A Nepali couple is bringing over 200 Nepali products to more than 250 stores across Australia and they started just as students doing small jobs.
Meet Bhushan and Celina Kakshapati, the founders of Sagoon Group. From their Sydney warehouse, they import everything from pickles, noodles, and beer to spices, religious items, and festival goods. Their goal is to connect Nepali communities abroad with their culture and traditions.
How did it all start?
Bhushan was born in Kathmandu, and Celina comes from Kalimpong, India. They met in Kathmandu through family connections and eventually got married. Both pursued higher education, Bhushan in business and Celina in Australia.
They arrived in Australia about 16 years ago. At first, it was hard. Jobs like car washing, grass cutting, and restaurant work were their start. But they saw a bigger opportunity: Nepali products that reminded people of home.
What makes Sagoon Group special?
Sagoon Group now employs 50 Nepali staff and has become a trusted name in the Nepali diaspora. Their product range includes traditional items like Kurkure, pickles, and spices, as well as daily food items and healthy options like tofu and salads.
Even South Asian communities outside Nepal are buying these products, showing how Nepalese flavors are gaining popularity abroad.
Facing Challenges Abroad
Shipping from Nepal isn’t easy. Strict quarantine laws, limited direct routes, and government inspections make every shipment a challenge. Often, products go through India before reaching Australia. Despite this, Sagoon ensures high-quality standards, proper labeling, and food safety compliance.
For Bhushan and Celina, it’s not just about business. They bring festival items for Dashain, Tihar, Chhath, Nepal Sambat, and Lhosar into Australian homes. This helps second-generation Nepalis learn about their roots and keeps traditions alive far from home.
“Even some younger Nepalis forget these traditions back home,” says Celina. “Here, our products help them connect with our culture and identity.”
Sagoon Group plans to open a new experience center in Sydney and strengthen their e-commerce platform. Click-and-collect, real-time tracking, and regional delivery partners are part of their roadmap to make Nepali products mainstream.
Their journey proves that hard work, vision, and teamwork can turn humble beginnings into a thriving business. At the same time, it highlights the need for Nepal to improve pre-export quality systems so more Nepali products can reach global markets successfully.
