Botswana Tycoon Ramachandran Ottapathu's Choppies Rakes In 346 Million In Just Six Months

Choppies' H1 2025 revenue rose 19.4 to 346.2 million, fueled by store expansion, inflation-driven pricing, and higher sales volumes.

Despite strong sales, margins dipped due to discounting in Botswana and Liquorama, partially offset by higher profitability in Namibia and Zambia.

Choppies exited Zimbabwe, selling 30 stores to Sai Mart, shifting focus to stronger markets while boosting assets by 4.5 and cutting accumulated losses by 14.6.

Choppies Enterprises, the Gaborone-based supermarket chain led by Botswana businessman Ramachandran Ottapathu, posted strong financial results for the six months ended Dec. 31, 2024 H1 2025, with revenue climbing to 346.2 million. The growth was fueled by 26 new store openings, inflation-driven pricing, and higher sales volumes.

According to its financial report , Choppies revenue surged 19.4 percent from BWP3.95 billion 289.88 million to BWP4.72 billion 346.16 million. The increase was driven by new store openings, inflation-driven price adjustments, and a 14.5 percent rise in sales volumes.

Net profit rose 9.5 percent to BWP115 million 8.44 million, while headline earnings per share HEPS jumped 32.7 percent to BWP0.073 0.005. Gross profit also grew 18.7 percent to BWP965 million 70.83 million, benefiting from strong sales performance.

However, profit margins came under pressure. Gross profit margin dipped slightly by 10 basis points to 20.6 percent due to competitive pricing strategies in Botswana and Liquorama segments. On the other hand, stronger profitability in Namibia, Zambia, and other regional markets helped offset some of the impact.

Net finance costs dropped to BWP52 million 3.9 million as debt reductions improved the balance sheet, though higher lease interest from new stores limited those gains.