Oriental food and drink wholesaler Asiana is to roll out standalone stores after securing its first three shops.

Asiana, which has nearly 30 years’ experience in wholesaling and produces own-branded products such as Beijing Gold and Siam Gold premium beers, has opened the first three shops in Nottingham, Peterborough and Leicester.

The oriental food range, which includes healthy products under the O’Sensei brand, is also available through its website.

Asiana managing director Sam Sangha said: “These three stores are just the start of our outlet roll-out.” He added that he is scouting for further shops in the Midlands area.

Sangha said there has been a surge in sales for specialist ingredients over the past few months as the recession has meant more people are cooking at home instead of going out to restaurants.

Asiana would not confirm how many stores it wants the chain to grow to, but said it is “considering a number of locations at present”.