This is the incredible journey of Lijjat Papad, a company that began with a mission to empower women and has since become a leading FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods) enterprise. The success story of Lijjat Papad serves as a powerful testament to the potential of determination, unity, and women’s empowerment.Start Year: Its origin story traces back to 1959 when seven women in Mumbai embarked on this venture with a noble goal: to create employment opportunities for women. These visionary women were Jaswantiben Jamnadas Popat, Parvatiben Ramdas Thodani, Ujamben Narandas Kundalia, Bhanuben N. Tanna, Laguben Amritlal Gokani, Jayaben V. Vithalani, and Diwaliben Lukka.These seven determined Gujarati women joinly established a brand that is now cherished by people not only in India but across the globe. The product in question – Lijjat Papad – a crispy accompaniment to Indian meals and a popular snack.
Co-Operative Society Business Structure: Lijjat Papad, formally known as Shri Mahila Griha Udyog Lijjat Papad, is headquartered in India and specializes in manufacturing a diverse range of consumer products. Lijjat Papad operates as the Mahila Griha Udyog Lijjat Papad, a women’s worker cooperative. This unique cooperative model empowers women by providing them with employment and ownership opportunities, a pivotal step towards financial independence.Current Status: With a meagre initial capital of just Rs 80, the company achieved an astonishing annual revenue of over Rs. 2000 crore annualy, according to media reports. In 1968, Lijjat established its first branch outside of Maharashtra in Valod, Gujarat. Encouraged by the success of their papads, the company diversified into producing items such as khakhra, masala papad, vadi, wheat atta, and bakery goods. Additional divisions, including printing and polypropylene packaging, were set up in 1977 and 1978, respectively. Flour mills were also introduced in the 1970s. While some ventures, like incense sticks (agarbattis) and cottage leather, faced challenges, their papads maintained consistent quality. An astounding 45,000 women across India produced 4.8 billion papads with consistent flavours.
Going Global : Today, the Lijjat Papad Company operates 82 branches across 17 states in India. They export their products to more than 25 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, countries in the Middle East, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, the Netherlands, Japan, Canada, Australia, and South Africa, among others.
Women’s Empowerment: Lijjat’s growth is not just a business success story but also a testament to women’s empowerment. The organization has taken various initiatives to encourage its member sisters and their families to pursue education, including computer literacy. On June 18, 1999, literacy courses were launched at Girgaum as part of their ongoing efforts.
Padma Shree Award : In a significant recognition of their contribution, Jaswantiben Popat, one of the co-founders, was honored with the prestigious Padma Shri award in 2021, one of India’s highest civilian honors. This recognition underscores the profound impact Lijjat Papad has had on women’s empowerment and the manufacturing sector.
A Legacy of EmpowermentLijjat has not only stood the test of time but has also continued to be a symbol of empowerment for women. It remains one of India’s most popular and bestselling papad brands, a legacy crafted by extraordinary women who dared to dream and achieve greatness.
