Speakers

Hemen Ruparel is an esteemed business leader with over 30 years of expertise in the global spices market, serving as the CEO of Samex India Pvt. Ltd. He is a postgraduate from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Lucknow, specializing in Marketing with a focus on International Marketing. This educational background has endowed him with exceptional insights, shaping his strategic approach to brand building in the spice industry. In 2008, Hemen launched the brand Emperor Akbar Green Cardamoms, which has since set a benchmark for quality in the industry. Under his leadership, this brand achieved the status of India’s top exporter of Green Cardamoms by 2018, a testament to his effective brand promotion strategies and commitment to excellence. Facing financial constraints in the early stages, Hemen’s turning point came in 2013 when he received a Brand Promotion Loan from the Spices Board. This funding was crucial in transforming Emperor Akbar from a small-scale operation into a dominant player on the international stage. His strategic use of limited resources exemplifies his capability to de-commoditize a basic commodity, elevating it to a premium brand recognized worldwide. Hemen's leadership is characterized by his ability to foresee market trends and his unwavering dedication to quality. His efforts have not only enhanced the value of Emperor Akbar Green Cardamoms but also demonstrated the potential of strategic brand positioning in converting traditional commodities into valued assets. Today, Hemen continues to inspire his team with a clear vision for the future, steering Samex India Pvt. Ltd. through the evolving landscapes of global markets. His career is a compelling narrative of how innovative leadership and a strategic approach can turn challenges into opportunities for growth and success.