Suminter India Organics
TypePrivate
IndustryOrganic farming and distribution
GenreOrganic food & Organic cotton
Founded2003
FounderSameer Mehra
Headquarters
Mumbai
,
India
Area served
Europe, United States
ProductsOrganic food and fibers
Number of employees
600
Websitesuminterindiaorganics.com

Suminter India Organics is a privately held supplier of certified organic products from India to Europe and the United States. Founded in 2003, Suminter's mission is to give small-scale Indian farmers access to a global $52bn marketplace for certified organic products.[1] In 2016, Suminter was working with over 20,000 farmers[2] in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Kerala, Uttarakhand, and Rajasthan,[3] covering 110,000 acres (450 km2) of land under organic cultivation.[2] The company focuses on two product lines: non-perishable organic food and organic cotton.

History

After completing his undergraduate studies overseas, Sameer Mehra returned to India in 1998 with the idea of organic contract farming.[1][2] There was a growing global demand for organic produce and India had unique advantages that made it a natural choice for cultivating these products: tropical weather and varied landscape ensure agro-climatic diversity and a broad range of crops year-round. Due to the high costs as well as local traditions, fertilizers and pesticides have low penetration throughout much of India. With a US$23 billion global market for organic foods in 2002 alone and a huge shortage of supply, Mehra saw an opportunity to supply organic food from India.

In 2003, Mehra founded Suminter India Organics. The company focused its product lines on non-perishable goods and organic cotton largely because spices, grains, and cotton were Indian specialties, and also because they required less intensive supply-chain management as compared to fresh produce. In order to meet global demand, Suminter integrated international organic certification into its operating model to create a "farm to shelf" fully integrated supply chain.

Though this added a 2–3 year gap between sourcing farms and organic procurement, Mehra eventually persuaded small-scale farmers of the long-term value of organic farming. Working with local NGOs, Suminter ensured consistent crop yields, safe farming practices, and a constant demand for produce. Moreover, the company passed on the benefit of higher organic margins, paying farmers a 10–20% premium over conventional products.[1][2]

Suminter has raised its first round of venture capital funding from Nexus India Capital in 2007.[4]

Suminter India Organics has been part of the Endeavor (non-profit) network since 2009.

Awards

  • In 2009, Suminter won the Sankalp Forum's 2009 High Impact Award for Agricultural & Rural Innovation.[5]

References

  1. 1 2 3 Shashidhar, Ajita (1 July 2009). "Food For Thought at Suminter India Organics". DARE. Retrieved 28 August 2009.
  2. 1 2 3 4 Shashidhar, Ajita (5 September 2009). "Organically Speaking". Business Outlook India. Retrieved 28 August 2009.
  3. ↑ Singh, Khomba; Deepshikha Monga (25 November 2008). "US NGO looking for 'inspirational' entrepreneurs". The Economic Times. Retrieved 23 August 2009.
  4. ↑ "Nexus India invests in Suminter". Financial Express. 14 March 2008. Retrieved 23 August 2009.
  5. ↑ "Intellecap Announces Sankalp 2009 Winners". Intellecap (Press release). 29 April 2009. Retrieved 23 August 2009.
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