Heerson - A Culinary JourneyFrom Humble Beginnings to Legacy Retail Excellence
1975
The Foundation in Vile Parle East
Mr. Dhiraj Shah started the business on his by opening a food retail store in Vile Parle East, Mumbai.
The initial offerings included namkeen, freshly baked snacks and everyday FMCG items.
He understood the wants and demands of the local community and market and diversified with seasonal products like kites, mangoes, ice creams, syrups and tea. Customers started to recognise the consistency and quality of the store’s offerings. Heerson was well known for the distinct taste and quality of the homemade Banana Chips and fresh Ice Cream.
1985
Cultivating Quality in Dry Fruits
Identifying an unmet demand for high-quality dry fruits, Mr. Shah strategically enters this segment.
He was committed to sourcing the best dry fruit through careful selection, grading and handpicking. This adherence to quality further established a new benchmark for dry fruits in the area and lead to opportunities in the corporate sector. Heerson became a trusted supplier for festive gifting.
1995
A New Generation Joins with a Vision for Expansion
Mr. Shah's sons, Bhavesh and Hetan, armed with their graduate degrees, join the family business, bringing fresh perspectives and a shared vision for quality, and variety without compromising on the taste.
They opened the first (where? In Parle market?) air-conditioned food showrooms, catering to the growing demand. Recognising another market gap, Heerson starts to sell Mithai, leveraging their expertise in high-quality ingredients, particularly dry fruits.
2000
Scaling Up and Diversifying Offerings
As business grew, Heerson moved to a larger retail space. Capitalising on the expanded space and years of experience, corporate gifting operations are scaled up considerably. Mr. Hetan's culinary business knowledge helped in refining and elevating the Mithai-making process. Heerson was amongst the first to introduce international food ingredients and flavours in Mithai recipes in the Parle market. A strategic decision is made to organize and standardise Heerson’s Mithai manufacturing, in order to ensure consistency and quality.
Pre-Lockdown
Further Expansion and New Ventures
An opportunity for further expansion arises, leading to a significantly larger retail space.
This new space allows for the introduction of artisanal premium handmade chocolates, adding to the store's offerings. Identifying a need for quality groceries in the area, a new grocery store is established parallel to the existing food retail business, catering to a broader range of customer needs.
The COVID-19 Challenge
Resilience and Ethical Practices
The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges, serving as a critical test for the business.
The grocery arm of the business played a vital role in serving and helping the community during this time. The business upheld its commitment to ethical practices and dedication throughout the pandemic, earning customer trust and loyalty.
Post Second Wave
A Vision for Organized Growth and Scale
Motivated by the lessons learned and the resilience shown during the pandemic, the family undertook a more organized approach to business and future scaling. With the blessings of their parents and the support of well-wishers, an extraordinary opportunity arises to move into a much larger space.
This significant expansion is not just about size but about creating a more organized and efficient operation, paving the way for future growth and enhanced customer experience.