From Powerplants to Plant-Based: Shubham S. on the Future of Food

In this edition of 'friends of freshpod', I’m very pleased to introduce Shubham, a mechanical engineer turned commercial leader who has built a career at the intersection of food, tech, and innovation. Most of all Shubham is thoughtful, forward-thinking and generous with his time. 

From building power plants in Japan to leading regional QSR strategy at Grab, Shubham’s journey mirrors the transformation shaping Asia’s food ecosystem, one increasingly defined by efficiency, data, and customer experience.

“Engineering sharpened my analytical brain, that’s fundamental to business today,” he says. “But I always loved being close to customers. That’s what drew me to food.”

After earning an MBA in Singapore and running his own healthy sandwich venture, Shubham joined Kind Kones, where he guided the company to success focusing on teamwork and persistence.

“We secured partnerships, grew revenue, and reduced burn. Together, we were invincible.”

Now at Grab, he helps major food brands adapt to changing consumer habits.

“Demand is shifting online. Platforms like Grab connect consumers to the right food, at the right time, powered by data.”

It’s this intersection of food, tech, and convenience that makes him enthusiastic about freshpod.

“freshpod captures what’s next: tech-driven, low-touch, but deeply customer-centric. Automation that cuts waste and personalises menus is exactly the kind of innovation our industry needs.”

His philosophy aligns closely with freshpod’s: small wins, honest relationships, and human-first growth.

“Quick wins build trust, one listing, one event, one reel. And never undermine people; doing the right thing is my north star.”

His go to bowl?

'I have so far built my own, with the majority being tofu or cumin chicken, but will try pepper prawn soon!'

When asked about the future, he’s clear:

“Fewer people are cooking, but they’re more conscious about macros and health. The opportunity lies in affordable, high-quality ready meals, exactly what freshpod delivers.”

He also believes in focusing on everyday indulgence:

“As big wins get harder, small, quality experiences will grow. Brands like freshpod that make healthy food feel good, they’ll win the decade.”

To stay grounded, he swims, works out, cooks, and reads widely.

“Meeting people from different domains sparks the best ideas.”

And his advice to his younger self?

“Learn coding….and travel more. The energy and time won’t come back.”

From power plants to plant-based, Shubham’s journey is proof that great business, like great food, happens when data, empathy, and innovation work together.