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Ramachandran Ottapathu arrived in Botswana from a small Kerala town with BWP200 and no connections, then built Choppies into southern Africa's largest grocery chain outside South Africa.
Choppies CEO Ramachandran Ottapathu buys 19.5 million shares worth about US$1 million, signaling confidence as the Botswana retailer works to cement its turnaround.
Choppies' H1 2025 revenue surged 19.4% to $346.2 million, driven by new stores, inflation, and sales growth. Profit rose despite margin pressures in key markets.
Choppies' H1 2025 revenue surged 19.4% to $346.2 million, driven by new stores, inflation, and sales growth. Profit rose despite margin pressures in key markets.
Botswana’s Choppies exits Zimbabwe, selling its 30-store retail business to Sai Mart as it refocuses on profitable markets amid economic challenges.
The potential deal seeks to streamline Choppies' operations and focus on profitable markets amid Zimbabwe's challenging retail sector.
Choppies' profit for the period reached BWP164 million ($12.5 million), up from BWP150 million ($11.4 million) in the previous fiscal year.
The founders, Ramachandran Ottapathu and Farouk Ismail, are poised to benefit from the dividend payout.
Meet the 15 individuals who own the highest stock ownership positions on the Botswana Stock Exchange.
As the co-founder of Choppies, Ottapathu owns a controlling 24.48-percent stake in the supermarket chain, totaling 316,353,058 ordinary shares.
Through his leadership roles at The Far Property Co. and Choppies Enterprises, Ottapathu has masterminded a remarkable transformation.
Ottapathu owns a controlling 24.48-percent stake in Choppies, totaling 316,353,058 ordinary shares.
Choppies operates as a key player in the food and general merchandise retail sectors under the leadership of Ottapathu.
The decline in the market value of Ottapathu’s stake in Choppies reminds us of the risks associated with equity investments.
Choppies Enterprises is Botswana’s largest retail chain.
Choppies Enterprises was established in 1986 by Ottapathu and Farouk Ismail.