ABOUT RUMI
We're a team of US military veterans sourcing the world's most valuable spice - Afghan Saffron
MISSION STATEMENT
Our company partners with Afghan farmers to bring top-quality, sustainably farmed saffron to customers around the world. Started by a team of US military veterans, Rumi sources saffron from local Afghan farms and employs more than 1900 women in Herat, Afghanistan to hand-harvest the delicate crimson stigmas of the flowers. Committed to empowering Afghan women and bolstering the country’s economy, Rumi reinvests back into agricultural and manufacturing infrastructure. We are laying a foundation for peace, one saffron flower at a time.
CONNECTING AFGHANISTAN
Rumi began with a mission to cultivate peace in Afghanistan. We believe that creating demand for Afghan agricultural products will catalyze rural economic development. Over 80% of the Afghan population is reliant on the rural agricultural economy. The success of the saffron industry not only helps farmers and the women providing direct labor it touches every member of the village. In our second year, we have seen output from our existing partners double and triple, while new farmers have asked to join our network. Connecting Afghan farmers with the global market is key to unlocking the economic potential of Afghanistan.
OUR COLLECTIVE EXPERIENCE
Rumi’s founding team consists of military veterans who all served in Afghanistan with the US Army. We have developed strong Afghan networks and on-the-ground understanding of how business is conducted. With our prior networks and in-country expertise, we have built the critical relationships, partnerships, and organizational infrastructure necessary to operate within and out of Afghanistan. Our competitive advantage is our ability to navigate the Afghan business landscape, which is built on trusted relationships.
