Boasa Brands pioneers healthy snack solutions in Botswana
Otlarongwa Kgweetsi | Tuesday June 4, 2024 12:59
As things stands in the budding Botswana’s entrepreneurial landscape, Boasa Brands stands out as a beacon of innovation and quality in the food industry. Founded by the visionary food technologist, the company has swiftly garnered a reputation for delivering superior, health-conscious snacks that cater to the evolving preferences of consumers. Serumola said in an interview that her business was established in 2021 after lockdown.
She revealed that before she started the production of dried fruits she was into farming then later on after COVID-19, slow production forced her to think of a venture where she could use her profession to make a living. Her company, which operates from LEA Incubator in Pilane, specialises in both fresh produce and processed foods. Boasa Brands has carved a niche with its assortment of mixed dried fruits, raisins, banana chips, and mango strips, which have become household favourites. What sets these products apart is their uncompromising quality—free from added sugars and preservatives, ensuring a natural and healthy snacking option. “I get my supplies from local farmers and sometimes at Sefalana. And when it’s winter I import my fruits from South Africa because during winter the production of fruits in Botswana is low. “Currently I have two full time employees and two part timers and another two at my farm at Rasesa,” she told Business Monitor. Serumola, a graduate of BUAN, leverages her academic expertise to drive the innovation and quality control that Boasa Brands is known for. Equally, her commitment to excellence is evident in every product that leaves the company’s facility.
At inception, Boasa Brands was a fully self funded business, although Serumola later on got additional funding from Youth Development Fund (YDF) through the Local Enterprise Authority (LEA) in order to procure equipment needed for her production. The company has a variety of clients from those in tourism industry, corporate Botswana while her products are also listed in a number of retail stores. According to Serumola, in order to be ahead of rivals, Boasa Brands prides itself in offering competitive prices without sacrificing quality, making healthy snacks accessible to a broad spectrum of consumers. The enterprise’s emphasis on health and natural ingredients aligns perfectly with the global shift towards mindful eating and sustainable practices. “My target market is the hospitality industry, corporate events, guesthouse and hotels. Customers can easily purchase Boasa Brands products by placing orders with a minimum of five packs,” Serumola explained.
“Additionally, the products are conveniently available at several retail locations, including Trans Cash & Carry, Koncept Store, and the Hilton Garden Inn kiosk.” She highlighted that this strategic distribution ensures that health-conscious snacks are within reach for many, enhancing the brand’s presence and accessibility. On the hurdles she faces in the business, Serumola said: “I have faced several challenges like finance, market access or difficulty with listing with retailers. And competition is not that bad because currently we are not that much who does the production of dried fruits.” Serumola’s vision extends beyond merely providing snacks; it’s about fostering a healthier lifestyle and supporting the local economy through quality food production.