Mohamed Ashraf
Managing Director
Shahi Foods & Spices, Oman
In the competitive arena of global food trade, Mohamed Ashraf has built a brand that embodies both trust and market leadership. As the Managing Director and visionary force behind Shahi Foods & Spices, he has transformed a single production facility in Oman into a thriving multi-national enterprise with a strong presence across the Sultanate, the UAE, and India.
Over more than three decades, Ashraf has steered the company through strategic expansion, investment in cutting-edge technology, and an unwavering commitment to quality. Under his leadership, Shahi Foods & Spices has become a market leader in value-added spices, coffee, grains, pulses, and specialty blends.
His remarkable journey — from government technician to the head of one of Oman’s most respected food companies — stands not only as a testament to entrepreneurial success but also as a case study in vision, operational excellence, and long-term brand building.
Early Life and Influences
Born in Mathilakam, Puthiyakavu, in Kodungallur of Thrissur district, Kerala, Ashraf was raised in a household that valued hard work, integrity, and resilience. His father, the late Abdul Rahman, was a principled businessman, while his mother, the late Fathima, managed the home with grace and strength. Their lives and values instilled in him a deep sense of responsibility and a lasting respect for honest enterprise.
From an early age, Ashraf displayed both curiosity and a practical mindset. He balanced intellectual interests with a love for physical activity, excelling as an avid volleyball player while also nurturing a passion for reading. This unique combination of athletic discipline and intellectual drive would later equip him with the qualities needed to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship with vision and determination.
Career Beginnings
After completing his education with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Ashraf began his career in a completely different field — government service. In 1980, he joined the Ministry of Land Affairs in the Sultanate of Oman as a technician. Over the next two decades, he earned a strong reputation for diligence, technical expertise, and reliability. His years in public service not only gave him deep insight into Oman’s work culture and administrative systems but also helped him build a network of relationships that would later prove invaluable to his business journey.
Even while excelling in his government role, another passion was quietly taking root: food. Growing up in a culture where meals were both an art and a tradition, Ashraf developed a deep appreciation for the textures, aromas, and flavors of spices. He recognized that food was far more than nourishment — it embodied identity, memory, and hospitality. This conviction became the seed from which Shahi Foods & Spices would eventually grow.
Founding of Shahi Foods & Spices
In 1986, while still serving in government, Ashraf took a bold step and founded Shahi Foods & Spices LLC in Oman. His vision was clear from the start: to build a homegrown brand that would provide Omani consumers with high-quality, affordable food products—particularly spices—that could stand alongside the best in the world. Established as a 100% Omani company, Shahi was rooted in a commitment to sourcing the finest raw materials and delivering them in their purest form.
The early years were demanding. Building a brand from scratch meant Ashraf personally oversaw every aspect of the business—sourcing, processing, packaging, marketing, and distribution. His engineering background gave him a process-driven edge, enabling him to invest in world-class machinery from Europe and the United States. By sourcing commodities directly from farmers—from the spice fields of India and Vietnam to the coffee plantations of South America—he not only ensured consistent quality and cost efficiency but also built trust with producers and customers alike.
Strategically located along the Muscat–Dubai Highway, the Al Suwaiq production facility became the launchpad for Shahi’s journey. From its modest beginnings, the company has grown into a powerhouse, producing and distributing over 160 products across nearly 600 SKUs. Its diverse portfolio spans spices, pulses, grains, coffee, nuts, dry fruits, coconut products, and a wide variety of masala blends. Today, Shahi employs more than 500 staff and operates a fleet of 50 trucks, supported by an impeccably organized logistics network that ensures its products reach households and businesses across Oman.
Coffee and Global Spice Leadership
Among Shahi’s many achievements, its coffee operation stands out as a crown jewel. In Oman, coffee—or kahwa—is inseparable from hospitality, and Ashraf was determined to perfect it. Years of research went into crafting blends that honored the nation’s tradition, often infused with cardamom or cinnamon. Today, Shahi’s Arabic coffee is celebrated as one of the finest in the market. The company’s state-of-the-art coffee plant, among the largest in the Middle East, processes premium beans sourced from South America, delivering Omanis a taste of authenticity at competitive prices.
Beyond coffee, Shahi’s spice portfolio is a true atlas of global flavors. Chilli, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, cumin, fennel, ginger, pepper, bay leaves, nutmeg, and mace are carefully sourced from their native lands across Asia, Africa, and the Americas, then processed into whole, chopped, ground, roasted, or fried forms. Pulses and lentils arrive from countries as diverse as Canada, Australia, Madagascar, and Malawi, while nuts and dry fruits are imported from the USA, Iran, Brazil, and Tanzania. The grains division completes the offering, with products ranging from organic Indian wheat to barley, ragi, and traditional puttu powder, catering to the multicultural tastes of Oman’s kitchens.
Expansion Beyond Oman
Ashraf’s ambitions soon extended beyond Oman’s borders. He went on to establish four sister companies in the UAE and India, expanding Shahi’s reach into new markets. Among them is Shahi Spices India Pvt. Ltd., founded in 2014 in Palghar, Maharashtra, which has since grown into a leading supplier to the Indian market. State-of-the-art facilities in Palghar (Mumbai) and Angamali (Kerala) further reinforce the group’s production and distribution strength, ensuring that Shahi’s standards of quality and authenticity are maintained across its international operations.
Leadership and Philanthropy
Ashraf’s leadership style is distinctly hands-on and deeply people-oriented. He makes it a priority to stay closely connected with his staff, engaging with them directly rather than from a distance. By keeping himself updated on ground-level operations, he ensures that decisions are informed by practical realities rather than assumptions. Equally important is his constant dialogue with customers, which allows him to understand their evolving needs and expectations. This approach not only strengthens trust in the Shahi brand but also creates a culture of accountability, where every member of the organization feels valued and heard.
For Ashraf, leadership extends beyond the boundaries of business—it is also about service to society. His philanthropic endeavors reflect this belief. As a patron of Krishkootam in Muscat, he has been actively involved in supporting cultural and educational initiatives that nurture community development. In Kerala, he oversees the Shahi Nobility Trust, which has around 1,000 students for more than 12 years, helping young people pursue their academic goals and build brighter futures.
His vision of social responsibility also extends through the Shahi Charitable Trust, which runs a CBSE school up to Class 10. The school provides quality education to children who might otherwise lack access, offering them opportunities that can transform not only their individual lives but also the future of their families. For Ashraf, such initiatives are not mere acts of charity—they are investments in human potential and a reflection of his conviction that true success lies in uplifting others.
Through this balance of business acumen and philanthropy, Ashraf demonstrates that leadership is not only about building a thriving enterprise but also about leaving a lasting, positive impact on society.
Family and Legacy
Despite his busy schedule, Ashraf has always placed his family at the heart of his life. He is married to Sunitha Beevi, a homemaker with a remarkable talent for farming. She has received various awards in Oman for her excellence in it. Together, they cultivate a wide variety of crops, blending traditional techniques with modern methods, and her recognition stands as a symbol of the family’s strong connection to the land.
They have four children, each of whom has carved their own path while staying connected to the family’s business values.
– Shameena (MBA, MG University), General Manager of Peace Public School in Kodungallur, married to Shiyas, Export Director of Shahi Foods & Spices. They have three children: Shehzin Aysha, a Grade 8 student at Indian School Muladha; Shemraaz Shiyas, in KG2; and little Shehraiz Shiyas, just two years old
.- Shahina, a graduate of Majan College, Muscat, is an entrepreneur in Dubai, where she runs a creative brand named “ShahiCreationz”. She is married to Nabeel Fasal(Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Science), Group Director of Shahi Foods & Spices. Their daughter, Celmirah Nabeel, is in Grade 2 at The Millennium School in Dubai, and their son, Dalhaam Nabeel, is two years old.
– Abdul Rahman, Executive Director of Shahi Foods & Spices, holds a BBA from Muscat and an MBA from IESE Business School Barcelona, Sapin . His wife, Amina Khalid, is a BBA graduate and Management Studies candidate in Spain.
– Fatima Zahra, who completed her graduation in psychology from Mazoon College, Muscat, is now pursuing her master’s degree in Clinical Psychology at UAE University, Al Ain. She is married to Wasim Ashrof (B Tech in Industrial Engineering and Msc. in Management from UK), Assistant Sales Manager of Shahi Foods & Spices.
Looking Ahead
As Oman embraces a rapidly evolving global food industry, Mohammed Ashraf remains steadfast in his commitment to innovation. His vision for Shahi Foods & Spices centers on continuous investment in technologically advanced processing facilities and the development of high-caliber talent, ensuring the brand stays at the forefront of the market.
From its humble beginnings, Shahi Foods & Spices has grown into a multinational enterprise while preserving its core values of quality, trust, and authenticity. For Ashraf, the journey is ongoing—one defined by flavor, service, and responsibility.
His legacy will extend far beyond the company itself: into the homes across Oman where Shahi products enrich daily meals, the farmers worldwide supported through fair trade, and the students whose futures are shaped by his philanthropy. It is the story of a man who dared to dream and, through perseverance, transformed that dream into a lasting institution.
Contact Information
Address (Oman): Shahi Food and Spices LLC, P.O. BOX 366, PC 315, Al Suwaiq, Sultanate of Oman
Contact: +968 26860402 / 99310402
Email: |
Website: https://shahispices.com/
