Entrepreneur Success Stories: TUNL – Import and Export License
TUNL is helping hundreds of South African businesses “unlock exports”, making international shipping affordable, transparent and simple. They are dedicated to providing export services to businesses of all sizes. Whether you're a small start-up or an established enterprise, they have the tools and resources you need to navigate the complexities of global trade with ease. How did you get started? Matthew and I founded TUNL in 2022. In our previous ventures, we both suffered from the limited and expensive courier options available to businesses in South Africa. After arranging interviews with approximately 20 South African businesses and researching the technology-enabled express options that existed in other markets, we realized there was a huge need and opportunity for an enabler like TUNL and got to work. What advice do you have for new exporters? We’ve noticed that first-time international shippers often make similar mistakes or have similar knowledge gaps. We think the following information is essential to know before shipping your…
A journey for two in Bushy Rooibos
2-in-1 Bush Rooibos is a versatile line of premium Rooibos crafted the old-fashioned way using natural ingredients with no added sugar, preservatives or artificial additives. In addition to its taste, this liqueur also stands out for its commercial success and how founders Marie-Louise Oosthuizen and Hetta van Deventer-Terblanche guided the creation, growth and export of its product. Here, they share valuable insights into perseverance, seizing opportunities, strategic growth, and the nuances of exporting to Africa. How did you get started? Creators Marie-Louise Oosthuizen and Hetta van Deventer-Terblanche have dedicated their lives to food and wine. The idea came from a SodaStream gift given to Hetta many years ago. Since mixing and making cocktails is one of Marie-Louise's many talents, the Sodastream machine comes in handy. Unfazed by the lack of ingredients on the existing market, the pair began developing their own liqueur, testing the recipe on lucky friends and family. The ultimate goal is clear and uncompromising - it have…
The History of Fry’s Family Foods
In the dynamic landscape of the global plant-based food industry, the company stands out for its remarkable journey from a small South African business to an international success story. Founded in 1991 by Wally Fry, Fry Family Food Co. has become a pioneer in the plant-based food market, demonstrating impressive growth and innovation over the past three decades. The story begins with Wally Fry’s transformation from KwaZulu-Natal farm boy and livestock trader to visionary founder of a plant-based food empire. Inspired by his wife Debbie's vegetarian lifestyle, Wally set out to create easy-to-use meat-free protein alternatives. He first experimented in home kitchens, learning to process raw materials such as soybeans and create emulsions from vegetable fats. What began as a personal journey quickly evolved into a business opportunity when a marketing expert recognized the potential and developed a business plan for Fry Family Food Co. in 1992. With no borrowed money and a bootstrapped spirit, Wally's is available in 33…
Q&A with Elrine Oosthuizen of Esodo Ventures
How did you get started? One box at a time, that’s how it started. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to look for new opportunities and take risks that we would never consider becoming a standard IRP 5 employee in our lifetime. As a sports event coordinator with no activities, my husband faced a challenging season as we entered lockdown 5 in SA. He managed to find some part-time work at a steel factory that produced sterilizer cabinets. (Those foot-operated hand sanitizing stations) While working in this factory, the manager had him deal with a very persistent customer from an African country who really wanted some sanitizing stations. It was no easy task – borders were closed at the time and flights were very limited, and it took a while for the first pallets to reach customers. Over time my husband developed a good working relationship with him and he sent products as needed. After a few months, demand for…
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