Promoting health through plant-based products
Otlarongwa Kgweetsi | Friday October 11, 2024 14:07
Founded by Ndipo Gracious Chilume in Gaborone, the business offers a range of juices, smoothies, soups, and salads all made without preservatives or artificial ingredients. With health-consciousness on the rise, Ndigra Raw is carving out a niche in the market by offering convenient, nutrient-packed options for consumers. Launched in 2020, Ndigra Raw started with the production of fresh juices. These juices, made from a blend of fruits and vegetables, are designed to meet different nutritional needs. The green juices, for instance, contain ingredients like spinach, kale, and cucumber, whilst other options are based on fruit blends.
“Our juices are all about balancing taste and nutrition,” Chilume explained. “We use fresh, raw ingredients to give people a healthier alternative to sugary, processed drinks.” As demand for her products grew, Chilume expanded the business to include smoothies, soups, and salads. The smoothies offer a thicker, more filling alternative to the juices and have become popular as meal replacements or snacks. “The smoothies are really popular with people who want a quick, nutritious meal,” Chilume said. “They’re perfect for busy professionals or anyone looking for something light yet satisfying.” Ndigra Raw’s soups, which range from light vegetable broths to hearty pumpkin and butternut blends, cater to those looking for plant-based meal options, while the salads combine leafy greens, grains, and fruits to provide a balanced mix of flavours and textures. “We wanted to offer products that not only taste good but are also packed with nutrients. Each salad is designed to be a complete meal in itself,” Chilume noted. In maintaining her commitment to freshness, Chilume faces the challenge of balancing production with demand. “We make everything fresh, which means we need to manage production carefully to avoid wastage,” she said.
“It’s tricky, but our customers appreciate the effort. They know they’re getting something made just for them.” Beyond the food business, Chilume has also made strides in the beauty sector. In 2022, she opened Ndigra Raw Beauty Spa, located in Phase 2, Gaborone. The spa operates under a shared-space model, allowing beauty professionals to offer a variety of services, such as hairstyling, skincare, massages, and detox treatments. Chilume’s foray into beauty aligns with her broader focus on wellness, though she manages both ventures separately. “I’ve always believed in holistic wellness, and the spa was a natural extension of that,” she said. Her journey from a small juice business to a diversified wellness brand reflects the growing appetite for healthier, more natural options in Botswana. Ndigra Raw’s ability to meet this demand has positioned Chilume as a key player in the local health and wellness sector, whilst her beauty spa highlights her entrepreneurial flexibility. As more people turn toward holistic wellness, Chilume’s business ventures underscore the increasing relevance of both plant-based diets and personal care in modern living. “It’s about more than just business,” Chilume emphasised. “It’s about helping people live better, healthier lives.”