Rags to riches success stories are powerful reminders that despite life’s hardships, one can achieve remarkable success with unwavering determination. The inspiring journey of PC Musthafa, CEO of the Rs 3,000 crore company iD Fresh Food, is a prime example.
Musthafa hails from a modest lower-middle-class family in a small village in Kerala’s Wayanad. His father worked as a daily wage laborer, earning a meager Rs 10 per day. Musthafa left school after failing 6th grade and helped his father on the farm. To support their family, he and his siblings took on odd jobs, including selling firewood at the age of 10. This experience instilled in him a strong work ethic and a sense of financial responsibility. With the Rs 150 he earned from selling firewood, he made his first investment.
A compassionate teacher helped Musthafa return to school. Later, he sold a goat to buy a cow for his family. The milk from the cow provided a source of income, helping them sustain themselves. With some savings and investments, he secured admission to the National Institute of Technology (NIT) and earned a degree in computer science. He then worked as an IT professional at Motorola and later at Citibank in Dubai.
Driven by a desire to make a difference, Musthafa returned to India and pursued an MBA from the prestigious Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore. It was during his MBA that he, along with his cousins, embarked on a new venture. In 2005, they established a startup to produce dosa and idli batter, investing a modest Rs 50,000. Their company, iD Fresh Food, delivered ready-to-eat packaged food, a novel concept at the time.
Musthafa’s vision extended beyond just dosa and idli batter. The company diversified its product line, introducing other breakfast staples like idli and dosa batter. This strategic move proved to be a game-changer, propelling the company’s growth. With a focus on quality and a commitment to using natural ingredients, iD Fresh Food’s sales skyrocketed. The company quickly became a household name in the breakfast food industry.
Musthafa believes that what sets his company apart is its commitment to using natural ingredients and avoiding chemical additives. This dedication to quality has resonated with consumers, leading to iD Fresh Food’s phenomenal success. PC Musthafa’s remarkable journey from humble beginnings to becoming a successful entrepreneur is a powerful testament to the transformative power of hard work, perseverance, and a dedication to quality. His story serves as an inspiration to countless others, demonstrating that with grit and a clear vision, even the most challenging circumstances can be overcome.
