In 1981, Pankaj Sedani opened a shop selling Indian groceries in Upton Park, supported by his brothers Arvind and Vipul. Over the years, the shop steadily grew, and by 1992, Quality Foods had firmly established itself as a recognized brand, offering a wide range of products. In 2006, they transformed it into the largest South Asian supermarket in London. Under Pankaj's leadership, the company also launched its proprietary brand, "Gulab." Today, Krishan and Shyam Sedani represent the company, solidifying its position as a leader in the UK's South Asian supermarket sector.
Speaking with Asian Voice, Krishan Sedani shares insights into the evolution of their family business, reflecting on valuable lessons learned throughout their journey and much more.
1) How has the business evolved over the years, and what do you think has been the key to its enduring success?
Over the past four decades, Quality Foods has evolved from a small shop in Upton Park to a multi-location supermarket chain serving diverse communities across London. What began as a modest operation has expanded into a thriving business with numerous physical stores and a successful online platform. The key milestones including the opening of our flagship store in Ilford and subsequent expansions to Southall, Hounslow, and beyond, highlight our growth trajectory. The enduring success of Quality Foods stems from our profound understanding of the Asian community's needs, coupled with our unwavering commitment to quality, customer satisfaction, and strategic growth.
2) You and your brother recently won the Special Award for Young Business Person of the Year at the Asian Achievers Awards. What does this recognition mean to you, and how do you think it reflects on your journey in the business world?
Winning this award is a tremendous honour for both my brother and me. It signifies the culmination of years of hard work and dedication, not only to our family business but also to the broader community we serve. This recognition reflects the significant strides we’ve made in modernising Quality Foods, especially with the launch of our online store, which achieved impressive growth in a short span. More importantly, it affirms our commitment to honouring the legacy of our father while pushing the business into a new era of innovation and success.
3) As a second-generation entrepreneur, what values or lessons did you learn from your family's business that you still carry forward today?
Growing up in a family business, I have learned the importance of hard work, perseverance, and staying true to our roots. My father and uncles instilled in me the value of customer relationships, integrity, and maintaining high standards, whether in product quality or service. These values are central to Quality Foods’ success and guide every decision we make today. I've also learned the importance of adapting to changing market conditions while staying true to our family's vision. By preserving our core family values and integrating modern business practices, we have maintained our competitiveness in a rapidly evolving retail landscape.
4) The Asian food market in the UK has grown significantly. How does Quality Foods differentiate itself from other supermarkets catering to the same demographic?
Quality Foods differentiates itself by staying deeply connected to the communities we serve. From the beginning, we’ve been attuned to the unique needs of the Asian population, offering a wide selection of products, many of which are exclusive to us through our proprietary brand, ‘Gulab’. Our commitment to offering the highest quality produce and specialty products is enhanced by our strong partnerships with global suppliers, enabling us to provide items often unavailable elsewhere in the UK. Additionally, our effective integration of physical stores with a well-developed online platform distinguishes us in delivering both convenience and quality to our customers.
5) What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs, particularly those looking to grow within the grocery industry?
My advice to young entrepreneurs is to remain adaptable and committed to continuous learning. The grocery industry is highly competitive, with consumer preferences constantly evolving, so staying ahead of trends and embracing innovation is essential. This could involve adopting new technologies or exploring niche markets, as the ability to pivot is crucial for success. Additionally, building strong relationships with both suppliers and customers is vital for long-term growth. Finally, never underestimate the power of hard work and persistence; growing a business takes time, but with a clear vision and unwavering dedication, you can achieve remarkable success.
