Our Story
From the ancient ponds of Bihar to the gourmet tables of Paris — the journey of AÉRI is one of reverence, innovation, and an unwavering pursuit of perfection.
Where It All Began
AÉRI was born from a simple observation: the world's most nutritious snack was also the world's most overlooked. Makhana — the popped seed of the Euryale Ferox plant — has been consumed across Asia for over 3,000 years. In Indian households, it is a staple during festivals and fasting. In Ayurveda, it is revered for its cooling properties, its richness in protein, and its ability to sustain energy without the heaviness of conventional snacks. Yet, outside of Asia, almost no one had heard of it. We set out to change that. Not by stripping Makhana of its heritage, but by giving it the stage it deserves — introducing it to the European market with the same care, respect, and artistry that defines French gastronomy.
The AÉRI Philosophy
We believe that healthy eating should never mean compromising on taste, texture, or elegance. The snacking industry is flooded with products that hide behind 'natural' labels while loading their recipes with refined oils, artificial flavors, and excessive sodium. AÉRI takes the opposite approach. We start with one of nature's most perfect ingredients — a seed that is naturally high in protein, low in fat, and entirely free of gluten, cholesterol, and artificial additives. We then enhance it with the finest ingredients Europe has to offer: extra virgin olive oil from century-old Andalusian groves, herbes de Provence from the Luberon valley, black truffle from the Périgord, and hand-harvested Guérande sea salt. The result is not just a snack — it is a statement. A proof that indulgence and well-being can, and should, coexist.
Our Partnership with Bihar
Every AÉRI product begins its life in the freshwater ponds of Bihar, India — a region that produces over 90% of the world's Makhana. We work directly with local farming communities across 1,000 acres of preserved wetlands, ensuring fair wages, sustainable harvesting practices, and complete traceability from seed to shelf. Our partnership with Hybite Foods, an established leader in Makhana processing, allows us to maintain the highest quality standards while supporting the livelihoods of thousands of families. This is not just commerce — it is a bridge between two civilizations, connected by a shared love of food, tradition, and craftsmanship.
Our Founder
While completing her Master's degree in France, our founder experienced the Parisian apéro ritual firsthand as an urban student. She quickly identified a glaring absence of clean-label, healthy snacks during these convivial moments. Driven by this realization, she set out to solve the problem by designing a robust, end-to-end supply chain.
Backed by her family's 25+ year background in industrial packaging and raw materials manufacturing across India, AÉRI brings deep operational authority to the table. This heritage provides unparalleled shelf-life engineering expertise and the scalability required to consistently supply high-volume B2B retail chains.
Looking Ahead
AÉRI is more than a brand. It is a movement to redefine what premium snacking means in the 21st century. We are preparing our launch across French retail, beginning with fine grocery stores and organic networks, before expanding to specialty stores, hotels, and Michelin-starred restaurants. Our R&D team is developing new flavor profiles that honor both Asian and European culinary traditions. And we are investing in research to further validate the health benefits of Makhana through clinical studies conducted in partnership with European nutrition institutes. The future of snacking is lighter, healthier, and infinitely more exciting. Welcome to AÉRI.