SHASTRI BOODAN
The pandemic has seen many businesses fold under economic pressure, while some have been able to pivot and re-invent themselves.
Former national cricketer, Rajendra Mangalie, 55, is one of those who has pivoted, and diversified his operations into the dry goods business. On Monday August 16th, he opened Mangalie Foods Wholesale and Retail Limited, at Francis Lalla Road, Charlieville.
Mangalie started a ceiling supply company 16 years ago.
“The directors in the company decided five months ago to enter into the dry goods market because we saw a growing need for food supplies globally,” he told Guardian Media.
“Prices were fluctuating upwards, and consumers were finding it difficult to make purchases because of reduced spending power. The directors decided to diversify and source dry goods at cheaper prices to ensure that all could eat,” Mangalie explained.
He added: “Although we are in business, we saw a greater humanitarian need. People were complaining about the prices and a lot of people were starving. We had the capacity to diversify, and this opportunity enables us to give back to the wider community at prices they can afford.”
Mangalie said the company would be selling oil, rice, sugar, beans, channa, dhal, and related merchandise. In addition, he notes the move to diversify has allowed the company to hire 10 additional staff members.
Mangalie points out that high freight costs are the major reason prices have gone up.
“In June 2020, it cost US$3,500 to ship a container from China. That cost is now US$15,000 and going up,” he said.
