Secret to Success: Gourmet Brand Nuts ‘N' Spices Records 18% Growth In Pandemic Times

IN A FREEWHEELING CHAT WITH PROGRESSIVE GROCER, SUNIL SANKLECHA, OWNER NUTS ‘N’ SPICES, TALKS ABOUT THE KEY LEARNINGS FROM HIS BRAND, AND HOW HE AND HIS BRAND ARE COPING UP WITH CHANGING TRENDS IN THE FACE OF THE PANDEMIC…

- Charu Lamba

Nuts ‘n’ Spices was founded in June 1999 with its first store measuring 600 sq.ft. in Nungambakkam, Chennai. With over three generations of experience in the food and grocery business, the retailer currently operates a chain of 33 outlets.

The current owner of Nuts ‘n’ Spices, Sunil Sanklecha, had envisioned a store that had a lucrative business in the country considering the evolving consumer behaviour. Though he had thought of the idea of a specialty store during the early 1990s, his vision only became reality by 1999. Once he knew what he wanted to do, Sanklecha launched a specialty store, choosing to move away from the traditional grocery business model established by his ancestors.

The Inventory

Besides nuts, dry fruits and seeds, Nuts ‘N’ Spices also offers a range of herbs and seasonings such as oregano, basil, thyme, parsley, mixed herbs, etc. The varieties of spice powders and condiments include Kashmir chilli powder, coriander seeds powder, cardamom, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, among others. The store also stocks syrups and juices from International and Indian brands. From Pringles to Doritos to Mumbai’s sukhi bhel, low calorie namkeens, oil-free papads, mixtures and other diet snacks for the fitness freaks, the store serves as a one-stop destination for a whole lot of snacking ideas.