The increasing business confidence has encouraged businesses to seek new vistas of progress and explore fresh markets for expansion and in that sense, 2014 should be a turnaround year for small and medium enterprises.
Such an excited phase of development is also true of South Seas Distributors New Zealand Limited, which is charting its course with sound planning and development.
Director Dylan Datt said that the success of any commercial operation would depend not only on the financial investment but also on a number of other factors such as human capital, knowledge of the market and the ability to provide quality service.
Increasing productivity
As he established the Company in 1996 with the support and partnership of his wife Reshmi, he was conscious of the need for short and long-term plans to ensure growth, expand customer base and foster productivity and profitability.
“Our primary aim was to become one of the largest Wholesalers and Distributors of food Products of well known brands in New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. Eighteen years on, we are pleased that our customers are happy with our growing range of products and services. They have constantly reposed confidence in us, which encourages us to expand, offer wider variety and reach out to new areas,” Mr Datt said.
Major supplier
South Sea Distributors has grown to become a major supplier of wet spices in bulk and retail packets.
“While our specialty in crushed garlic, ginger, chillies and garlic pickles has earned us the recognition of a number of businesses including, retail outlets and other organisations, the quality and reliability of our products has gained us the status of being an approved vendor for all major supermarket chains throughout New Zealand. We are also approved suppliers for the hospitality industry, including hotels and restaurants,” Mr Datt said.
Worldwide sources
South Sea Distributors imports a wide range of products from Australia, China, Dubai, Fiji, India, Papua New Guinea, Singapore and Thailand and makes them available at major Indian outlets, Fruits & Vegetables shops and supermarkets.
“If you cannot find any product of your choice, contact us, and we will try to source it if possible,” Mr Datt said, indicating the Company’s willingness to travel an extra mile to two to meet customer requirements.
Its impressive growth and increasing stock entailed a larger storage facility, to cater to which Mr Datt acquired a new and larger warehouse.
Located at 15 Moa Street in Otahuhu, it will meet the current and future needs of the market.
Tough market
Mr and Ms Datt look back with pride the formative years and the struggle for survival in a tough market.
“We began with just five products and have grown since then, thanks to our customers, staff and associates. Although market potential is strong, competition has become extremely fierce. We will however continue to work towards our goal. We believe in the adage, ‘Those willing to work will always find employment’ and learn to cope with the market needs and conditions,” they said.
