About Us!

The origin of Dhananjay Foods dates back to 1960 in the serene hill town of Panchgani, located near Mahabaleshwar. Panchgani, with its low humidity and year-round appeal to tourists, has also been home to many esteemed boarding schools established since the late 19th century. It was here that the founders, Late Shri. Vithal Maruti Pardeshi and his wife, Late Shrimati Krishnabai Vithal Pardeshi, recognized a need to create a healthy and nutritious snack that would be suitable for the cold climate of Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar. They chose roasted grams, locally known as CHANAZ, which became renowned as the “Almonds of the Common People” due to their numerous health benefits. Roasting was an ancient custom believed to enhance immunity, making these snacks beneficial for cold and cough relief.

Late Shri. Vithal Maruti Pardeshi initially began roasting grams in the Panchgani market, selling them in paper cones as a wholesome, affordable snack. However, he passed away when his sons, Shri. Nandkumar Pardeshi and Shri. Dhananjay Pardeshi, were still young. Despite their early loss, the brothers took over the family business, led by Shri. Nandkumar Pardeshi, and continued their father’s legacy under the name Dhananjay Chanaz. Together, they expanded the product line, selling both plain and salty chanaz through manual processes like roasting, dehusking, winnowing, cleaning, and salting. As demand grew, they diversified into producing Groundnut-Jaggery Chikki, which they sold from their modest stall in the Panchgani market.

Today, Dhananjay Foods is proudly managed by the third generation: Swapnil, Swapnesh, and Swadesh Pardeshi, who have worked tirelessly to bring their grandfather's vision to life. Under their guidance, Dhananjay Foods introduced a modern, tourist-friendly packaging concept – the Standy Zip Lock packet, branded as REMEMBRANCE OF PANCHGANI. This packaging was designed to keep chanaz fresh for extended periods, making it an ideal gift for tourists visiting the region.

Over the years, Dhananjay Foods has diversified its product offerings, adding innovative snacks like Chanaz, Makhanaz, Chikkiz, and Fudgez in a variety of flavors. The company has also automated its production processes to ensure hygienic packaging, premium quality, and excellent service standards.

Expanding its reach across Maharashtra, Dhananjay Foods now operates 11 outlets, including locations in Lonavala, Khandala, Panchgani, and Mahabaleshwar, transforming these areas into popular shopping destinations for their iconic Chanaz, Chikkiz, Fudges, Makhanaz and Namkeenz.