The lives of Indians are closely intertwined with spices. When we say we love ‘masala’ (spice), we really mean it. From our morning ‘masala chai’ to watching an evening show of a ‘masaledaar’ movie (a spicy film full of action, drama and romance) and asking for ‘extra masala’ on everything we can get our hands on, not a day goes by without the mention of ‘spices’ or ‘masalas.’

 

At Kusum, we go a step further. From ‘haldi doodh’ to ‘turmeric latte,’ we’ve been around for the entire spice revolution, living and breathing spices. With over five decades of understanding the Indian ‘spicescape’, we’ve grown from a humble store to an acquired company, offering more than 70 different kinds of spices and spice blends. This is why we know the intricacies of the land and its terroir – how handpicked red chillies from the Byadgi region in Karnataka lend our chilli powder an earthy flavour, how the Guntur region in Andhra Pradesh produces chillies that give our hot chilli powder an irresistible fiery edge and that turmeric fingers from Sangli in Western India and Salem in South India have high curcumin content and a superior nutritional profile.

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A JOURNEY
PACKED WITH
FLAVOUR

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Shri Kusumchandra Shah establishes ‘Kusum Masala,’ a small shop in erstwhile Bombay

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His sons Shirish & Sharad set up the first spice plant in Byculla, where masalas are hand-pounded

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The family expands to a bigger spice plant in Goregaon with automated machinery, employing more than 50 people

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The company starts exporting spices to the Middle East, United Kingdom & United States of America

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Cryogenic pulverizers are set up to ensure that the colour, taste and volatile oils are preserved while processing spices

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Kusum Masala is acquired by Foods and Inns Ltd., pioneers in the Indian food processing industry

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Kusum Masala inaugurates a state-of-the-art spice mill in Gonde, Nashik with the highest accreditations and a strong sustainability focus

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The journey continues as we strive to deliver premium Indian spices to more people across India and the world while being connected to our farmers, positive food systems and conscious practices.

PILLARS
OF KUSUM

PROCESSES
Every process developed at Kusum is envisioned with our commitment to providing the best value and highest quality. From sourcing and procurement to handling and transportation, we are constantly bettering and evaluating our systems to bring consumers authentic products while enriching the spice-producing ecosystem.

PRACTICES
We are conscious of our business practices from farm to shelf. Our spice mill is designed to embrace environmentally friendly practices. We are mindful about conservation, harvesting, and using our own water and composting waste to convert it into fertile manure. We are plastic neutral, recycling as much plastic as we use.

PRESERVATION
We believe in preserving traditional practices while updating processes for better safety and health. Our spices are responsibly sourced, and handpicked from regions that have the best conditions to yield high-quality spice crops. We take special care during every stage of the spice-making process, paying special attention to preserving the volatile oils and immunity-boosting properties of every spice, so they can retain their flavours, aroma, and nutritional profile with controlled temperature systems.

PARTNERSHIPS
At Kusum, we believe in enriching, long-term partnerships that can create positive outcomes and sustainable supply chains. Farmers are at the heart of the spice business and we’re constantly devising ways to give back to the farmer community through our fair-price policy and with training and workshops that have a positive outcome on their lives. We believe in exceptional customer service, treating every individual and company that is connected to Kusum with the utmost respect. Our partnerships are our key drivers of growth, enabling us to constantly innovate and provide exceptional value to all our stakeholders.

Walk through of our factory