Piloting a successful venture
Abdul Jabbar. A.K
Chairman, KV Group International, Muscat, Oman
Mr. Abdul Jabbar. A.K, Chairman of KV Group International has spent 37 years in the Sultanate of Oman. His vast experience in the retail business sits lightly on his broad shoulders. He is the leading light of KV Group and gives timely advices to his brothers Abdul Vahid and B.K. Latheef.
After completing his schooling in Karunagappalli, Mr. Jabbar reached the shores of Oman on April 1, 1987. After a few years running retail shops in Muscat, he along with his brother Vahid entered the vegetable retail business in the early 1990s. By 1997, the group had expanded its operations, establishing itself as a prominent wholesaler in the Central Fruits and Vegetables Market.
KV Group soon became the largest supplier of fresh, organic produce to major hypermarkets such as Lulu and Carrefour. In 1990, the KV Group launched Suhol Al Fayha, a brand that quickly rose to prominence in the fresh produce industry. With over 30 years of experience, Suhol Al Fayha has become a trusted partner for businesses across the region, continually investing in technology and infrastructure to set new standards for excellence.
Al Fayha Markets, one of the group’s latest retail formats, includes Anhar Al Fayha, incorporated in 2006. Operating supermarkets, hypermarkets, and convenience stores, the group’s commitment to responsible retailing is evident. Their stores offer a wide selection of high-quality products at fair prices, ensuring a clean, safe, and friendly shopping environment. Anhar Al Fayha also supplies quality foodstuff to hotels, restaurants, and shipping service companies, maintaining international standards with the help of a qualified team of professionals.
In 2005, KV Group ventured into organic farming and today, the group cultivates 180 hectares of land with 64 different organic vegetables, achieving premium market prices. They have set a record yield of 11,000 tonnes of tomatoes in one season and now meet 40% of the Sultanate’s fruit and vegetable supply. The group imports 60% of the required vegetables, primarily from China, South Africa, and India, using 10 daily cargo flights. With 250 vehicles and 1,500 employees, KV Group is a major player in the market, with expansion plans into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The group has in 2024 launched Fayha Fresh, a fresh juice brand, in the Oman market. It plans to introduce cut fruit products soon. In 2019, KV Group acquired Kuriya Muriya Trading LLC, a renowned distributor in the frozen and chilled products business. With a strong reputation and state-of-the-art infrastructure, Kuriya Muriya has enhanced its operations under KV Group, covering retail and wholesale food services.
Another key division, Al Naseem International Trading & Contracting LLC (Nasplast), established in 2005, specializes in biodegradable plastic packaging materials. With a production capacity of 3,600 tons per annum, Nasplast provides innovative and cost-effective solutions across various industries. The division maintains the highest quality standards through a well-documented Quality Management System and state-of-the-art lab facilities.
KV Group’s journey from a humble retailer to a market leader in Oman and beyond would not have been possible without the guidance of Mr. Jabbar. With his tireless efforts and commitment leadership, he has contributed to the continuous growth and expansion of the group. Today, KV Group is a trusted name in the industry, setting new benchmarks for excellence.
On the social front, Mr. Jabbar is actively involved in many organizations, including KMCC and MES. Any spare time is spent in helping with the activities of these organizations.
Mr. Abdul Jabbar is married to Shahida Beevi, a homemaker, and the couple has four children. The eldest, Jaasim, looks after the finance department of the family business. the second son, Jahfar, is involved in the retail section of the business.
The third son, Jahas, is also involved in the family business. The couple’s daughter, Fathima, is doing her engineering.
- Address in Oman: P.O. Box: 3347, PC: 111, Al Mawaleh, Muscat.
Address in India: Kochuvilayil, Manappalli North P.O., Karunagappalli, Kerala
Contact in Oman: +968 99319017
Contact in India: +91 9496105543
