Shillong, August 10 : Angie Shirhabs, a homegrown food-processing and FMCG enterprise incubated under PRIME Meghalaya, has opened its first retail outlet in Nongthymmai, Shillong, marking an important step in its expansion from a rural venture to the urban market.
The outlet was inaugurated in the presence of officials from PRIME Meghalaya, representatives of Angie Shirhabs and Joel Dkhar, Assistant Professor at Shillong Commerce College.
Founded in 2022 by Angielorita Iawphniaw as a sole proprietorship, the enterprise started as a small-scale food-processing venture at Riangdo in Mawshynrut Block, West Khasi Hills. Over the years, it has developed into a market-oriented business with a range of products based on Meghalaya’s local produce and traditional food products.
Its products include natural juices and ready-to-serve beverages made from strawberry, Sohiong and mulberry, besides fruit squashes, jams, bamboo shoot and chilli pickles, ginger powder, gooseberry candy and its flagship premium specialty chicken pickle.
Speaking during the inauguration, Iawphniaw credited PRIME Meghalaya and the State Government for supporting the growth of her enterprise. She said the incubation programme provided her with the necessary guidance and support and also highlighted her participation in the Chief Minister’s e-Championship.
Joel Dkhar also appreciated PRIME Meghalaya for supporting Iawphniaw’s entrepreneurial journey and said the standards of local entrepreneurs in Meghalaya have improved under the leadership of Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma.
According to the release, the enterprise’s revenue increased from Rs 0.50 lakh in FY 2022–23 to Rs 3.5 lakh in FY 2025–26. Its customer base has expanded to Riangdo, Nongstoin, Mairang and Shillong, while it has also secured bulk orders from MSRLS. The business currently provides direct employment to three people.
Iawphniaw was selected under CMECC 5.0, the fifth cohort of the Chief Minister’s e-Championship, and was recognised among the Top 75 entrepreneurs, receiving a grant of Rs 1 lakh. Through PRIME Meghalaya, she also received mentorship in business operations, pricing, packaging and branding, marketing strategy and regulatory compliance.
