Progressive Grocer Magazine - April 2024

In this issue

In the world of retail, one chain is redefining the concept of Health & Wellness. Wellness Forever, a Mumbai-based retailer, has carved out a unique niche and identity of its own. Traditionally, pharmacies are associated with medicines and vitamins but Wellness Forever has expanded its offerings to include a wide range of food and beverage options. With 407 stores across Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh, it has become India’s third-largest pharmacy and health & wellness chain (see pages 24-32).
Currently, non-pharma sales account for about 45% of Wellness Forever’s business, a figure expected to rise to 65-75% within the next 3-5 years. This shift reflects a broader trend in the health and wellness industry, where pharmaceuticals are increasingly integrated with other health-related products and services.
Another significant trend in the food industry is the remarkable growth of the spices category in India. As the world’s largest producer, consumer, and exporter of spices, India’s branded spice segment is experiencing rapid annual growth of 15% and higher, trailing only behind pasta & noodles, and ready meals (read pages 36-45). Within this spicy saga, we bring you the stories of two luminaries: Catch Spices, a trailblazing brand, and Adesh Kumar Aggarwal, the industry’s Masala Man (pages 50-66).