Shankar Foods Limited, headquartered in London, United Kingdom, is a well-established importer, wholesaler, and retailer specializing in premium South Asian food products. With a legacy dating back to 1987, the company has grown into one of the UK’s most trusted ethnic food distributors, serving the growing demand for authentic Indian and Sri Lankan groceries across Europe. Shankar Foods is best known for its own-brand line “Shankar,” and also operates as a distributor for several leading FMCG brands from India.
Core Business and Product Portfolio
Shankar Foods offers a comprehensive portfolio of pantry staples, traditional ingredients, and culturally significant foods. The company’s primary product categories include:
-
Rice:
- Idli Rice
- Andhra Sona Masoori Rice
- Thanjavur Ponni Boiled Rice
- Brown Sona Masoori Rice
- Kerala Matta Rice
- Jeera Samba Rice
-
Flours and Rava:
- Maida (Refined Wheat Flour)
- Cracked Wheat
- Idli Rava
- Roasted Rava (Semolina)
-
Millets:
- Kodo Millet
- Foxtail Millet
- Barnyard Millet
- Pearl Millet
- Finger Millet
- Little Millet
-
Cooking Essentials:
- Jaggery Cubes
- Coconut Milk Powder
- Mustard Oil
- Palm Sugar Powder
-
Spices:
- Extra Hot Stemless Red Chilli
- Kashmiri Red Chilli
-
Traditional Snacks and Dry Goods:
- Panipuri Vathal
- Dried Coconut Halves
- Dried Whole Coconut
Distribution and Brand Partnerships
In addition to its own brand "Shankar", the company is a recognized distributor for major Indian FMCG brands in the UK market, including:
- Aashirvaad
- Sunfeast
- B Natural
- Yoga Bar
These partnerships position Shankar Foods as a full-spectrum ethnic grocery provider for both retail and foodservice sectors.
Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
- Cultural Authenticity: Products tailored specifically to South Indian, Sri Lankan, and broader South Asian cuisines.
- Established Brand Recognition: “Shankar” brand is widely trusted among UK households for quality and tradition.
- Private Import and Distribution Network: Enables end-to-end control over product selection, sourcing, and delivery.
- Pan-European Reach: Supplies wholesalers and ethnic grocers across the UK, Ireland, France, Germany, and the Netherlands.
Market Presence and Customer Segments
Shankar Foods serves a broad base of customers, including:
- Ethnic grocery retailers and supermarkets
- Cash & carry outlets
- Restaurants and community caterers
- Direct consumers via online retail
Their products are available in both consumer-ready packs and wholesale bulk formats, supporting convenience and scalability for different buyer profiles.
Operations and Supply Chain
- Head Office and Distribution Hub: Based in London with advanced warehousing and logistics capabilities.
- Import Network: Long-standing relationships with agricultural and food processing units in India and Sri Lanka.
- Retail Readiness: Products are barcode-compliant, shelf-stable, and retail-packaged with FSA-approved labeling.
Certifications and Compliance
Although specific certificates are not listed publicly, the company operates in accordance with:
- UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) regulations
- Full allergen declaration and nutritional labeling
- EU Food Import Compliance for products distributed to European markets
The company maintains high standards of food safety, hygiene, and traceability.
Brand Equity and Customer Feedback
- Strong Community Trust: Especially among Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalee communities in the UK and EU
- Retailer Endorsements: Consistently rated as a reliable supplier in the ethnic FMCG sector
- Consumer Loyalty: Products like Idli rice and Kodo millet are staples in households due to quality, availability, and authenticity
Customers value the consistency and origin authenticity of Shankar Foods’ product lines, particularly their rice and millet offerings.
Strategic Growth and Expansion Plans
- Digital Transformation: Enhancing B2B and B2C e-commerce platforms to serve online shoppers and wholesale buyers
- Product Innovation: Launching health-oriented products such as millet flour blends and sugar-free snacks
- European Expansion: Strengthening partnerships with ethnic distributors across Germany, Netherlands, and France
- Sustainability Goals: Exploring biodegradable and recyclable packaging options
Shankar Foods Limited continues to evolve as a key player in the ethnic food supply chain, bridging cultures through cuisine and maintaining its position as a leader in South Asian grocery distribution in the UK and beyond.
