From the Shores of Thoothukudi, to Your Table

INDIA'S LARGEST DRY FISH BRAND

A Heritage Rooted in the Sea

In the 1900s, Thoothukudi (Tuticorin) was defined by the sea. Fishing and sea-based livelihoods were the heartbeat of the town. Fish and dried karuvaadu from Thoothukudi were sent to towns and villages across the region — and the flavour earned a reputation that travelled far beyond its shores.

Where It All Began — 1972

In 1972, our ancestors founded a small enterprise: making karuvaadu and shipping it by traditional boat (thoni) to towns across Tamil Nadu and even to Sri Lanka. Quality was placed first from day one. In those early years, our own family members were the workforce — hands-on, committed, and proud of every batch that left the harbour.

Growth Built on Hard Work

Hard work and the passage of time transformed that small family operation into a business spanning 20 acres with over 150 employees. As wholesale trade grew and exports to Sri Lanka increased, we established our own sales outlet there — a milestone that marked our transition from a local supplier to a regional force in the dried fish trade.

A New Generation, A New Vision

In time, the responsibility of the business was passed to the next generation. They pursued international exports, underwent business training abroad, and embraced technology to reach customers in new ways. The result: karuvaadu delivered directly to your doorstep through our website and app.

We are proud to have built India's first website and Android app dedicated exclusively to karuvaadu — a first-of-its-kind platform for an age-old tradition. Today, when people across India search for karuvaadu online, our website appears as the top result. That recognition belongs entirely to our customers.

Our Mission

Through the internet, we are introducing the authentic Tamil coastal flavour to every corner of India — and beyond. We believe this heritage deserves to be tasted, celebrated, and shared. We hope you will join us on this journey.

"With eternal gratitude to our customers — our gods."

— Thoothukudi Karuvaadu Kadai Team