How did you get where you are today?



Wanis was set up by my father in 1964 as an importer of fresh fruit and vegetables from the Caribbean. He soon carved a niche by also selling a range of African and Caribbean foods to immigrants like himself. Since then the company has grown substantially and is now known as the authority on Afro-Caribbean foods. After my father's death, I took control of the company, with my brother as financial director and sister-in-law as marketing director, keeping it in the family, and maintaining Wanis' values. My mother, one of the original founders, keeps an eye on the purse strings.

Tell us a bit about Wanis



Wanis specialises in the distribution of Afro-Caribbean foods and beverages from all parts of the Caribbean and Africa. We believe our range is second to none, and it is often said when referring to our product range "if Wanis does not have it, no-one will". We carry a range of heritage brands such as Dragon Stout, Bigga, Baldwins Sarsaparilla, DG Malta and Baron Sauces, to name a few, as well as our own comprehensive Tropical Sun and Jamaica Sun ranges. We have a broad distribution network built off the back of a strong sales force and an established wholesale cash & carry business. This means speed to market is rapid and reliable. Currently we employ more than 80 people at our 100,000 sq ft site in Stratford, East London. We take pride in the personal touch, and believe in talking to our customers.

What are your plans for 2007 and beyond?



We are in the process of relocating our premises. Our current site is where the London Olympic organising committee plans to build the 2012 hockey stadium, so we are moving to a new custom-made site in Leyton. The site is close to major road links, the new Eurostar terminal at Stratford and New Spitalfields Market. The custom-built premises will feature a high-bay facility, with a 50% increase in size. A development kitchen will be added, assisting our strategy to increase our NPD offering.

What is your working day like?



I like to get into the office early, around 6am. It's good to beat the traffic and it also gives me a chance to chat with our early morning customers, most of whom drop in first thing after they have visited Spitalfields. In fact, our busiest time tends to be between 5am and 9am in the morning.

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