In Indian culture, food is more than just sustenance—it’s an emotion, a comfort, and a way of expressing love.
With food and business running in her blood, Niki Chawla’s journey into the industry began through her father, Manjeet, who started Harman Impex 20 years ago, the first Indian wholesale distributor in New Zealand to have his own warehousing facility.
He ran everything himself, from daily operations to deliveries, with Chawla helping out on weekends and sampling food at Indian retail stores.
“It was a delicious way to learn,” said Chawla.
Over time, she took on more responsibilities, growing within the company and earning respect in the industry. Before becoming director, she wore many hats, from food merchandiser and office administrator to HR and compliance, each role preparing her for the responsibilities she bears today.
“Food has always been my passion, and my father’s work ethic has deeply shaped my approach.”
She added that her father was her biggest inspiration and mentor. He built Harman Impex from humble beginnings, stocking goods in rented storage units delivering, and visiting customers.
“His empire was built on honesty and hard work, never compromising quality. His passion for food, driven by the vision of bringing us closer to home (India) through each plate, is something I deeply admire. I hope to carry forward his legacy.”
Chawla said that she saw the company as her baby, and watching it expand has continued to motivate her. She has also kept up with industry changes and trends to keep evolving and meeting consumer demands. A strong supplier relationship has also been quite inspiring.
“Seeing the results of all the hard work I’ve put into the business is another big motivator. No two days are ever the same for me, and each new challenge allows me to learn and grow.”
A standout moment for Chawla was seeing the respect her father had earned both in New Zealand and India. She found it incredibly humbling to witness the lives he had touched through his work.
Another personal milestone was building her portfolio and gaining industry respect, though she acknowledged that there was still a long way to go.
For those considering entering the FMCG industry, Chawla’s advice was simple: follow your passion, embrace hard work, stay true to your values, and success will follow.
“The more you’re genuinely interested in your work, the more you’ll thrive.”
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