Rumi Spice – Business Profile & Contact Details

Company Overview:
Rumi Spice is a Chicago-based, veteran-founded B Corporation specializing in premium, ethically sourced Afghan saffron and other spices. Established in 2014 by U.S. military veterans—including CEO and co-founder Keith Alaniz, Emily Miller, and Kimberly Jung—the company’s mission is to create sustainable economic opportunities in Afghanistan, empower Afghan women, and introduce world-class spices to a global market. Rumi Spice is a leader in social enterprise, working with over 450 Afghan farmers and employing thousands of women, and is the largest private sector employer of women in Afghanistan.

Key Contact (Principal):

• Keith Alaniz – CEO & Co-founder

Public Contact:

• Website: www.rumispice.com
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/rumi-spice

Professional Achievements & Industry Contributions:

• Raised $2.5 million Series A funding led by InFrontier and received investment from SLoFIG.
• Secured national distribution with Whole Foods, Blue Apron, and partnerships with Michelin-starred restaurants.
• Appeared on Shark Tank, successfully securing funding from Mark Cuban.
• Recognized as a “Best For The World” B Corp and acclaimed by Forbes, FoodNavigator-USA, and other major media.
• Generated over $3 million in direct economic impact for Afghanistan.
• Expanded product offerings to include multiple premium spice blends and direct-to-consumer retail, foodservice, and corporate gifting.
• Committed to supporting up to 100,000 sustainable livelihoods in Afghanistan by 2028.

Notable Projects & Partnerships:

• Chobani Incubator alumni.
• Collaborations with Thistlerock Mead Company, Blue Apron, and retail partners nationwide.
• Empowered Afghan women by providing hand-harvesting jobs and fair wages, directly addressing gender equity.
• Expanded market access for Afghan farmers, helping quadruple income for some and promoting crop alternatives to opium poppy.

Long-Tail Marketing Approach to Investors:

• Highlight Rumi Spice’s unrivaled value: direct impact investment, ethical sourcing, and social enterprise success.
• Promote alignment with ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance)-focused investors and those seeking mission-driven international impact.
• Emphasize verifiable outcomes—livelihoods supported, economic development, gender empowerment, and global industry recognition.
• Suggest targeted campaigns through impact investor networks, conscious consumer events, and specialty food industry expos.

Industry Impact and Economic Contribution:

• In Texas alone, more than 24,400 veteran-owned businesses generated over $1.18 billion in annual revenue in 2024, doubling in number in just two years. These firms contribute not just to state tax revenues, but also to job creation and community development.
  
• Across the U.S., veteran-owned businesses excel in diverse industries—professional services, construction, technology, and more—employing millions and fueling economic growth.