By Bahle Gama
Molly’s Food Enterprise, a company based in Johannesburg, South Africa is making waves on the international market.
The company which manufactures powder drink products has received enormous interest at the Gulfood exhibition in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
This is according to the company’s CEO Lerato Nonyane who is part of a business delegation comprising 16 agro-processing firms showcasing products at the Gulfood which ends on Friday, February 24.
Gulfood is regarded as the largest food and beverage trade exhibition in the Middle East. It attracts many participants from the Middle East and the world at large.
She stated that she was excited and overwhelmed by the interest received in her products as they not only receive such from the UAE but also from countries like Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Malaysia, and Russia.
“The leads I am receiving are pleasing and I have given out samples and price lists. I hope these will translate into business transactions,” she said.
Nyonyane stated that the company’s participation has been made possible by the Department of Trade Industry and Competition which has set up national pavilions at the two trade shows where South African Companies are exhibiting their products.
The CEO disclosed that the company is small and the exposure it is getting through the show will without a doubt help it grow.
“As an emerging exporter, I am learning a lot and the export training I am receiving is bearing fruits. This exhibition is the best experience and I believe that attending one more exhibition will help the company get the export markets it requires so we can employ more people,” said Nyonyane.
According to Nyonyane, the company supplies 30 Pick n Pay stores in South Africa and is making headway in the country.
“We have a footprint in Cape Town, Kwa-Zulu Natal, Gauteng, Western Cape, and Eastern Cape and are currently talking to Food Lovers Market. We are optimistic that we will soon supply them with our products. If we secure funding, we can be the number one powder drink manufacturer in the country,” she said.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Trade and Competition Fikile Majola stated that the show is expected to expose South African companies to available opportunities in the UAE as well as create awareness for South African products in the Middle East in general.
“South Africa’s participation in the Dubai Expo 2020, which was part of our efforts to revive the economy and create opportunities for inclusive growth, paved the way to further unlock opportunities by leveraging more trade events in the region, such as Gulfood, which offers a follow-through opportunity for South African firms,” he said.
