Some say the American Dream is dead and belongs to a bygone era. Others hold firm to the belief that Americans and immigrants from all over the world can create a prosperous life for themselves regardless of the circumstances they come from. Spicy Organic LLC, a spice and herb company with roots in India, is a prime example of how a family who owned a spice shop in Lisora India, moved to Texas and took hold of the American dream, becoming the largest wholesale distributor of organic spices in North America.
We can trace the origins of the American dream to the Declaration of Independence, which states that “all men are created equal” and have the right to “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” Although there is no agreed-on definition, the idea of the American Dream typically represents a set of values such as equality, democratic rights, social mobility regardless of socioeconomic status at birth, and the belief that with hard work, integrity, and dedication people can make their dreams a reality. There is the belief that every individual has the right to seek happiness and create a better life for themselves and their family. This idea has allowed many Americans born in less-than-ideal conditions and immigrants from all over the world to shape out a better life for themselves.
From a Small Shop in an Indian Town to a Global Operation
In 1980, Sunil Kumar and his family opened a small spice shop in Lisora, Uttar Pradesh, India to provide their local community with the highest quality herbs and spices available in the region. With their unwavering commitment to quality, they managed to build a loyal clientele. As their reputation grew and their business flourished, they made the decision to expand their company and seek opportunities in the United States. They emigrated from India to the USA and made their new home in McKinney Texas.
With a large South Asian population in the United States that was increasing by the day, the market was ripe for Spicy Organic to establish its presence in the United States. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the USA has tripled their spice consumption since 1966. Most production in the USA is focused on corn, grains, and soy. As a result, the majority of spices are imported. Some spices require more tropical climates and do not thrive as well in the United States. In addition, demographic shifts, population growth, and changes in the American palate have all increased the demand for spices.
After relocating to Texas, the Kumar family found it a challenge to run a business between two continents. They found it necessary to move back and forth several times to ensure the quality of their products and build ties with suppliers. Finding suitable farmers and farmers whose products met the standards required by Spicy Organic was a daunting task, and took much time and patience. Over the years, the Kumar family managed to build relationships with thousands of farms that now provide Spicy Organic LLC with a diverse line of organic products.
Organic Certification
Spicy Organic LLC believes in honesty and transparency in its relationships with growers, farmers, and customers. They understand customers seek products that are free of harmful additives and fillers, and carefully source farmers who consistently produce organic herbs and spices that meet their high standards. They only work with suppliers they know and trust and would never sell a product they would not give to their own family.
As Spicy Organic grew into a large-scale international company, the family maintained their uncompromising mission to provide products that are free of pesticides, herbicides, and genetically modified organisms. They are committed to keeping additives and fillers out of their products and decided to apply for USDA organic certification. Organic products in the United States are grown without genetically modified organisms and harmful pesticides and herbicides that can leave residue on the crops. Spicy Organic underwent the rigorous review process and acquired the USDA organic label for their products.
This process includes a thorough review by a USDA agent and an inspection that is repeated on an annual basis. Federal guidelines for organic crops address soil quality, methods of pest and weed control, and the use of herbicides and insecticides. In addition, for crops to be deemed organic they must be harvested on soil that has been free of prohibited synthetic fertilizers and pesticides for the past three years. There is a limited number of approved synthetic products that organic farms are allowed to use on their crops.
Spicy Organic believes organic products deliver greater health benefits. Studies show that organic products contain higher amounts of flavonoids, which contain antioxidants that benefit the human body. Sunil Kumar and his team carefully curate new products to add to their collection, vetting each grower and farmer to ensure quality. In addition to the spices and herbs, they are most known for, Spicy Organic also sells teas and essential oils. Their products can be used for cooking as well as Ayurvedic remedies and aromatherapy. Many of their products such aloe vera powder, amla powder, and Ashwagandha contain powerful healing properties. Spices used in traditional Indian cooking such as coriander, cloves, and turmeric have naturally occurring antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Family Values on a Global Scale
Although Spicy Organic has grown into a global company, they remain true to the core family values that initially brought them the loyal customer base they built in their small shop in India. From a small Indian town to an international operation, they put people above profits, and dedicate themselves to quality and integrity.
A farming family that decided to open a small spice shop in Lisora India to serve their local community and is now at the forefront of the spice market in the United States took hold of the American dream and made it a reality. Their combination of hard work, honesty, and dedication to the quality of their products resulted in their 40-year legacy of success.