Al Maya Group: Diversified interests on par with business excellence

In a mere span of three decades, Al Maya Group has become a name synonymous with the distribution of reputable Indian brands across the region. Besides specialising in fast moving consumer goods (FMCG), it possesses diversified interests such as manufacturing, packaging and retail (supermarkets). Founded by pioneering businessman L. K. Pagarani in 1982, the conglomerate offers a reliable platform for FMCG brands to establish a base in the UAE and leave a mark in a seamless and profitable manner.
To date, Al Maya Group serves consumers from all walks of life, notably the 3.5 million-plus Indian community that reside in the UAE. "The vast majority of Indians require goods of their choice with easy accessibility, and Al Maya retail stores, through its extensive presence across the country with over 55 stores, caters to their needs with a wide assortment of Indian goods available at affordable prices," says Kamal Vachani, Group Director of Al Maya Group. Al Maya supermarkets remain open 24/7 for 365 days a year in order to serve customers.
Noting its regional presence, the Group is currently present in Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain, with a portfolio of over 55 self-owned supermarkets in prime locations and a fleet of over 300 vehicles. It also possesses state-of-the-art ISO 22000:2005 and HACCP-certified FMCG distribution facilities that cover over million square feet.
According to Vachani, Al Maya Group has plans to bring in more Indian brands to the market in the near future, as well as open more supermarkets for consumer convenience.

Eco-friendly options
Al Maya Group goes the extra mile to integrate sustainable initiatives in line with the UAE's vision to become a greener nation. Among these is to reduce that use of plastic bags. "There are certain customers who visit our supermarkets with their own reusable bags but the awareness on using less plastic has to be made more visible, such as offering reusable bags for free. To encourage customers to use reusable bags, the government is taking great steps. We, at Al Maya, will take all steps to create awareness on less use of plastic. We would like to work and find a way to educate consumers about the use of less plastic bags and use an eco-friendlier option," Vachani concludes.
Al Maya Group received several accolades for its dedication to excellence:
- Received title of 'Most Admired Retailer of the Year Award' at the RetailME Award 2017 for excellence in the retail business.
- Bestowed with the 'Qadat Al Tagheer Award' for Excellence in India-UAE Trade Promotion (ICT Trade).
- Awarded for meritorious services in 2012 by the Electronics and Computer Software Export Promotion Council (ESC).
- Kamal Vachani received 'Face of the Year 2011' award from Masala Magazine (ITP), Dubai.
- Vachani also received the 'NRI of the Year Achiever Award' in 2005 from the NRI Institute.

Al Maya Group reels in the finest brands from India to the UAE, as part of its FMCG distribution business unit:
- Society Tea
- MTR range
- Kohinoor Rice and Paneer
- Gowardhan Ghee and Paneer
- Frooti Mango Drinks
- Cavin's Milk Shake
- Pillsbury Flour
- Coco Pure Coconut Oil
- Aeroplane Pickles
- Alo Frut Drinks
- Bikano Snacks
- RRO Mustard Oil
- Horlicks Biscuits
- Parliament Rusk

- farhana@khaleejtimes.com