In this episode Loyiso Manga, founder of Ubuntu Extra Virgin Olive Oil shares how his brand isn’t just about producing top-quality olive oil – it’s about transforming the narrative around health, accessibility, and inclusivity in the olive oil industry.
For Manga, the inspiration to enter this niche industry stemmed from a desire to promote the health benefits of olive oil. “I saw an opportunity from a business point of view of preaching the gospel of the health benefits that the olive oil brings or gives to the human body,” he shares.
Beyond health, his daring spirit and passion for innovation also drew him to an industry where black representation was nearly nonexistent.
Challenges on the path to success
Manga’s journey hasn’t been without obstacles. For nearly a year, Ubuntu Extra Virgin Olive Oil faced a production halt due to the 2023 global olive oil shortage, which was exacerbated by a poor harvest – reportedly the worst in 25 years.
“Our suppliers had struggled to give us any olive oil because they had harvested a fifth of what they used to get,” he explains. This, coupled with difficulties in securing upfront funding, posed significant challenges.
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Funding, a recurring hurdle, hasn’t deterred his resolve. Manga credits his determination to the impact his journey has on others. “We remember that we are an inspiration to many young people who are destitute, who are unemployed, and who are still trying to find themselves. Our dare-to-dream spirit motivates me,” he says.
Despite these setbacks, Ubuntu has reached impressive milestones. Securing listings with Woolworths and Takealot, alongside corporate gifting contracts, has helped establish the brand’s presence.
In addition, Manga’s relationship with SA Olive has been pivotal. He praises the institution’s leadership, particularly under Wendy Petersen, for fostering trust and supporting transformation within the industry.
In this episode, Manga also discusses:
- Strategic partnership and growth; and
- His vision for the future.
Want to know more? Dive deeper into the episode and gain insights from the award-winning Farmer’s Inside Track, officially recognised as Africa and the world’s best podcast at the 2024 Digital Media Awards presented by WAN-IFRA, the global press organisation.
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