34th Asian Trader Awards recognises excellence in the retail sector

Shailesh Solanki, Aditya Solanki, Shamly Sud, Madhuri Sood, Kalpesh Solanki, Matt Forde (Image by Asian Trader Awards)
On Wednesday, 9 November, the 34th Asian Trader Awards took place against a backdrop of great achievement, personal loss and economic challenges for the grocery sector sat London’s Park Plaza Westminster Hotel.
Kevin Hollinrake, minister in the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, graced the occasion as chief guest, as leading suppliers, manufactures and wholesalers gathered to celebrate the very best of convenience retail.
The top award of the evening – Asian Trader of the Year 2022 – went to Scottish independent retailer Shamly Sud. Her achievement in transforming her flagship Racetrack Pitstop Premier store into a destination venue attracting shoppers from many miles around her hometown of Strathclyde was recognised as an inflexion point in the development of the industry, showing the way forward for this vibrant retail sector to compete with supermarket chains, and to serve their local communities in ways that others simply cannot match. Shamly now runs 11 stores, with plans to open more and to franchise their own in-store concessions.
TV comedian Matt Forde opened proceedings by referring to the historic moment we are living through, saying “We should recognise the huge achievement in our politics, with Rishi Sunak becoming Prime Minister, the first ever British prime minister from a minority background.” He also paid tribute to the passing two months earlier of Asian Media Group matriarch Parvatiben, widow of the late Ramniklal Solanki CBE, founder of the company.
The Asian Trader Awards, the most prestigious awards in the convenience retail sector, saw 12 other retailers securing coveted prizes in different categories, from Food to Go Retail to Convenience Chain to Spirit of the Community, encouraging excellence in each aspect of a convenience store. Four new product launches from the last year, voted for by the retailers, were also feted, and Parfetts Cash & Carry at Sheffield won the Wholesale Depot of the Year award, recognising wholesalers and suppliers who play an incredible role in the supply chain.