Nearly two decades later, that vision has blossomed into Nabil Group, a billion-dollar agro-industrial powerhouse setting new benchmarks in quality, innovation, and scale across the nation’s food and agriculture sectors.

A vision rooted in excellence

The story of Nabil Group began with a simple but powerful idea – to transform Bangladesh’s agriculture and food industries through excellence, innovation, and fairness. From the very beginning, the goal was not merely to trade commodities but to build a fair and sustainable ecosystem – one that empowers farmers while ensuring consumers receive high-quality products at the right price.

“Our mission has always been to make agriculture sustainable, modern, and profitable,” said Kbd Md Aminul Islam, managing director and CEO of Nabil Group. “True national progress begins in the fields – by empowering farmers and building industries around what they produce,” he told Daily Sun in an interview.

The company’s journey took off with the import of maize to meet rising domestic demand. What began as a single-product venture soon evolved into a diversified agricultural enterprise – one that now spans multiple sectors and continues to redefine Bangladesh’s agro-industrial landscape.

Laying industrial foundation

Shimul Enterprise laid the groundwork for what would become one of Bangladesh’s most dynamic agro-industrial groups. The early years provided invaluable lessons in supply chain efficiency, import operations, and consumer trust – insights that shaped Nabil Group’s large-scale industrial expansion.

Building on its early success in agri-trade, Nabil Group began investing in manufacturing and infrastructure. The company established auto rice and flour mills, feed mills, dall mills, cold storage facilities, and its own logistics division — Nabil Transport — to streamline nationwide distribution.

Today, Nabil sources key commodities such as wheat, maize, rice, lentils, pulses, chickpeas, soybean seeds, sugar, mustard seeds, and palm oil from trusted suppliers across Ukraine, Russia, Australia, the United States, Canada, Brazil, Romania, Argentina, Bulgaria and India. This global sourcing network ensures a seamless, reliable, and transparent supply chain – from farm to table – strengthening Bangladesh’s food security and industrial self-reliance.

Rapid growth and expansion

Nabil Group’s rapid rise has been powered by a steadfast commitment to quality, innovation, and market responsiveness. Supported by a workforce of around 20,000 employees and a strong nationwide dealer and distributor network, the Group has emerged as one of Bangladesh’s leading importers and producers of food and agricultural commodities.

In Fiscal Year 2023–24, Nabil’s total imports reached approximately USD 1.21 billion, placing the company among the nation’s elite billion-dollar enterprises. This financial strength allows continuous reinvestment in operations, innovation, and sustainable long-term growth.

Operational Capacity

Nabil Group’s operations span multiple key sectors, reflecting its diverse and robust production base. The company’s scale of output showcases its growing industrial capability and national importance.

Flour leads the portfolio with a daily capacity of 3,400 metric tons, followed by feed at 2,400 metric tons per day. Rice output stands at 2,306 metric tons daily, while pulses reach 2,286 metric tons. In addition, the Group produces 40 metric tons of edible oil per day, serving Bangladesh’s growing consumer market.

To support its vast operations, Nabil maintains a state-of-the-art cold storage facility with a seasonal capacity of 26,000 metric tons, ensuring efficient preservation and a seamless supply chain throughout the year.

Together, these numbers underline Nabil Group’s industrial depth, operational excellence, and strategic agility – positioning it as a key driver in Bangladesh’s evolving food and agriculture landscape.

Brands That Reflect a Philosophy

Nabil Group’s three distinct brands capture the essence of its business philosophy. Nabil stands for reliability and everyday trust, delivering essential food staples to millions of households. Naba embodies innovation and progress, representing the Group’s forward-thinking approach. Foodela, its premium consumer brand, combines taste and nutrition for the country’s growing urban population.

Among its flagship products, Nabil Chinigura Rice has earned global recognition. Known for its aroma, uniform grain size, and authentic flavor, it is produced using advanced milling technology that meets international standards. From paddy collection to packaging, every stage is closely monitored – making it a symbol of Bangladeshi quality and pride.

Commitment to Quality and People

Nabil Group operates under the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System and other globally recognised standards. Every process – from procurement to production, storage, and distribution – follows rigorous quality checks, ensuring consistency, integrity, and trust.

At the heart of this success lies its people. The company invests heavily in training, mentorship, and leadership development, promoting a culture of collaboration, transparency, and innovation.

Employees are encouraged to think strategically, take initiative, and grow into future leaders. “Our people are our greatest strength,” Aminul Islam said. “Every milestone we achieve reflects their commitment, creativity, and resilience.”

The road ahead

Anchored in its founding vision, Nabil Group continues to expand its footprint – integrating sustainability, technology, and innovation into every aspect of agri-industrial development.

With its diversified operations, strong financial base, and growing consumer trust, the company is well positioned to shape the future of Bangladesh’s food and agriculture sectors – where local excellence meets global standards.

From the fields of Rajshahi to the global marketplace, Nabil’s journey stands as a testament to vision, innovation, and the relentless spirit of growth.