Legacy of Sopariwala

Legacy

Sopariwala India LLP began its journey in 1927 with a humble shop in Jacob Circle, Mumbai, driven by a singular vision—to become a leading tobacco manufacturer in the global tobacco industry. Over the past 97 years, we’ve built a legacy grounded in trust, integrity, and enduring relationships with our customers, employees, and farming partners. Today, our footprint spans Asia, the Gulf, Europe, and the Americas. From premium leaf tobacco and quality tobacco products to innovative cigarettes and non-tobacco offerings, our portfolio reflects excellence. As we grow, our unwavering commitment to sustainability and social responsibility continues to shape a positive global impact.

1927

Where the Journey Began

In the vibrant heart of Jacob Circle, Mumbai, 1927 marked the inception of a legacy rooted in dedication, quality, and trust. What began as a modest shop quickly became a cornerstone of the community, driven by a vision to redefine excellence in tobacco. This humble origin laid the foundation for a remarkable journey, shaped by resilience, innovation, and the unwavering commitment of its founders.

1930’s

From Betel Nuts to
Loose Leaves

As the 1930s unfolded, Sopariwala embraced change with foresight and agility. Responding to evolving market needs, we transitioned from trading traditional betel nuts to offering premium loose tobacco leaves. This pivotal shift not only broadened our product scope but also laid the foundation for a future defined by innovation, adaptability, and industry leadership.

1950’s

Expanding the Range of
Tobacco Grades

The early 1950s marked a defining chapter in our evolution. We expanded our portfolio to include a diverse range of tobacco grades, thoughtfully curated to meet the growing preferences of a dynamic customer base. This milestone wasn’t merely about variety, it was a commitment to depth, quality, and personalization, ensuring every client discovered the ideal blend to suit their needs.

1960’s

Back Office and
Leadership Transition

By 1960, we laid the groundwork for operational excellence by establishing a dedicated back office within our shop—streamlining workflows and strengthening client engagement. The mid-1960s ushered in a transformative leadership transition, as Dr. Abdul Kader Fazlani and his elder brother Abdul Gaffar Fazlani took the helm. With a fresh vision and entrepreneurial spirit, they infused the company with renewed momentum, seamlessly blending tradition with innovation.

1970’s

Factory Establishment
and Export Ventures

The 1970s marked a pivotal chapter in our evolution, as Sopariwala entered the global stage with its first export to Oman—laying the cornerstone for a thriving international presence. This decade witnessed the establishment of our first factory in GIDC, Gujarat, and the initiation of tobacco farming, securing a consistent supply of premium raw materials. As our operations scaled, we transitioned from our modest shop to a prominent office in the Nirmal Building, Nariman Point—symbolizing our growth from a local business to a global enterprise.

1980’s-1990’s

Expansion and Diversification

The 1980s and early 1990s marked a dynamic era of growth and innovation for Sopariwala. We expanded our presence across the GCC countries, launched our iconic product Afzal Pandarpuri, and broadened our portfolio to include beedies and smokeless tobacco. This period also witnessed strategic factory expansions that significantly boosted our production capacity and operational efficiency, solidifying our position as a versatile leader in the tobacco industry.

1990’s

First Automatic Filling/Packing Line

As the new millennium approached, Sopariwala embraced innovation with the installation of its first automatic filling and packing line. This pivotal upgrade marked a major shift toward modernization, dramatically enhancing operational efficiency and elevating our production standards, ushering in a new era of precision, scale, and speed.

2000’s

Quality Improvement and
Global Expansion

In the early 2000s, we introduced advanced redrying processes, significantly enhancing product quality, shelf-life, and consistency. By 2005, our product portfolio expanded, reflecting a deep understanding of shifting consumer preferences. In 2007, our global journey accelerated as we entered African markets, marking a bold step forward in our mission to serve diverse international markets with excellence.

2010

Unprecedented Growth and Recognition

Since 2010, Sopariwala India LLP has experienced remarkable growth, firmly establishing itself as a leader in the global tobacco industry. Our cutting-edge facilities have elevated production efficiency and quality control, while our presence in high-profile markets, such as Dubai Duty Free, has solidified our reputation worldwide.

Driven by innovation, we’ve introduced a diverse range of new products tailored for international preferences. Our participation in renowned global trade shows underscores our commitment to excellence and has earned us widespread industry acclaim. A defining milestone was securing the prestigious grandfather approval in the United States for two of our tobacco products, affirming our dedication to global compliance and superior quality. Accolades for product excellence, sustainability, and customer satisfaction continue to reinforce our standing as a benchmark in the industry.

Crowning this success, we were conferred the distinguished Three Star Export House status by the Government of India—a testament to our consistent performance, export excellence, and unwavering pursuit of quality on the world stage.

We look forward to serve the best to our clients and consider their Suggestions & Convenience as the prime focus in bringing the required changes, maintaining a pace to be a step ahead of the time!