Biography of Som Prakash Goenka and Surendra Kumar Gupta, Founders of Goldiee Masale

In the bustling city of Kanpur, 1980 marked the beginning of a flavorful journey when two visionary friends, Goenka and Gupta, joined hands to create Shubham Goldiee Masale (P) Ltd. United by a shared passion for authentic Indian cuisine, they dreamed of bringing the vibrant, soul-warming flavors of India’s spices to every household. What started as a modest venture soon became a labor of love, blending tradition with innovation to craft premium-quality spices and masala blends that captured the essence of Indian kitchens.

With little more than determination and a deep respect for India’s culinary heritage, Goenka and Gupta built their business from the ground up. They forged strong relationships with local spice cultivators, handpicking the finest raw materials to ensure every pinch of their product carried unparalleled aroma and flavor. Their commitment to quality was unwavering—modern stainless steel machinery, fitted with magnets and metal detectors, guaranteed purity, while a cutting-edge laboratory became the heart of their rigorous testing process.

Goenka, with his keen eye for detail, and Gupta, with his knack for innovation, complemented each other perfectly. They weren’t just business partners; they were storytellers, weaving the rich tapestry of India’s spice traditions into every blend. From the fiery kick of their red chili powder to the warm, fragrant embrace of their garam masala, each product was a testament to their dedication to authenticity and excellence. Their philosophy was simple yet profound: quality spices could transform a meal into a memory.

As Shubham Goldiee Masale grew, so did its reputation. The duo’s tireless pursuit of perfection turned their small Kanpur setup into a household name, earning the trust of families across India. For Goenka and Gupta, it was never just about spices—it was about preserving the heart of Indian culture, one flavorful dish at a time.

The founder of Goldiee Masale, commonly referred to as “Goldi Masale,” is associated with Som Prakash Goenka and Surendra Kumar Gupta, two entrepreneurs from Kanpur, India, who established the company in 1980.

Biography of Som Prakash Goenka and Surendra Kumar Gupta, Founders of Goldiee Masale

Early Life and Background
Som Prakash Goenka and Surendra Kumar Gupta, both hailing from Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, shared a long-standing friendship of over 55 years, which laid the foundation for their business partnership. Little is known about their early personal lives or education from the available sources, but their entrepreneurial journey reflects a deep commitment to hard work, vision, and collaboration. Their story is one of transforming a small-scale venture into a nationally recognized brand through dedication and strategic business decisions.

Founding of Goldiee Masale
In 1980, Goenka and Gupta co-founded Shubham Goldiee Masale (P) Ltd. in Kanpur, with the aim of producing high-quality Indian spices and masala blends. Their goal was to bring authentic Indian flavors to households across the country. Starting with a modest setup, they focused on creating aromatic, flavorful, and premium-quality spices, leveraging a strong network of spice cultivators and distributors. Their business philosophy emphasized quality control, with modern stainless steel machinery equipped with magnets and metal detectors to ensure product purity, and a state-of-the-art laboratory for rigorous testing.

Growth and Expansion
Under the leadership of Goenka and Gupta, Goldiee Masale grew rapidly, becoming one of India’s largest producers of spices and food products. By the early 2000s, the company had achieved a turnover of ₹60 crore and established a strong presence in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The brand expanded its product portfolio beyond spices to include pickles, noodles, pasta, sauces, tea, gulab jamun mix, curry pastes, ready-to-cook spice mixes, and pooja kits. This diversification helped Goldiee stay competitive and relevant, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic, when products like OneOne noodles and Red Gold tea saw significant demand.

The company’s success was also driven by its robust distribution network, with over 1,500 distributors and 500,000 retailers across India, ensuring a pan-India presence. Goldiee Masale’s commitment to quality earned it certifications from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and recognition from the Government of India. The use of advanced ERP solutions further streamlined its supply chain, ensuring timely deliveries.

Second-Generation Leadership
In 2002, Akash Goenka, son of Som Prakash Goenka, joined the family business after completing an MBA from Cardiff Business School and working briefly at British Gas in London. Alongside Sudeep Goenka and Shubham Gupta, the second generation of directors helped transform Goldiee Masale into a more professional and diversified entity. They expanded the brand into new markets and introduced innovative products, strengthening its position in the competitive Indian spices market.

Challenges
Despite its success, Goldiee Masale faced challenges, notably in 2024, when some of its products, including garam masala, chicken masala, and vegetable masala, failed quality tests conducted by the Uttar Pradesh Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA). This led to a temporary ban on the sale of certain products, highlighting the importance of maintaining consistent quality in a highly competitive and regulated industry.

Legacy and Impact
Som Prakash Goenka and Surendra Kumar Gupta’s vision and hard work turned Goldiee Masale into a household name, particularly in North and Central India, where it enjoys a strong market presence. The brand’s endorsement by Bollywood actor Salman Khan further boosted its visibility. Their success story, as highlighted by Forbes India, underscores the growing acceptance of branded spices in India, a market where 85% of spices remain unorganized. Their diversified product range and focus on quality have positioned Goldiee as a market leader, with a production capacity of over 60,000 kilograms of spices daily.

The company, headquartered at Goldiee House, 194-B Industrial Area, Dada Nagar, Kanpur, continues to thrive under the leadership of its founders and their successors. Goenka and Gupta’s 40-year business journey, built on a foundation of friendship and trust, serves as an inspiring example of entrepreneurial success in India’s food industry.

Personal Philosophy
While specific details about their personal lives are scarce, Goenka and Gupta’s business approach reflects a focus on discipline and cash-based transactions, avoiding credit to maintain financial stability. Their ability to balance tradition with innovation has been key to Goldiee’s sustained growth.

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