Shankar Trading Company launched its business in the food wholesale market in Al Ras in 1985. Since then, the group has grown organically into a diversified business house under the banner of The Giant Group, with interests in wholesale, distribution, retail and the manufacturing of consumer goods.
The company is focused on the FMCG sector, offering a range of products to consumers from various nationalities supported by strong distribution channels and the state-of-the-art HACCP-certified logistic facility, which is equipped with modern technologies for direct distribution of products in the UAE.
With a portfolio of top international brands, the company is focused on fulfilling varying consumer demand. This has helped Shankar Trading to strengthen its position with strong market penetration.
“From the early 1990s, we sensed growth potential in the ethnic food segment in the UAE,” says Raju Gidwani, Executive Director at Shankar Trading Company.
“We decided to offer the best of Asia, as every nationality looks for their own taste. We focused on Filipino products and initially imported a few brands. Gradually, we developed a range of more than 1,000 products produced by the top 25 food manufacturers in the Philippines. We represent these brands as an exclusive distributor for the UAE. Over three decades, we have extended the range to mainstream brands and today, we successfully cater to our multinational consumers not only in ambient but also in the cold chain distribution category. We have a halal range of products for the Middle East and have launched many innovative products in this category in recent years. We have now started developing the health and beauty segment, as our vision is to fulfil the needs of the Filipino community away from home.”
Recently, Shankar Trading Company included unMEAT in its portfolio — a 100 per cent plant-based frozen and ambient product range manufactured by Century Pacific Food, known as one of the largest F&B corporations in the Philippines. unMEAT is made to taste, look, cook and feel like meat.
“It’s 100 per cent made from plants and with non-GMO ingredients. Rich in fibre and a good source of protein, this range is free from preservatives, eggs and cholesterol. It is more cost effective than traditional meat and affordable for any consumer segment. These products not only boast many health benefits but also promote environmental awareness and animal welfare,” says Gidwani.
“Economies globally faced unprecedented challenges and uncertainty during the pandemic, which affected supply chains and increased cost of production and operations worldwide. However, with extended support from our business partners, we have managed to sail through this challenging time and fulfil our commitment towards communities, supplying their favourite products in a timely manner to avoid any panic situation among consumers. Our cost of operations has increased drastically. But, this is the time to sacrifice margins and fulfil the demand of society, instead of thinking about profitability. We are committed to the welfare of staff and their job security as well,” says Gidwani.
Independence Day celebrations
Experience and enjoy exciting activities planned for the 124th Philippine Independence Day celebrations in Dubai. Mark your calendar for June 25 as Shankar Trading company proudly joins the Philippines’ most exciting celebrations commemorating Independence Day at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
“We are very proud to be supporting the occasion. This is a simple way to extend our gratitude to our regular customers. We invite all Filipinos from all over the UAE to come and join the fun and surprises that we have prepared for you. We will have free food sampling activities, vouchers to give away, and other prizes – we are so excited to see you there on June 25,” says Gidwani.
From colourful festive parades that celebrate some of the Philippines’ most joyful fiestas to contests exhibiting talents from the community, this special day is marked to give back to the UAE’s nearly one-million-strong Filipino community with special offers, free tasting sessions, and of course exciting raffle prizes.
Gear up for a special appearance from two of the Philippines’ young celebrities. The real-life celebrity couple Loisa Andalio and Ronnie Alonte will bring their feel good (kilig) vibes to the UAE. Save the date. Maraming Salamat.
