With over 15 years of experience in retail, spanning leadership roles with GMR Group, RPSG Group, and Adani Group, Ram Shankar Ojha made the shift from corporate to entrepreneurship with a clear mission: to help emerging brands expand their reach. Leveraging his expertise in the imported and gourmet segment, he launched Hanker Global Enterprises, initially focusing on premium categories and steadily diversifying into a multi-brand portfolio.

The company’s growth has been built on two unwavering principles—honesty and exceptional service—delivered consistently to both retailers and manufacturers. In recent years, Hanker Global Enterprises has capitalised on rising demand for health-conscious, organic, and gluten-free products, positioning itself at the forefront of evolving consumer preferences.

When onboarding new brands, the team evaluates every critical factor—demand, margins, marketing, and packaging—but prioritises products that have both market traction and profitability. Retail relationships are anchored in service excellence and personal connection, ensuring loyalty in a competitive landscape.

Ram Shankar Ojha points out that credit terms from modern trade and thin margins from established brands remain significant challenges. His message to manufacturers is straightforward: “Understand the value and service a distributor provides on your behalf—it’s a crucial part of your brand’s success story.”

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The Bangalore flagship store sets a new benchmark in luxury retail, offering an immersive and unparalleled shopping experience that combines global sophistication with local artistry. Unique to this store are several first-in-class features designed to captivate every shopper’s interest, including a Live Kombucha Bar with refreshing kombucha on tap, a Vegan Patisserie offering decadent plant-based desserts, a Live Cookie Corner with warm cookies baked fresh, Live Kunafa & Baklava showcasing authentic Middle Eastern treats, a Millet Café serving wholesome millet creations, and an Organic Snacking Counter with tasty, premium snacks. The indulgence continues with a luxurious Soft-serve corner and the Gelato Atelier, offering international flavors that redefine dessert cravings.

Enhancing its gourmet offerings, the store boasts the widest range of cheese in the country, featuring rare and exotic cheeses from over 50 countries, delivered in an unimaginable time gap for a truly global and flavorful experience. An exotic fruits and vegetables section brings global freshness to Bangalore, including items making their debut in India. The truffle bar celebration showcases luxurious culinary creations for true connoisseurs. Adding to the elegance, the store also features fresh flowers, potted herbs

To elevate the experience, the store offers an exclusive selection of premium cigars and a meticulously curated range of bar accessories, designed to satisfy the refined tastes of our distinguished guests. Additionally, an expansive collection of premium wines and liquors is available, carefully crafted for the discerning aficionado.

Shashwat Goenka, Chairman of Spencer’s Retail and Nature’s Basket, commented, “The opening of our first flagship Artisan Pantry store in Bangalore represents a significant strategic milestone for Nature’s Basket. This flagship store responds directly to Bangalore’s growing appetite for premium, curated culinary experiences. By blending the best of global gourmet offerings with local preferences, we are confident that this flagship will not only elevate Bangalore’s retail landscape but also set new benchmarks in the premium grocery sector. Our commitment to expanding Nature’s Basket’s footprint with such innovative concepts is part of our larger vision to redefine luxury retail in India.”

Returning for another launch, Karisma Kapoor expresses her excitement “I love how it brings together the finest ingredients from around the world. It’s an honor to inaugurate this beautiful flagship store in Bangalore and share this incredible experience with the city’s passionate food lovers.”

The store’s focus sections include the Spice Souk, Salt Bar, and Honey Bar, alongside experiential zones such as The Good Food Café, Chef’s Table, and Nibb’s Chocolate Factory, which features custom chocolate creations. From gourmet connoisseurs to health-conscious shoppers, the flagship store offers something extraordinary for everyone, creating an environment where food lovers can truly “taste the world.”

Nature’s Basket’s expansion into Bangalore with its first flagship store reflects its commitment to creating exceptional culinary experiences, pushing boundaries, and offering its patrons the very best in gourmet retail.

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