Spice brand named after grandmother started up by Toronto entrepreneur

When Toronto entrepreneur Sana Ahmed was looking for a name for a new spice blend she had created, there was only one place to turn: her grandmother.

“Kadija Dine is a love letter to my grandmother, Kadija, who was known for her warmth and unmatched hospitality,” Ahmed tells YourCityWithIN.com.

“Her kitchen was always filled with the rich aromas of Ethiopian spices, and she taught me that food is more than just sustenance. It’s a way to connect, share stories, and honor our roots. It’s a way to honour my grandmother’s legacy.”

Not only that, Kadija Dina spice blends are a way of creating a better spice trade by paying farmers a fair wage for high quality spices to make handcrafted, ethically made blends.

The spice blends are specific to the flavours of Ethiopia, and Ahmed also hopes Kadija Dine will serve as a way to introduce these flavour combinations to more people. A Berbere Speciality Spice Blend is Kadija Dine’s signature product, which has a rich and aromatic flavour profile.

“Our spices capture the essence of traditional Ethiopian cuisine while being incredibly versatile. Whether you’re enhancing the flavour of salmon, adding a kick to roasted veggies, or mixing them into dips like sour cream or guacamole, our spices elevate any meal. They’re perfect for creating sauces, flavouring rice, or even adding a new twist to pizza,” says Ahmed.

“People love the depth of flavour and the versatility of our spice blends. Many customers have shared how Kadija Dine has become a staple in their everyday dishes, which is exactly what I hoped for. Seeing people incorporate our spices into their daily cooking is really rewarding.”

This isn’t the first time Ahmed has made it her mission to merge culture and business. She’s also the founder of The Fashion Law Africa Summit and FBC Agency, both of which help brands with their business operations and expansion. She’s using that experience to expand Kadija Dine as well.

Kadija Dine’s spice blend is available to purchase online, as well as at pop-ups and farmers’ markets at places like Stackt and Evergreen Brick Works. The goal for Kadija Dine this year is to expand into specialty retail shops.

“We’re looking to expand our offerings with more spice blends and venture into home goods, building Kadija Dine into a full lifestyle brand. Our goal is to reach more people globally. As we grow, we also aim to invest in the farmers in Ethiopia, working to improve the spice trade and ensure sustainable practices that benefit local communities,” says Ahmed.

“Additionally, I’m passionate about creating platforms that support and uplift Black and African entrepreneurs, helping bring more culture to the forefront and creating lasting impact.”