PC Musthafa’s journey from a lower-middle-class family in Kerala’s Wayanad to the CEO of iD Fresh Food, a thriving Rs 3,000 crore company, exemplifies the tenacity and resilience of a self-made entrepreneur. Musthafa’s success story is a testament to his unwavering determination, innovative spirit, and commitment to building a business from scratch.
Born into a family facing financial challenges, Musthafa’s father worked as a daily wage laborer, earning a meager ₹10 per day. Faced with economic hardships, Musthafa, at the age of 10, began doing odd jobs, including selling firewood in his village. His early entrepreneurial venture involved saving every penny to buy a goat, marking the first asset in his family. The goat was eventually sold to purchase a cow, enabling the family to have a more stable income through milk sales and ensuring three meals a day.
Musthafa’s journey took a significant turn when he pursued a degree in computer science at the National Institute of Technology (NIT). Subsequently, he secured jobs at Motorola and Citibank in Dubai. His quest for knowledge and growth led him to return to India for an MBA at the prestigious Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore.
During his MBA, Musthafa, in collaboration with his cousins, ventured into the business of manufacturing dosa and idli batter. The initial investment of Rs 50,000 paved the way for the establishment of iD Fresh Foods in 2005. The company’s strategic shift to supplying ready-to-eat packaged idli and dosa batter proved to be a game-changer.
Launching packaged batter faced initial challenges, as Indian consumers were hesitant to trust packaged food. However, Musthafa’s commitment to providing chemical-free, high-quality products set iD Fresh Foods apart. The company’s focus on authenticity and purity resonated with consumers, and gradually, sales soared.
Today, iD Fresh Foods stands as a household name in the breakfast foods segment, with a reputation for delivering fresh, healthy, and convenient products. Musthafa’s entrepreneurial journey underscores the transformative power of perseverance, innovation, and a commitment to ethical business practices.
As iD Fresh Foods continues to thrive and diversify its offerings, PC Musthafa’s success story serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, highlighting that with resilience and a vision, one can overcome challenges and create a significant impact in the business world.
