Hot chilli sauce with healthy benefits
Otlarongwa Kgweetsi | Tuesday September 3, 2024 16:59
The owner of The Hot Chilli Sauce, which is based in Gaborone’s Main Mail, explains that it is the reason behind her delicacy selling for a premium. In an interview, Tshenolo Pearl Mogotsi, said her product is distinct not only for its flavour but also for health-conscious ingredients. “I use olive oil, lemon, and other healthy ingredients, which sets my sauce apart from others on the market,” she told BusinessMonitor. All these ingredients are known in the longevity world as amongst the healthiest as they come with added nutritional benefits for those who are always looking to improve their health outcomes.
The focus on quality and health, however, has led to some challenges. Some customers feel that her product is pricey compared to well-known brands from Nando’s and Chicken Licken. Mogotsi is the first to acknowledge these concerns but stands firm on her pricing, emphasising the value of the ingredients she uses. “The higher price reflects the quality and the benefits that come with it,” she says. “I’m not just selling a sauce; I’m offering a product that’s good for your health.” Despite the pricing challenges, the feedback from the community has been largely positive, with many customers praising the unique taste and the care taken in crafting the sauce. The Hot Chilli Sauce was launched in April 2024. The business owner explained that initially, she introduced her product by offering free samples to potential customers in order to garner feedback to refine her recipe before officially selling the sauce. Mogotsi says by the time she started selling bottles of her hot chilli sauce, there was already significant interest, and she had built a small but enthusiastic customer base. “When I started, it was important for me to ensure that people knew what they were getting.
“The samples helped me gauge what people liked and how they reacted to the heat and flavour,” she explained. Looking to the future, Mogotsi has ambitious plans for her business. She is working on introducing a mild-flavoured version of her sauce to cater to those who prefer less ‘heat’. Additionally, she is in the process of having her sauce tested and certified, which will allow her to begin supplying it to various food stores. Her long-term vision includes expanding her product line, supplying shops across the country and eventually opening a dedicated store for her sauces. Currently, Mogotsi sells her sauce at Main Mall, in front of KM Sales, where she continues to attract new customers. “Getting my sauce tested is crucial. It’s a step towards ensuring that my product meets all the necessary health and safety standards, and it will open up doors to larger markets,” she said.
The Hot Chilli Sauce business is entirely self-funded, a reflection of Mogotsi’s determination and belief in her product. “Starting this business has been challenging, but it’s something I’m passionate about. I want to create a brand that people trust and love,” she shares. As she continues to grow her business, Mogotsi remains optimistic. With her commitment to quality and health, she hopes to make The Hot Chilli Sauce a household name in Botswana.