For decades, Indian spice manufacturers MDH and Everest have been household names, gracing kitchens worldwide with their essential ingredients for a variety of dishes, from chicken and fish curries to vegetable preparations. However, a recent Hong Kong sales ban on certain products from these brands due to the discovery of a cancer-causing pesticide has sparked widespread scrutiny, drawing attention from countries including the United States, the Maldives, India, and Australia. Both companies maintain the safety of their products amid these allegations.
Here’s a closer look at the two renowned Indian spice brands:
MDH (Mahashian Di Hatti)
- Founded in 1919 and headquartered in New Delhi, MDH is a family-owned business that gained immense popularity through its advertisements and packaging featuring its founder, Dharampal Gulati, often referred to as India’s “Spice King.” Gulati, recognized for his distinctive handlebar mustache and turban, passed away in 2020.
- MDH boasts a range of 62 products, including ground spices and spice blends developed through extensive research over the decades.
- With five factories, MDH products are distributed in India and various international markets such as Australia, the United States, Europe, Canada, and the United Kingdom through a vast network of over 400,000 retail dealers.
- The company reported revenue of $260 million for the fiscal year 2022-2023.
Everest Food Products
- Established in 1967 by founder Vadilal Bhai Shah, Everest began with just three products in a small 200-square-foot spice shop.
- Today, Everest offers a diverse portfolio of 52 products and enjoys a global presence in approximately 80 countries across North America, Europe, the Middle East, the Asia Pacific, and Africa.
- The brand boasts an impressive consumer base, with around 20 million households using Everest products daily. Its products achieve an annual sales volume of 3.7 billion packs, and approximately 620,000 outlets distribute Everest products in 1,000 small towns and cities across India.
- Renowned Bollywood stars Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan serve as brand ambassadors for Everest, appearing in numerous television commercials to endorse its products, particularly those used in preparing the beloved rice dish, biryani.
- Everest reported net sales of $365 million for the fiscal year 2022-2023.
Despite the recent controversies, both MDH and Everest remain iconic names in the spice industry, known for their quality products and widespread consumer trust.
