PC Musthafa: The Man Who Took South Indian Breakfast Global
There’s something extraordinary about a story that rises from the simplest beginnings to redefine an entire industry. PC Musthafa, often referred to as India’s “Batter King,” has given the world more than just idlis and dosas—he’s offered a slice of perseverance, ingenuity, and heart. From humble beginnings in a small Kerala village to building a 2,000-crore food empire, Musthafa’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience and visionary thinking.
Born into a family of daily wage laborers, PC Musthafa’s early life was marked by financial struggle. Formal education seemed out of reach. Yet even then, he demonstrated the grit and determination that would eventually propel him toward success. With limited means but boundless ambition, he pursued higher studies and landed a prestigious job at Citibank in Dubai. By most accounts, he had “made it.” But PC Musthafa felt a tug—an entrepreneurial itch that wouldn’t go away.
In 2005, that tug led him back to India, where he began reflecting on a curious gap in the marketplace. Though South Indian breakfasts—idlis, dosas, and vadas—were staples in millions of households, there was no widely available, convenient, and reliable batter product on store shelves. Recognizing this opportunity, PC Musthafa and his four cousins pooled a modest ₹50,000 and launched iD Fresh Foods.
The early days were anything but glamorous. Musthafa set up shop in a tiny, 50-square-foot space in Bengaluru and started experimenting with batter production. Their initial batches were small, and selling even 100 packets a day took nearly nine months of relentless effort. Still, PC Musthafa knew he was onto something. His product’s appeal was its authenticity—made with quality ingredients, free of preservatives, and delivered fresh. Slowly but steadily, word spread.
As sales picked up, Musthafa faced another challenge: scaling production. Without investors willing to bet on his “boring” batter business, he resorted to selling a piece of family land in Kerala. The funds allowed him to expand his operations into a slightly larger, 550-square-foot facility. With a single mixer, grinder, and a second-hand TVS scooter for deliveries, PC Musthafa began selling to a growing network of grocery stores. Customers quickly embraced iD’s promise of homemade-like taste and dependable quality. The company went from making 100 packets a day to processing 2,000 kilograms of batter daily.
But Musthafa’s ambitions didn’t stop at idli and dosa batter. He innovated further, introducing products like the “squeeze-your-own-vada” pack, chapatis, Malabar parottas, and even superfoods like ragi batter. This continuous product expansion helped solidify iD Fresh Foods’ reputation as a household name, not just in Bengaluru but in major cities like Mumbai, Hyderabad, and eventually Dubai.
By 2014, iD’s success caught the attention of venture capitalists. Helion Ventures invested ₹35 crore, propelling the brand into its next phase of growth. With the influx of funds, Musthafa launched a major expansion effort, scaling operations to produce 50,000 kilograms of batter, 200,000 parottas, and 40,000 chapatis every single day. By 2015, iD Fresh Foods had crossed ₹100 crore in revenue, a remarkable milestone for a business that started with just ₹50,000 and a dream.
The trust PC Musthafa built—among customers, partners, and investors—was evident when Azim Premji’s Premji Invest contributed ₹170 crore to the company in 2017. This funding allowed Musthafa to double down on quality, innovation, and infrastructure. iD opened an impressive 80,000-square-foot factory in Bengaluru, further cementing its dominance in the ready-to-cook segment. More importantly, the business maintained its core values: natural ingredients, no artificial preservatives, and a steadfast commitment to authenticity.
Today, iD Fresh Foods operates six mega factories and employs over 800 people, many from rural communities in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. It processes 250,000 kilograms of batter and 52,000 parottas daily. The company’s reach spans beyond India’s borders, taking the comfort and simplicity of South Indian breakfasts to international tables.
Musthafa’s story is more than just a tale of business success. It’s an inspiring narrative about determination, resourcefulness, and staying true to one’s roots. His journey from a daily laborer’s son to the founder of a ₹2,000-crore food company underscores the transformative power of persistence. PC Musthafa didn’t just build a company; he changed how people experience convenience without compromising on tradition and quality.
Indeed, PC Musthafa has earned his title as the “Batter King of India.” But more than that, he’s a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs who dare to dream big and persevere through challenges. His journey continues to inspire, showing that no dream is too humble, no beginning too small, and no goal too ambitious.
