into the food industry was anything but straightforward.
“Learning the nuances of production and managing a bakery was a challenge I had never anticipated,” she recalls. “But the key to success is always learning and adapting.”
From mastering ingredient sourcing to refining operations, her adaptability and drive have shaped Desserts N’ More into a brand that evolves with the changing needs of its customers.
Over the years, the bakery has expanded its range to include seasonal delights, such as plum cakes during Christmas, chocolate modaks for Ganesh Chaturthi, and Easter eggs.
“Innovation is key in this industry. People get bored of monotony. Every season is an opportunity to surprise and delight our customers,” says Mrs. Salgaocar.
Overcoming Challenges: The Road to Success
The journey hasn’t been without its hurdles. The highly competitive bakery landscape in Goa, with the rise of home bakers and an increasingly saturated market, poses ongoing challenges.
“The ability to build a loyal customer base ensures sustainability,” she affirms. “Despite fierce competition, we’ve built a brand that people trust, and we value that trust deeply.”
The bakery industry also sees significant seasonal fluctuations, with periods of both high demand and lulls in sales.
“It’s the ability to navigate the low seasons with resilience that separates successful businesses from the rest,” she explains. “It’s not always about big profits—it’s about consistency and maintaining high standards.”
A shining example of this resilience was seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the brand swiftly pivoted to a home-delivery model.
“We transitioned from retail to delivery, ensuring our customers had access to their favorite treats. Despite a smaller team, we served homes across Goa, delivering breads, cookies, and more. It was a challenge, but one we embraced.”
The Recipe for Innovation
In a business built on flavor and creativity, innovation is the heartbeat of Desserts N’ More.
“Customers are always looking for something new,” says Mrs. Salgaocar. “We constantly scout trends and ideas to refresh our offerings.”
From healthy cakes and cookies made with whole wheat, oats, and millet to an expanding range of savory bites, the brand refuses to stagnate.
“We were the first in Goa to introduce a health-conscious range of baked goods,” she proudly states.
Their “Wholesome Bites” line focuses on products made without preservatives, crafted for both taste and nutrition.
“We believe in food that delights and nourishes,” she says. “Our health-focused offerings are just as important as our indulgent treats.”
Looking Ahead: Expanding Horizons
As Desserts N’ More enters its second decade, Mrs. Salgaocar remains future-focused. With expansion on the horizon, she’s open to strategic partnerships that align with the brand’s core values.
“The future is bright for Desserts N’ More,” she says. “We want to grow thoughtfully, create new experiences, and ensure we remain a name people associate with high-quality, delicious products.”
Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
For those aspiring to build something of their own, Mrs. Salgaocar offers this:
“Entrepreneurship is not for the faint-hearted. It’s about resilience, adaptability, and learning from failure.”
Her journey reflects that success is earned, not given.
“Networking, staying informed, and embracing challenges are key to building a sustainable business,” she concludes.
With Mrs. Salgaocar at the helm, Desserts N’ More continues to soar—delivering joy, flavor, and innovation to Goa’s dessert lovers, one sweet (or savory) creation at a time.
