UK Rappers Krept & Konan’s Halal & World Foods Supermarket Opens in Croydon

Krept & Konan are taking their talents from the stage to the supermarket aisle! The British rap duo is about to launch Saveways, a brand-new halal and world foods supermarket, right in their hometown of Croydon. Opening February 1st, 2025, this 15,000-square-foot space isn’t just about groceries; it’s about giving back to the community with better access to diverse and affordable food. Located on Beddington Lane, Saveways is poised to become a local landmark, proving that these music stars are serious about making a difference.

Related: Popular Halal Food Chain Opening Near UK Campus, Lexington

A Deep-Rooted Connection to Croydon

Krept & Konan, whose musical journey propelled them to the forefront of the UK rap scene with their 2015 debut album hitting number two on the charts, are not simply lending their celebrity status to a business venture. They are Croydon natives, deeply rooted in the community they grew up in. This personal connection is a driving force behind Saveways. They’ve partnered with seasoned entrepreneur Kaysor Ali, bringing together creative vision and business acumen.

“Our vision for Saveways is more than a market,” Krept & Konan stated in an interview with the Standard. “We wanted to bring together under one roof everything the Black, Asian, and ethnic communities in South London need. We wanted to offer more than just groceries – we sought to provide a diverse range of world foods. We believe that high-quality, diverse food should never be a luxury.”

This statement encapsulates the core philosophy behind Saveways: a commitment to providing quality, variety, and affordability, addressing what the artists perceive as a significant gap in the local market. This isn’t just about selling groceries but serving a community.

Krept & Konan have openly discussed the shortcomings observed in smaller food shops within the area. Issues such as limited product selection, concerns about hygiene standards, insufficient parking facilities, and pricing that doesn’t always reflect fair value have been central to their motivation for creating Saveways. The supermarket is designed to address these concerns by offering directly:

• A Comprehensive Product Range: Saveways will boast a diverse array of products, catering to a wide range of dietary needs and cultural preferences. This includes a dedicated halal meat and poultry counter, offering ethically sourced and certified halal products. Fresh and frozen exotic fish, often difficult to find in mainstream supermarkets, will also be a key feature. A dedicated bakery section will provide fresh bread and pastries, while a vast selection of fruits and vegetables, sourced both locally and internationally, will ensure freshness and variety. A “global pantry” section will stock tinned and ambient foods from around the world, allowing customers to easily access ingredients for diverse cuisines.
• Bridging Cultural Gaps with Specialty Items: Beyond stocking familiar international brands like McCain and Heinz, Saveways has secured a significant UK distribution deal with Martin’s Potato Rolls from the US. This seemingly small detail speaks volumes about the supermarket’s commitment to catering to specific cultural food preferences. Martin’s Potato Rolls are a staple in many Caribbean households, and their inclusion reflects a deep understanding of the local community’s needs.
• A Welcoming Atmosphere: The strategic location of the 15,000-square-foot site, near established retail giants like Asda and IKEA on Beddington Lane, provides ample parking and easy access for customers. The design of the store itself will prioritize a clean, convenient, and welcoming atmosphere, creating a positive shopping experience for everyone who walks through the doors.

The Expanding Halal Market in the UK

The launch of Saveways occurs within the context of a rapidly expanding halal food market in the UK. This growth is driven by a confluence of factors:

1. Demographic Shifts: The Muslim population in the UK has experienced significant growth in recent decades. According to the Pew Research Center’s 2017 report on religious affiliation, the Muslim population in the UK was estimated at 3.37 million in 2016, representing approximately 5% of the total population. Projections indicate this number will continue to increase, further fueling demand for halal products. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) data from the 2021 Census will provide a more up-to-date figure.
2. Increased Consumer Awareness: The demand for halal products is not solely driven by population growth. There is also a growing awareness among Muslim consumers about the importance of consuming halal products, leading to increased demand.
3. Non-Muslim Interest in Halal Products: Interestingly, there is also a growing interest in halal food among non-Muslim consumers. This is attributed to perceptions of higher quality, ethical sourcing practices, and the exploration of diverse flavor profiles associated with halal cuisine.

The economic impact of the halal food market in the UK is substantial. While precise figures can vary depending on the source and methodology used, reports consistently indicate a multi-billion-pound industry. Estimates range from £5 billion (Halal Food Authority, 2020) to significantly higher figures reported by other market research firms. The Salaam Standard estimates the UK halal food market to reach £3.2 billion by 2025. This variation underscores the challenges in accurately quantifying such a dynamic market, but it undeniably signifies a significant and growing sector within the UK economy.

Croydon and South London

Croydon’s diverse population is a defining characteristic of the borough. The 2021 Census data provides a detailed picture of this diversity:

• Croydon’s Population: Approximately 386,710 residents.
• Ethnic Composition:
  • White: 54.8% (including White British, White Irish, and other White backgrounds)
  • Asian/Asian British: 21.1% (encompassing Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Chinese, and other Asian backgrounds)
  • Black/Black British: 13.9% (including Black African, Black Caribbean, and other Black backgrounds)
  • Mixed/Multiple Ethnic Groups: 6.9%
  • Other Ethnic Groups: 3.3%

This data underscores the significant presence of Asian and Black communities in Croydon, reinforcing the strategic rationale behind Saveways’ focus on catering to these demographics. The supermarket is not just serving a market; it’s serving a community with rich cultural diversity.

Navigating the Halal Retail Landscape

The halal food market, while offering significant opportunities for businesses, also presents unique challenges:

1. Ensuring Halal Integrity: Maintaining the integrity of halal products is paramount. This requires establishing transparent and reliable supply chains, working closely with certified halal suppliers, and obtaining necessary certifications from recognized halal certification bodies. This process involves rigorous audits and inspections to ensure compliance with Islamic dietary laws.
2. Interpretations of Halal: The halal market is not monolithic; there are varying interpretations of halal guidelines among different Muslim communities. Retailers need to be sensitive to these nuances and offer a diverse product range that caters to these different interpretations. This could involve offering different types of halal meat (e.g., hand-slaughtered vs. machine-slaughtered), or stocking products certified by different halal certification bodies.
3. Market Dynamics: The halal retail sector is becoming increasingly competitive, with specialized halal stores and mainstream supermarkets alike offering halal product lines. To succeed in this competitive landscape, businesses like Saveways need to differentiate themselves through factors such as product quality, competitive pricing, exceptional customer service, and strong community engagement.

Saveways’ Potential Impact

Saveways has the potential to generate a positive ripple effect within the Croydon community:

• Local Job Creation: The operation of a 15,000-square-foot supermarket will create numerous job opportunities for residents, contributing to local employment rates and boosting the local economy.
• Local Economic Growth: By attracting shoppers from Croydon and surrounding areas, Saveways is poised to contribute to local economic growth, creating a positive impact on the local business ecosystem.
• Fostering Community Cohesion: More than just a shopping destination, Saveways aims to become a community hub, a place where people from diverse backgrounds can connect, interact, and share their cultural experiences. This can contribute to greater social cohesion within the community.

Krept & Konan’s involvement in Saveways adds a unique dimension to this venture. Their influence extends far beyond their fanbase; they are respected figures within their community