Industrial Visit to Pure Berry's

The School of Business & Management–BBA, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Pune Lavasa Campus – “The Hub of Analytics,” organized an Industrial Visit to Pure Berry's, Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra, on 27th and 29th April 2026 as an Experiential Learning Activity for the course Supply Chain Analytics (BBA305C-6L). The visit was conducted for third-year, sixth-semester students who had opted for the elective course in Supply Chain Analytics. More than 130 students participated in the activity, which was coordinated by Dr. Pragya Mondal and Dr. Barna Naidu. The industrial visit was organized as part of CIA 4 for the course, with the objective of providing students with practical exposure to real-world supply chain operations and management practices in the food processing industry while bridging the gap between classroom learning and industrial applications. As part of the assessment component, students were required to submit a detailed report and prepare a video presentation highlighting the application and relevance of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) in supply chain analytics and sustainable business practices observed during the visit.

During the visit, students were introduced to the history, operations, and product portfolio of Pure Berry’s, a well-known manufacturer of fruit-based products such as jams, syrups, crushes, juices, honey, and preserves. Company representatives explained how the organization established a strong market presence through quality maintenance, innovation, and efficient operational systems. Students gained insights into the importance of sourcing fresh raw materials from local farmers and suppliers, which plays a vital role in ensuring consistency and product quality.

A major learning component of the visit focused on procurement and inventory management practices adopted by the organization. Students observed how raw materials such as fruits, sugar, preservatives, and packaging materials are procured, stored, and monitored to ensure smooth production processes. The officials explained the importance of demand forecasting, stock planning, and inventory control in minimizing wastage and improving operational efficiency. This enabled students to understand how analytical decision-making contributes to cost optimization and effective supply chain management.

The industrial tour also provided students with firsthand exposure to the production and packaging units. Students learned about the various stages involved in food processing, including cleaning, sorting, blending, quality testing, bottling, labeling, and packaging. The visit highlighted the significance of hygiene standards, workflow coordination, and quality control measures followed by the organization to maintain product standards and ensure timely delivery of goods to the market.

An important aspect of the visit was understanding the practical relevance of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) in industrial and business operations. Students observed how Pure Berry’s incorporates locally sourced ingredients, traditional fruit preservation techniques, and sustainable practices rooted in regional agricultural knowledge. The organization’s support for local farmers and utilization of indigenous produce from the Mahabaleshwar region reflected principles of sustainability, self-reliance, and community-oriented development promoted through Indian Knowledge Systems. This exposure helped students appreciate how traditional wisdom and modern analytical approaches can complement each other in creating ethical and sustainable business models.

Another significant learning outcome was related to logistics and distribution management. Students gained knowledge about transportation planning, market distribution networks, and the challenges associated with maintaining product freshness and safety during transit. The company representatives also discussed supply chain disruptions, demand variability, and the role of technology and data-driven coordination in overcoming operational challenges.

Overall, the industrial visit to Pure Berry’s proved to be an enriching and informative experiential learning activity for the students of Supply Chain Analytics. The visit successfully connected theoretical concepts with real-time industrial practices while enhancing students’ analytical thinking, professional awareness, and understanding of sustainable supply chain management practices.