Hamza Case

2 - Shan foods (Pvt) limited

2.1 Company Overview

Spice mixes used in particular in preparing Pakistani cuisine and in general Indian subcontinent cuisine is the speciality of Shan Foods (www.shanfoods.com). Spices like; chilli powder, turmeric, garlic, paprika, black pepper, red pepper, cumin seed, bay leaf, coriander, cardamom, cloves, ginger, cinnamon, saffron, mace, nutmeg, poppy seeds, aniseed, almonds, pistachios, and yogurt are vastly used in almost any Pakistani cuisine. Curries of all descriptions and special treatment for meats, sea, food, vegetables and lentils, gives Pakistani food much of its distinctive character (www.pakistan.saarctourism.org/pakistan-food.html).

Cultural influences, whether religious teachings, practices, and ceremonies and/or local traditions have made their contribution toward the evolution of Pakistani cuisine. Spread of Islam back in the eighteenth century to what is now Pakistan has given basic characteristic to the food in Pakistan. Being a Muslim the prohibition on eating of pork and alcoholic beverages has channelled the taste and appetite of Muslims in other directions. Shan is truly an example of a progressive Sharia Compliant business where Sharia guides the business operations and values remain consistent. All aspects of a Muslim's life are governed by Sharia. Sharia law comes from a combination of sources including the Qur'an (the Muslim holy book), the Hadith (sayings and conduct of the prophet Muhammad) and fatwas (the rulings of Islamic scholars) (www.bbc.co.uk).

2.2 Existing markets

Shan is defined as a business that manufactures and markets food brands. The business currently employees around 300 management staff and approximately 700 employees in addition as labour. It has 374 distributors within Pakistan and around 60 distributors across 45 countries. It has manufacturing facilities in Pakistan, UAE and Saudi Arabia, with offices in Pakistan, UAE, Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom. Shan Food's head office is based in Pakistan in Karachi city.

2.3 Mission for expansion

Reviving existing business, entering new ones, manufacturing high quality products and growing into foreign markets are among the initiatives the company has undertaken over the years.

Shan Foods (Pvt.) Ltd is Pakistan's leading