Chaman Lal Setia Exports Ltd. (CLSE), headquartered in Amritsar, India, is one of the country’s most reputable basmati rice processors and exporters, known globally through its flagship brand Maharani Rice. Established in 1974 and publicly listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), CLSE combines heritage with innovation to serve over 80 countries worldwide with premium rice products.
Core Business and Product Offerings
CLSE’s primary business revolves around the milling, processing, and international distribution of premium quality Indian rice. Their comprehensive product portfolio includes:
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Basmati Rice:
- 1121 Basmati Rice (steam, sella, raw)
- Pusa Basmati Rice
- Traditional Basmati Rice
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Non-Basmati Rice:
- Sharbati Rice
- Sugandha Rice
- IR 64 Parboiled Rice
-
Specialty Rice:
- Maharani Diabetic Rice
- Maharani Brown Basmati Rice
- Maharani Organic Basmati Rice
These products are available in varied packaging formats under globally recognized brands such as Maharani, Begum, Mithas, and Green World.
Specialization and Unique Selling Proposition
Chaman Lal Setia Exports Ltd. is renowned for:
- Aged Basmati Rice Expertise: Their unique aging process (12-24 months) enhances aroma and elongation.
- Advanced Milling Infrastructure: In-house modern mills with Buhler processing lines ensure minimal breakage and top-tier grain consistency.
- Global Certifications: Products meet international quality benchmarks including ISO 22000:2005, HACCP, FSSAI, USFDA, and BRC compliance.
- Innovative Offerings: Diabetic-friendly and organic rice ranges for health-conscious markets.
Manufacturing and Infrastructure
CLSE operates two high-capacity milling facilities:
- Amritsar, Punjab – Corporate headquarters and primary packaging unit
- Karnal, Haryana – Main production and milling facility spread across 30 acres
Key facility capabilities include:
- Milling capacity: Over 30 metric tons/hour
- Warehousing: 200,000+ sq. ft. with climate-controlled grain silos
- Packaging lines: Fully automated systems with nitrogen flushing and vacuum packaging options
Financial Performance
As a listed public company, CLSE’s financial data is transparently available:
- Revenue (FY 2022-23): ₹1,222 crore (~USD 150 million)
- Net Profit: ₹86 crore (~USD 10.5 million)
- Export Share: Over 75% of total revenue from global markets
The company has exhibited consistent revenue growth over the past decade with a focus on high-margin retail exports.
Export Performance and Global Reach
CLSE is one of India’s leading rice exporters:
- Export Volume (2022-23): Over 200,000 MT of rice shipped globally
- Key Markets: USA, Canada, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UK, Australia, Germany, Iran
- Export Certifications: USFDA, BRC, Kosher, Halal
According to Volza and ImportYeti, the company has completed over 4,500 international shipments in the last five years.
Target Market
CLSE serves:
- Large ethnic grocery retail chains
- Private-label clients in North America, Middle East, and Europe
- Institutional buyers (hotels, caterers, foodservice)
- Direct-to-consumer through e-commerce platforms in India and abroad
They have also expanded into FMCG with growing presence in Indian supermarkets via Maharani brand SKUs.
Certifications and Quality Assurance
Chaman Lal Setia Exports Ltd. holds several quality and food safety certifications:
- ISO 22000:2005
- HACCP
- BRC Global Standards
- FSSAI (India)
- USFDA (USA)
- Kosher and Halal Certified
All products undergo rigorous multi-stage testing—from raw paddy to final packaging—to ensure maximum purity, grain length, taste, and safety.
Leadership and Management
The company is led by Mr. Vijay Kumar Setia, a prominent figure in the rice industry and former President of the All India Rice Exporters Association (AIREA). The leadership team includes professionals with deep expertise in international trade, food technology, and agro-processing.
Digital & Media Presence
CLSE engages customers through:
- Official website: Detailed product showcase and export credentials
- LinkedIn: B2B engagement and trade updates
- Videos: Corporate films and rice processing visuals available via company site
They also regularly participate in major global trade fairs such as Gulfood Dubai, ANUGA Germany, and SIAL Paris.
Summary
Chaman Lal Setia Exports Ltd. is a global ambassador of Indian Basmati rice, built on strong foundations of quality, tradition, and customer trust. With robust infrastructure, diversified product lines, and proven export performance, CLSE continues to lead India’s premium rice exports with unwavering commitment to excellence.