Varun Arora: Transforming the Poultry Industry with Sustainable Innovation

At 38, Varun Arora has emerged as a transformative force in the poultry industry. By blending traditional values with modern innovation, he has turned his family business, Rai Chicken, into a paragon of sustainable practices. Arora’s academic background from Marriot Dalmahoy in Scotland and an honours degree from Oxford Brookes University have equipped him with the skills to steer his legacy business towards a prosperous future.

Varun Arora’s professional journey began at Marriot Dalmahoy, Scotland, where he laid the foundation for his future endeavours. He then pursued his honours at Oxford Brookes University, gaining a global perspective and a deep understanding of modern business practices. His first job at Marriott Dalmahoy allowed him to grasp the nuances of hospitality, a sector known for emphasising quality service and customer satisfaction. This experience was instrumental in shaping his approach to business development and operations.

In 2010, Arora returned to India to join Rai Chicken, a family business established by his father in 1980. At that time, company sales were modest at 5-6 crores annually. His initial role focused on driving new business development, leveraging his hospitality experience to build strong client relationships and expand market presence. Today, Rai Chicken has grown exponentially, achieving a turnover of over 180 crores annually. This transformation from a traditional poultry business into a modern enterprise renowned for sustainable practices has been both challenging and rewarding.

Under his visionary leadership, Arora has modernized operations, creating a state-of-the-art facility that now employs over 650 dedicated team members and boasts six retail outlets. Rai Chicken has expanded in scale and reach while embracing a future that balances profitability with environmental stewardship. This dedication to sustainable poultry farming has positioned the company as a leader in the industry, setting new standards for quality and responsibility.

Arora’s commitment to sustainability has not only reduced the business’s carbon footprint but also attracted high-profile clients such as Licious, Freshtohome, Chillies, Wow Momo, Taj SATS, and Chatha Farms. By integrating practices like renewable energy use, waste reduction programs, and sustainable feed practices, Arora has positioned Rai Chicken as a leader in sustainable poultry farming.

Varun Arora’s journey would not have been possible without the vision of his father, who established Rai Chicken in the early 1980s. Varun credits his father’s foresight as the cornerstone of the company’s success. Additionally, his brother Gaurav Arora plays a crucial role in the business. Described by Varun as the backbone of operations, Gaurav’s dedication and expertise have been instrumental in the company’s growth and success.

Looking ahead, Arora is dedicated to expanding Rai Chicken’s sustainable practices on a Pan India scale. By collaborating with international and national partners, Arora aims to promote eco-friendly farming techniques and continue innovating in sustainable agriculture. His vision is to position Rai Chicken as a global leader in sustainable poultry farming.