Shaan and Arshan Chaudry crowned Asian Trader of the Year

Brothers Shaan and Arshan Chaudry of Costcutter, Triple A Foodstore in Nuneaton, have been crowned Asian Trader of the Year 2024 at the prestigious Asian Trader Awards ceremony held in London on November 5.

The brothers' innovative store, which emerged from extensive global market research across Ireland, Greece, and Canada, was praised by judges as “the blueprint for the future of convenience retailing.”

Their store, which won them the Food to Go Retailer of the Year award last year, features an impressive array of offerings, including an in-house bakery, Greek street food, and an 18-flavor gelato range, alongside traditional convenience store products.

Business secretary Jonathan Reynolds attended as chief guest at the ceremony, which celebrated excellence in convenience retail across the UK. The event marked its 35th anniversary this year, continuing its tradition of recognising outstanding achievements in the sector.

Jonathan Reynolds speaks at the 2024 Asian Trader Awards

Speaking at the event, Shefali Solanki-Nair, associate publisher of Asian Trader, highlighted the crucial role of convenience retailers in local communities, amidst the many challenges facing the sector.

“With rising energy costs, inflation, and changes in taxation, many retailers are feeling the pinch more than ever. It’s a tough environment for convenience retailers who are already working with narrow margins while striving to offer exceptional service and products,” she said.

“These challenges are daunting, but the ability to adapt and innovate speaks volumes about retailer’s character and dedication.”

Noted impressionist Rory Bremner hosted the event, which also saw 15 other retailers being honoured in different categories.

Bestway Sher Depot, Kilbirnie Street, Glasgow won the Wholesale Depot of the Year award. Six new product launches from the last year, voted for by the retailers, were also feted.

Ramniklal Solanki Editor’s Award, instituted in the memory of Ramniklal Solanki CBE, founder of Asian Media Group, went to the sub postmasters and mistresses caught up in the Post Office Horizon scandal. Seema Misra and Vijay Parekh collected the award, representing them.

The event also raised funds for Lepra, a charity that supports people affected by leprosy.

Attendees at the 2024 Asian Trader Awards

The Chaudry brothers' store stands out for its extensive range of products, professional staff training, and innovative services including in-car delivery and a hand-made gyros section, setting new standards in convenience retail excellence.

The store is revolutionary in many ways and heavily influenced by sustainability, environmental standards and social responsibility, values which have formed the bedrock of the business.

This very large, immaculately merchandised store has become the ultimate a “go-to” destination, not just for the community but also the surrounding area.

The store’s food to go offering is truly fabulous. From fresh pizza, Greek street-food and an instore bakery to fresh foods, milkshakes and a home made gelato range, this convenience store has it all.

Stocking the full range of ambient, fresh, chilled and frozen foods, snacks, soft drinks and beers, wines and spirits, all merchandised in enticing, bright displays, this store is not just a destination shop but one that gives a truly soul enhancing shopping experience.

Winners of the 2024 Asian Trader Awards

Winners List

Ram Solanki Award for Excellence in Convenience and Wholesale: Sub postmasters and mistresses caught up in the Post Office Horizon scandal

Product and Manufacturer Awards

Snack Brand of the Year: McCoy's Epic Eats (KP Snacks)

Soft Drinks Brand of the Year: Coca Cola Lemon (CCEP)

Confectionery Brand of the Year: Cadbury Starbar Duo (Mondelez International)

Vape and Next Generation Brand of the Year: Blu Bar Pod (Imperial Brands)

Lager, Beer and Cider Brand of the Year: Birra Moretti Sale di Mare (Heineken)

Grocery Brand of the Year: McVitie’s Signature (pladis)

Asian Trader Awards 2024

Responsible Retailer of the Year supported by Imperial Brands: Priyesh Vekaria, One Stop Carlton Convenience, Salford, Manchester

Wholesale Depot of the Year supported by Tilda: Bestway Sher Depot, Kilbirnie Street, Glasgow

Convenience Chain of the Year: Kashif Jaffar, Southern Co-op Bromham Stores, Bromham, Bedford

Best smokeless alternatives Retailer of the year supported by VELO: Prashant and Trupti Patel, One Stop Brockworth in Gloucester

Bakery Retailer of the Year supported by Warburtons: Jess Read and Gary Hunt, Budgens of Holt, Norfolk

Next Gen Award: Harman Puni, HP Convenience Premier, Chesterfield

World Food Retailer Award supported by Tropical Sun: Reji Thomas & Siddique Chenganakattil, Essentials Supermarket, Bedford

Independent Retailer of the Year supported by Booker: Jenarthen Saravanamuthu, Premier Rassau Stores, Ebbw Vale, South Wales

Food to Go Retailer of the Year supported by KP Snacks: Priyesh Patel, Londis, Stoke Newington, London

Spirit of the Community Award supported by Mondelez International: Amarjit Singh Rakhra, Budgens Pomeroy Street, London

Symbol Retailer of the Year supported by Bestway: Kersheaup Vagadia, Costcutter Kearsley, Bolton

Off Licence of the Year supported by Molson Coors (Cobra): Pradeep Thangaraj, Wine Rack, Bicester, Oxford

Impulse Retailer of the Year supported by pladis: Bharat Khunti, Shivom Convenience Go Local, Nuneaton

Tobacco Retailer Award supported by JTI: Suresh Arulanantham, My Costcutter Murco, Rye, East Sussex

Local Hero Award: Nathalie Kaur, One Stop Partick Convenience Store, Glasgow

Businesswoman of the Year supported by Philip Morris Ltd: Sue Nithyanadan, Costcutter, Epsom, Surrey

Asian Trader of the Year: Shaan and Arshan Chaudry, Costcutter, Triple A Foodstore, Nuneaton, Warwickshire