Choithrams, GCC

L.T. Pagarani: Emirates' Top Grocer

Choithrams has been known for its supermarkets in the UAE since 1974. With L.T. Pagarani at the helm of the company as Chairman, it straddles the GCC retail markets through associates in diverse fields. In 2024, Choithrams bagged the Business Impact Award. A report.

The GCC countries' long-term retail industry prospects are being driven by  the region's economic growth, favourable demographics, relaxation of visa rules and liberalization policies. The ambitious agendas of the GCC governments to diversify their economies through significant developments in infrastructure and tourism sectors are also providing the incentives for growth.

Amidst the growing prominence of e-commerce, retailers are adopting dynamic business strategies to better meet consumer demands and widen market presence. As per a report by Alpen Capital, UAE, retail sales in the GCC countries are projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.6% to reach $386.9 billion in 2028 from $309.6 billion in 2023. This growth is expected to be supported by an increase in population, a rise in per capita income, and a boost in tourism activities. Retail sales in the GCC countries are projected to grow in the range of 1.0%  and 5.4% CAGR between 2023 and 2028. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.1% and 5.4% to reach $161.4 billion and $139.1 billion, respectively. Growth will be driven by their diverse and expanding population base and vibrant infrastructure. These two countries are projected to cumulatively account for 77.7% of the total GCC retail sales by 2028. The Alpen report further stated that retail sales in Kuwait and Bahrain are projected to witness a CAGR of 3.1% each between 2023 and 2028, while Qatar and Oman are expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.2% and 1.0%, respectively.

The GCC retail industry is primarily driven by the increasing population, high concentration of expatriates and high-net-worth individuals. However, despite the diversification efforts of the GCC countries, combined with a strong growth momentum in the non-oil sector, vulnerability and uncertainty in hydrocarbon revenues, due to oil production cuts, and the rising geopolitical concerns and global macro-economic headwinds, are likely to put pressure on the industry.

Choithrams' Legacy

Choithrams is one of the early pioneers in the retail business. It was started by Thakurdas Choithram Pagarani in a small shop in Freetown, Sierra Leone, West Africa, in 1943. The retail store was then named T. Choithram & Sons. He started as a sole trader but today Choithrams has a footprint in 19 countries. Three business anchors in the UAE, the UK and West Africa have been driving the group's vast business while it employs 16,000 people globally.

Thakurdas Choithram Pagarani, an entrepreneur and philanthropist, is fondly remembered by his children for his legacy of transforming his business from a single-outlet and one-country venture into a vast group, with a global presence in retail, distribution and manufacturing. His culture of giving took root in early 1959 when he founded the first of the many charitable trusts that continue to operate schools, clinics and hospitals,. He continues to inspire the company's 'Full of Goodness' philosophy even to this day.

L. T. Pagarani

Choithram  Group's 63-year-old chairman, Lekhu Thakurdas (L.T.) Pagarani, who is the son of Thakurdas Choithram Pagarani, has carried forward the Choitram legacy. When he was enjoying a successful career in the UK healthcare sector he was persuaded to join the family business by his father Thakurdas Choitram. At the age of 35, he took over Choithrams hospitals and schools, and eventually became the chairman of the group. 

Choithrams is widely known for its supermarkets that have had a presence in the UAE since 1974. The retailer group also has an online presence, which is supported by online delivery platforms, such as Instashop, Talabat, Deliveroo, El Grocer, and Noon. The group has extended its footprint to  Bahrain, Qatar and Oman. Also, the group has brought Britain’s Tesco range of products and Ireland’s SuperValu to the UAE’s retail stores. In 2021, it partnered with retailer Sainsbury’s to distribute its products across the Gulf region where it has operations. Moreover, Choithrams has a tie-up with Rove Hotels for convenience stores at various locations throughout the UAE. 

L.T. Pagarani is also the director of Choitrams' export and trading firm, Giant Exports, retailer Natco, Cash & Carry, and Crown Networks. Choithrams has gained a reputation for being a trusted name for quality groceries for over four decades. It has widely been recognized for its operational efficiency. In recognition of its popularity and excellence in the food retailing business, it was bestowed upon the Grocer of the year RetailME award in 2005. It was a true testament to Choitram's competence in successfully catering to the needs of a diverse population. In 2024, Choithrams bagged the Business Impact Award (Westford Awards).

Popular Brands

Today, Choithrams is a successful group with associates in diverse fields, such as wholesaling, commodity brokerage, and manufacturing of edible and non-edible items. After initially setting up shop in the UAE in 1974, today Choithram operates 55 supermarkets in the Emirates. The supermarket chain is passionate about providing an unbeatable shopping experience for customers. 

Some of the top Choithrams brands include Rainbow, Kimball, Fruitella, and Weetabix, to name a few. Food Services or HoReCa, a branch of Choithrams, is dedicated to the hospitality sector. The division has a tie-up with major hotels, clubs and airlines globally. Its Light Household & Garments division provides a wide range of household appliances, domestic products, toys, fashion wear, children's garments, etc. brought from 30 countries. Its Logistics & Distribution centre ensures that the supermarkets are continuously well stocked, besides keeping the Distribution and Food services division always replenished. Choithrams' expansion into Oman, Bahrain and Qatar ensures the distribution of brands into all corners of the Gulf market. It brings to the Gulf region the expertise, experience, networks and communications developed over 70 years.

Philanthropy And Future Plans

L.T. Pagarani is also the head of Choithram International Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the group. It pledged Dh100,000 to Al Jalila Foundation towards Covid-19 relief efforts during the pandemic. In recent years, he has primed the privately-held business, whose turnover is reportedly in billions of dirhams in the UAE,  for the next-gen of professionals. Over the last seven decades, Choithrams has grown also into an international company spanning Europe, North America and Africa. 

Choithrams is dedicated to excellence in quality and safety. Its focus on compliance and strict adherence to HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) guidelines ensures the health and well-being of its consumers. Choithrams has plans to expand by opening new stores and launching online shopping services. New stores in the UAE, Bahrain and Qatar are on the anvil. Its plans include opening 5-6 stores annually in the UAE and across the region, besides launching online shopping services in Bahrain and Qatar. It will be setting up dark stores that will only be used for online shopping. Additionally, the company plans to focus on generational inclusivity in the workforce.

(Photos: Courtesy Choithrams)