East African-born entrepreneurs Sanjeet and Karan Manek are steering Sandea Wholesale through an impressive growth trajectory, establishing the company as a rising star in the UK wholesale sector.
Founded in 2019 amid the challenges of the pandemic, Sandea Wholesale initially focused on OTC pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Over a short period, it has transformed into a diversified FMCG powerhouse with a growing presence across the UK and increasingly on the international stage.
Despite economic headwinds over the past four years, the company has maintained steady financial growth, created jobs, and supported local communities. From its modest beginnings in a 1,000 sq ft warehouse in Harrow, Sandea now operates more than 6,000 sq ft across two depots, employing over 20 professionals in sales, operations, and logistics.
Central to Sandea’s success is a strong commitment to customer relationships and strategic partnerships with leading consumer brands. Sanjeet Manek, an investment banking veteran with a degree from Royal Holloway, University of London, brings financial acumen and strategic vision to the business. His brother Karan, a Brunel University graduate, has been instrumental in steering the company into the fast-moving consumer goods market, leveraging his commercial experience in real estate. Strengthening the leadership team, cousin Priya Virdi serves as Chief Operating Officer, applying her project management expertise from Lloyds Banking Group to scale operations efficiently.
Sandea Wholesale’s rapid expansion has earned it a spot on the UK Fast Growth Index 2025, highlighting it as one of the nation’s fastest-growing companies. A strategic acquisition of competitor Swastik International has further broadened the company’s product range and customer base. Additionally, backed by a new HSBC line of credit and plans for additional capital market funding, Sandea is well-positioned to pursue ambitious growth targets.
Innovation remains central to the Maneks’ vision. The company is investing heavily in digital transformation and preparing to launch a private-label product range. International expansion is also on the horizon, with Africa and the Middle East identified as key markets to meet rising consumer demand.
We want to take Sandea into Africa to meet the growing needs and aspirations of the emerging generation. This is an exciting opportunity to bring our trusted products and services to markets that are evolving quickly and have enormous potential,” said Sanjeet and Karan Manek. Alongside commercial success, the Maneks are committed to social impact, supporting charitable initiatives and community engagement to build a legacy grounded in innovation, responsibility, and trust.
