Acquisition International - December 2017 21 Mpilo-ende (long life) Fortified Foods is a Level 1 BBBEE in terms of the South African government empowerment policies. Managing Director Phumzile Manana gives us an insight into the success of the company. pilo-ende is the founding member of the Africa Food Manufacturers Association, whilst also an active member of the United Nations Systems Standing Committee on Nutrition, and an associate member of the National Food Alliance (SA Chapter) which is the initiative of the South African Health Department and GAIN. Mpilo-ende is a food manufacturing company that is 100% black women owned and a professionally managed, and has identified food processing as a niche within the food manufacturing industry. This niche is recognised for its role in combating malnutrition, hunger and curbing poverty for Food Security (especially in the continent of AFRICAwhere more than 320 million go to bed hungry each day), whilst also promoting nutrition and health in general food consumption. Basically, the companymanufactures grain processed food products (agro processing) for regional markets (AFRICA) distribution, as well as other strategic global markets. Phumzile explains a bit more about the firm and its products. “Our fortified food products are used by various governments, food and humanitarian aid organisations, blue chip retail and wholesale groups, as well as for potential contract manufacturing for market specific export food products (ready to eat meals) to war torn and much impoverished African states, and to international food consuming markets.” Outlining the overall mission of Mpilo-ende, Phumzile tells us what steps the company plans to take in order to reach its targets, as well as explaining how this helps the company differentiate itself from its competitors. “Here at Mpilo-ende, our overall mission is to transform the agriculture (primary), and agro-processing (value add) industry in Africa for the greater benefit of the continent, by changing the lives of its citizenry, through socio-economic development programmes, geared towards placing South Africa at the fore front of Food Security activism in the region (AFRICA). “Given the strengths and opportunities within the agro- processing industry, we have developed a vision 2020 in setting ourselves apart from major competitors. Company: Mpilo-ende Fortified Foods (Pty) Ltd Contact: Miss Phumzile Manana, Managing Director Email:
[email protected] Email:
[email protected] Address: P O Box 5909, Durban, 4000, South Africa Phone: +27 (0) 10 035 2335 (Tel) Phone: +27 83 486 0896 (Mobile) website: www.mpilo-ende.co.za A Vision to be the Best M 1712AI52 “Vision 2020 aims to enhance better choice through dynamism, competitiveness, and ensuring safety and quality of the food we produce, by introducing a transparent and scientific system of standards in the country.” Referring to the competitiveness of the industry and the influences outside of it, Phumzile explains. As a black owned company, the company face many challenges, however the staff work hard to overcome the issues within the market. “With the with the advent of democracy in South Africa and the Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment Policy (BBBEE), our company has been much more biased towards creating an enabling environment for primary agricultural stakeholders (co-operatives and farmers in general) to thrive, so as to ensure that we sustain a solid value chain in terms of unlockingmarket offtakes for them, whilst also ensuring consistent supply of raw materials for our agro processing (value add) operations, so as to establish and also sustain diverse markets demand of our products.” Phumzile then talks about operating within the fast- paced market, explaining what techniques they employ in order to stay ahead of any emerging developments, including building relationships and ensuring there is trust between the company and its partners. As well as referring to the challenges externally, Phumzile mentions what the internal culture is like within the company and how teamwork helps them stay ahead. “Within the industry, our company has formed strategic alliances with R&D institutions in the country, so as to ensure that our food products become a solution and best addresses social challenges faced by the most impoverished of our societies in Africa. “All our staff members subscribe to a standard business practice/s, based on our Corporate / Business Ethics, that we considered our DNA for all to adhere to when engaging with our stakeholders and clients alike. We ensure an in-depth induction of all our staff members, so as to ensure they become direct company ambassadors.” Ultimately, looking forward to the future, Phumzile is clearly excited about what is ahead for the company. Mpilo-ende is hoping to become one of that major listed food manufacturers in the global market, with Mpilo-ende projecting a turnover of no less than $1 Billion in the near future.