Managing Director | Arab India Spices
Arab India Spices (estd. 1986) is a pioneer in the agriculture trade. One of the very first millers of pulses and spices in the Middle East, the company records the largest import of pulses, lentils, spices and rice.
With global food supply chains spanning Canada, Australia and Asia, Arab India brings hundreds of tons of food grains into the GCC, stored in state-of-the-art facilities dotted around the UAE. Its premium brands include m, Ameera, RK, Surya and Nallari.
Harish Tahiliani, Managing Director, is the man behind its success. His growth story is one of bullish determination amid hard choices.
It has helped him take tough decisions – like commissioning a superstructure silo in Sharjah Hamriyah Free Zone – that has borne fruit, even supporting the region in mitigating any food shortages during the 2020 pandemic.
Shaping A Worldwide Agribusiness
Beginning with a modest 4,000 sq. ft. depot in Sharjah, Arab India has steadily grown into a B2B enterprise specialising in the global agricultural food trade of spices, grains and lentils.
It now boasts of a 400,000 sq. ft world-class processing factory located in Ajman and 12 silos capable of storing 52 metric tonnes of grain and spices in Sharjah Hamriyah Free Zone.
What makes Arab India stand out from the rest is quality, commitment, and flawless execution. Tahiliani insists on importing the finest crop from farms situated across the globe through robust supply chains with the strictest processing and quality standards.
Lean time-to-market keeps the products fresh, even as it reaches the tables of its consumers, a fact noted by its patron customers. The company has 18 processing lines for lentils, making it the second-largest globally.
The Spotlight Of Success
Having established expertise in B2B markets, Harish is steering the company into B2C sales channels. Buoyed by a proven industry reputation, they now also manufacture and distribute ready-to-cook products under the brands of Surya and RK, which will soon evolve into a separate vertical.
Here too, Tahiliani follows the business principles of agility, whereby top-quality products reach the market on time at competitive prices.
The overarching goal is to make Arab India a one-stop shop for all pulses and spices, recognised by every household in the UAE. Arab India has won several prestigious Indian and international awards.
The noteworthy ones include Top Indian Leaders in the Arab World by Forbes Magazine, 2016. The firm was also the first in the food sector to obtain the SME award in UAE, 2011.
Tough Decisions That Reaped Rewards
Looking back at one of the most significant decisions that shaped his journey, Tahiliani recalls being asked to take over the reins of the business when he was in school. A tough decision, no doubt, but one that Harish took up with grace and commitment.
He worked hard to persist in his ambition, understand how the business operates, and deftly execute changes. From milling and grinding to complete spice processing and packaging, Tahiliani broadened the business operations.
Under his stewardship, the company managed operations in Gujarat, the UAE and Oman. Over the years, Tahiliani has refined his understanding of global farming practices, supply, and trade.
He liaises directly with suppliers worldwide, ensures mutual benefit, and provides sustainable employment for farmers and quality products for his customers.
These traits have become the key to success for the business and for Tahiliani. For example, when the world raced to stabilise fragmented supply chains during the pandemic, Tahiliani’s lines were unaffected and inventory secure, thanks to foresight and thoughtful business planning.