It was during 2009, an increasing number of Nepali speaking Bhutanese began resettling in the Quebec Province of Canada. In addition to the cultural and language barrier, the Bhutanese/Nepalese Community started facing a spike in Diabetes due to the high consumption of white rice. Rice - being the main source of carbohydrates for most Asian households - there was no doubt that the type of rice they were consuming was the cause of the spike in diabetes. They did not have the option to choose the quality food products that they had access to in Nepal and rice was one of them. The person who was among the first Bhutanese immigrant to realize this issue and to start an initiative was Saroj Kumar Chettri.

Saroj wanted to provide people with diabetes a healthier and tastier rice option by bringing the quality rice to his people’s food steps. Hence, he went on to become the founder of his own rice brand called the Khukuri Brand – The Pride of Nepali. The Khukuri Rice came in different varieties and qualities – including Khukuri Rice that is more suitable for Diabetic people. Saroj was not only trying to help his community live a healthier life but also let the world know of the authenticity of food and spices from Nepal. Due to the increase in demand for the Khukuri Brand products, adding variation to the brand was the only solution to meet our customer’s needs and satisfaction.

Now, Khukuri Brand provides not only rice but also many different spices, pickles, and other dry food products straight from the foothills of the Himalayan ranges. Ever since the establishment of the Khukuri Brand, it has become one of the best premium brands consumed throughout Canada by different ethnic groups and it is only continuously growing.