Mercy Wangnao
Dimapur | July 28
Naga entrepreneurs Moa and Tempi have launched an innovative probiotic drink, ‘Ginger Nova,’ under the brand NOVA, manufactured by NOVA Traders and Manufacturers. This organic beverage, made by fermenting ginger and other natural ingredients, is alcohol-free. Currently, their start-up is in its initial stage, but they have ambitious plans for the future.
The duo aims to scale up and introduce a diverse range of drinks, targeting the nutrition market. They emphasize local ingredients, committed to highlighting and utilizing locally sourced produce in their beverages. This approach supports local agriculture and promotes sustainable practices in the state.
Speaking exclusively with The Morung Express, Moa shared his transition from the corporate world to co-launching the probiotic drink “Ginger Nova” with his friend Tempi.
From Corporate to Entrepreneurship
Moa’s journey to entrepreneurship wasn’t straightforward. After graduation, he moved to Delhi, where he worked in the corporate world. However, his roots in the Church ministry in Nagaland drew him back to his homeland. “Circumstances led me to pursue and do things as a young man,” he shared. Despite initial skepticism about entering entrepreneurship, given the struggles he saw among peers and family members in business, he felt a calling to start something of his own, take a leap of faith, and embrace the challenge.
Moa, who also worked with The Morung Express, shared, “Working with The Morung Express provided me with invaluable networking opportunities and served as a launch pad for my ventures. It allowed me to initiate the Leon Café project alongside my job. Eventually, I realised that I needed to fully commit to my business for it to grow. This dedication ultimately led me to develop Ginger Nova.”
The Birth of Ginger Nova
When asked what distinguishes ‘Ginger Nova’ in Nagaland’s competitive beverage market, Moa explained, “Ginger Nova is a healthy, mildly carbonated probiotic drink designed to cater to consumer preferences for health-conscious options. Our research indicated that carbonated drinks are in high demand, so we incorporated mild carbonation while maintaining the drink’s health benefits.”
He also highlighted their commitment to local ingredients, adding, “Ginger is abundantly available in Nagaland, and we aimed to support local farmers by using local produce in our beverages. This focus on local sourcing is a key aspect of Ginger Nova.”
Expansion Plans
Moa discussed the key reasons why customers are drawn to ‘Ginger Nova’ and the benefits it offers. “Ginger Nova is renowned for its digestive properties made from 100% organic Naga ginger, which supports the immune system and improves gut health,” he stated. “It is rich in antioxidants and supports the immune system, making it an ideal beverage for health-conscious consumers.”
Regarding distribution, he confirmed that while the drink currently enjoys popularity in Dimapur, efforts are underway to expand its reach to other parts of Nagaland and beyond. “We have plans to scale up and bring diverse drinks and target the nutrition market as well in the near future,” he added.
Challenges in Naga Entrepreneurship
Starting a business in Nagaland has been tough, especially with financial issues and market saturation. “Finance is a big issue. When we opened the café—a separate initiative—there were not many around, but Nagaland is such a place that once someone starts something, people follow that as a trend,” Moa noted. He also pointed out that government support for local entrepreneurs was limited when he started.
Moa described the current market for their products in Nagaland as both promising and challenging. “Our Ginger Nova project is a start-up in its absolute initial stage now, and while we are still assessing the market conditions, our goal is to expand our reach to as many retailers as possible,” he said. He acknowledged the competitive landscape, explaining, “The market is flooded with established products, many of which have been around for centuries. Competing with big corporations is difficult, but we are working on developing our unique selling points to make an impact.” Moa also shared that their plans include diversifying their product line in the future, aiming to stand out in a competitive market.
New opportunities
Tempi, who also co-initiated the Ginger Nova brand, shared insights about the product’s development. “Ginger Nova is a probiotic drink made with fermented ginger and other organic ingredients without alcohol. We aimed to reduce sugar, but we found that sugar-free alternatives might pose health risks, so we decided to use regular sugar instead,” he stated.
Tempi revealed that the brand is continuously exploring new opportunities and has plans to expand its beverage portfolio. However, he noted that financial constraints are currently limiting their ability to implement these plans.
Moa advised young Naga entrepreneurs to “start small, conduct thorough research, and scale up, but put God first above everything else.” He emphasized the importance of hands-on involvement, stating that directly engaging in the process provides a unique perspective and invaluable experience, helping to learn and adapt while minimizing costly mistakes.
The writer is a student of Master of Journalism and Mass Communication at Nagaland University, Lumami. She is currently undergoing a month-long internship in The Morung Express.
