PC Musthafa: A Journey from Poverty to a ₹3,000 Crore Empire

P C Mustafa – CEO & Co-founder iD Fresh Food

Early Struggles and Family Support

PC Musthafa, the CEO of iD Fresh Foods, emerged from humble beginnings in a remote Kerala village. His father, a daily wage worker earning a meager ₹10 per day, faced financial hardships. Musthafa and his siblings contributed by doing odd jobs, such as selling firewood.

First Asset: A Symbol of Progress

Saving diligently, Musthafa invested his earnings in a goat, which became the family’s “first asset.” Eventually, he upgraded to a cow, providing additional income and ensuring the family could afford three meals a day.

Education and Career Path

Despite financial constraints, Musthafa’s determination led him to the National Institute of Technology (NIT), where he pursued engineering. He later ventured into IT jobs, accumulating experience that would shape his entrepreneurial journey.

Entrepreneurial Venture: iD Fresh Foods

In 2006, Musthafa founded iD Fresh Foods, initially a cloud kitchen supplying ready-to-eat packaged food. Recognizing the potential, he introduced idli and dosa batter, transforming the company’s trajectory.

Challenges in Packaged Food Market

Addressing skepticism towards packaged food in India, Musthafa faced initial challenges. “We were surprised, no one was willing to buy a package of batter,” he recalled. Initially, 90 out of 100 packets sent to the market were returned.

Overcoming Setbacks: The Fresh Food Challenge

Navigating the intricacies of running a fresh food business without chemicals and preservatives proved challenging. Musthafa acknowledged the difficulty but emphasized the importance of maintaining freshness and quality.

Success Amidst Initial Skepticism

Despite the hurdles, iD Fresh Foods gained traction and became a household name. Musthafa highlighted the company’s commitment to delivering fresh, chemical-free products as a key differentiator.

The Entrepreneur’s Vision for the Future

Musthafa expressed optimism about creating one of the world’s largest fresh food businesses. He encouraged a proactive approach, noting that everyone has the potential to achieve wonders but often waits for the future.

From Poverty to Prosperity: A Remarkable Journey

PC Musthafa’s inspiring journey from a family struggling with daily sustenance to leading a ₹3,000 crore empire reflects resilience, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit. iD Fresh Foods stands not just as a business success but as a testament to overcoming adversity and achieving remarkable growth.