SANA JAVERI KADRI

FOUNDER, DIASPORA CO

Sana is daring to re-imagine the modern spice trade. Through Diaspora Co, she has built a new supply-chain model for direct-trade spices that is more equitable, sustainable and delicious. 

Moving to California from Mumbai, it didn’t take Sana long to realise the poor quality of US spices. A little more digging revealed that indigenous spice farmers were also earning as little as 1% from sales. So with no plans and a one-way ticket in hand, Sana headed back to India on a self-initiated research trip that would end up lasting 7 months. The next year, aged 23, she launched Diaspora Co’s first spice: ethically sourced turmeric. Diaspora Co now sells 30 spices, via a sustainable supply chain that pays a fair price, only sources from a single origin and supports farmer labourers with living wages and healthcare. 

After several years spent bootstrapping the business, Sana has expanded her team and is now paying herself a salary. She is also a Forbes 30 Under 30 face and has been named by 50 Next as one of the people shaping the future of gastronomy.