CHENNAI: With a mission to serve quality dry fruits, Nuts and Spices was launched in 1999. Today, they are the single largest gourmet store in the south. Sunil Sanklecha, the founder of Nuts and Spices, tells City Express about his path into success and much more.
Nuts and Spices has come a long way since it started. Could you take us through the journey?
Nuts and Spices started in a 600 square feet store in Nungambakkam in June 1999. We have been businessmen for three generations. It began with my grandfather, who started M Kevalchand and Co, a grocery and dry fruit store around 70
years ago. We wanted to start a specialised premium outlet, selling only dry fruits and spices but we realised that we could give value additions to this product range. Then, it slowly emerged into a gourmet store. We wanted to be different than a supermarket and that was our initiative from the beginning.
What according to you makes you stand apart from the others in the market?
We have been consistently giving quality product for the last 18 years, and that is our unique selling point. Our products are manufactured but agricultural products. So every season, the product varies because you don’t get the same products consistently. Especially, when you are dependent on season based products like dry fruits, spices and so on.
What challenges have you faced while running the organisation?
The only challenge is manpower. We normally believe in building from the lower levels and then elevate to the higher levels step by step, only then can we see loyalty to the company. If we elevate to the top level directly, they hardly stay there for a year. There is no attachment with the organisation. Apart from that we need to have more simplified rules and guidelines with regards to the government policies, and we are hoping that GST bill would help us to some extent.
You have a lot of stores across the city, any plans of expanding? What does the future look like?
We have 28 stores in Chennai and one store in Coimbatore. We are planning to move forward and take the company ahead. We have plans of opening stores in other major cities like Hyderabad, Bengaluru and maybe Pune.
What was it like when you ventured out into the market? How confident were you?
In 1995, the market had just opened up, and so we set up our venture at the right time. Around that time almost 50-60% was official import. Later on, in the next three or four years, most products started coming through official channels. The economy was fantastic and more people were travelling abroad. So they would seek these exotic products on their return back to the country, and we had them with us.
What is a typical day like in your life?
The day for me starts at 4 am with meditation which I ensure to do without fail. For the last 10 years, I have been handling only administration, and I have delegated the front end to other members. So for me it’s normal office time (9 am to 6:30pm) and then I am home. I have two brothers, one of whom is involved in the business and the other one works part-time.
What are you hobbies? What do you do to relax?
My biggest hobby is music. I listen to all genres of music, but my favourite is Sufi. It helps me relax, and I feel connected to it. I like to travel, with my family (my wife and my 16-year old son). I love to explore and visit new places. My favourite destination is Switzerland.
Do you believe in god?
I have been following spiritual guru Mahathriya for the last 12 years now. He has been my anchor and I believe that I have been living with god. If I am not working, I go on a spiritual tour to his ashram.