All the way from Kutch to Kochi...

"Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore". Doing business involves a lot of risks. But there are instances that make you feel that the risks are worth taking. After all no pain, no gain! Here is the story of Shamji Narshi Kuruwa and his son Kishor Shamji who have a lot to speak about their experiences and pains they have gone through to attain their present glory in spice business.   The stories described were enough to inspire young minds in doubt. 

Shamji Narshi Kuruwa

The dedication and hard work of a number of individuals like Shamji Narshi and his son Kishor Shamji have made an impact in the history of spice trade in India. Yachts followed the stars and the wind safely anchored the traders to ‘God’s own country’. It was to make use of this immense opportunity that Shamji Narshi Kuruwa too left Kutch (Gujarat) for Kerala way back in 1945. Kerala, at that time was famous for coir and copra business. But the growing demand for spices in the international arena prompted people in to spice trade. Shamji Narshi Kuruwa also decided to try his fortune in the spice trade.  He was offered the Manager post of the spice trade section of Nenshy Devshy in Kerala. On the advice of his brother, Mr Shamji took a plunge and slowly began to master the tricks of the trade. Business was in his blood and he was destined to be a success. The business flourished. By 1955 he decided to take a break from the company he had been working for. It is natural to face a lot of challenges at the beginning all alone, for he was not a native of the land. But soon the challenges were met and by 1968 he was confident enough to guide the business on his own and it paved the way for the birth of the famous Kishor Spices Company in Mattancherry.

Later in 1975, Shamji’s son Kishor Shamji took over the company and since then there was no turning back. The company prospered and flourished with all its might and today, it is accountable for 7-15 percent of the total pepper export from the country. Even in the midst of growing worries of stringent quality standards imposed by the foreign countries, Kishor Spices continues to remain at the pinnacle of pepper trade. Some of the country’s exports are being rejected in the global front, unable to meet the quality criteria set by the importing countries. But to Kishor, it is not at all a worry. The company had always maintained top quality and never had there been an occasion where the export materials from Kishor Spices were returned.

Kishor Shamji

To provide variety and vibrancy to the trade, now the younger generation has joined hands with their father. Kishor’s two sons- Hemanth and Anand- have chosen the same path set to them by their father. Instead of spending their time in playgrounds, Anand and Hemanth as young boys, chose to be with their father and tried to learn more from him. Trained to shoulder responsibilities right from their childhood days, the boys showed an inclination towards their father’s business. At the forefront of activities Hemanth and Anand now try to bring in innovative ideas that can bolster up their spice business.  The company, currently into diversification, has gradually widened the focus from pepper to other spices like nutmeg, ginger and cardamom. To meet the challenges of present day they also try to adopt the latest machineries and processing techniques. The commitment and adherence to quality have earned them the trust of lakhs of customers. 

Today Kishor and his sons are more like the natives of the land and they swear they have not felt alienation of any kind here. Anand says, "We know more Malayalam than Kutchi and we can't think of a homeland other than Kochi". 

Revathy