Kandy is more than a name. It represents the heart of Sri Lanka — a place deeply connected to the island’s culture, heritage and traditions. When we created Kandy Grocer, we wanted our name to carry that same sense of identity and belonging. Our purpose goes beyond selling groceries. We want the flavours, traditions and memories of home to remain part of everyday life, while sharing the richness of Sri Lankan culture with a wider community. That is the meaning behind our promise: Tradition in Every Choice.

Kandy Grocer began its journey in October 2024, when we opened our first physical store in Northcote, Auckland. We started with a simple vision: to bring the authentic flavours and traditions of Sri Lanka closer to home, while sharing their uniqueness with New Zealand’s diverse communities. From familiar favourites to flavours waiting to be discovered, we want Kandy Grocer to be a place where everyone can experience something authentic, distinctive and meaningful.

The elephant in the Kandy Grocer logo reflects the deep cultural connection between Kandy and Sri Lankan heritage. It represents strength, dignity, resilience and uniqueness — qualities that reflect both the heritage behind our brand and the journey we are building. Together, the elephant and the name Kandy form more than a logo. They represent the culture and traditions that inspire us, carrying that heritage forward to new generations and communities.

Kandy Grocer is more than a place to shop. We believe in growing together with the community around us. We proudly support Sri Lankan community and cultural events in New Zealand, helping celebrate and preserve the traditions that bring people together. We are equally committed to supporting Sri Lankan brands, producers and suppliers, creating opportunities for their products to reach customers in New Zealand. Through these connections, we hope to strengthen our community, promote Sri Lankan heritage and introduce its unique flavours and products to an even wider audience.

To offer greater authenticity and value, Kandy Grocer directly imports a growing range of key products from Sri Lanka. Working more closely with producers and suppliers — and reducing unnecessary intermediaries — allows us to offer authentic products at competitive prices while continually expanding our selection. Our direct-import range will continue to grow with more trusted brands, unique products and authentic Sri Lankan flavours arriving in New Zealand. And there is more to come.