Description
Speciality Foods Zambia Limited, based in Kitwe, is a prominent manufacturer in the FMCG sector. The company boasts a robust annual turnover of approximately US$3.6 million and employs a dedicated workforce of 150 individuals.
History:
Founded in 1966 as a subsidiary of the Zimbabwean holding company, Denton and Kennedy, Speciality Foods has withstood the test of time and adversity. In 1983, the Zambian holding company, Chibote Limited, acquired it. However, tragedy struck in 1986 when a fire razed 60% of the factory. Subsequent to this setback, the company found leadership and vision under Chad Kaunda, a former affiliate of Chibote's proprietors.
Products & Activities:
Speciality Foods takes pride in manufacturing a diverse array of food products, spanning over six categories. These include sweets, snacks, peanut products, baby foods, powders, and liquids. Tailoring to specific demands, the company caters to major retail stores like Shoprite, Pick n Pay, and Spar, while also servicing over 100 wholesalers across Zambia.
Organization & Management:
Under the astute guidance of the COO, Chibwe Kaunda (son of the founder), the company thrives. He is backed by a board dominated by family members. However, when it comes to senior management roles, the company emphasizes professional qualifications, often bringing in expertise from outside the family.
Firm Capabilities:
Quality assurance is a cornerstone for Speciality Foods. Every product undergoes rigorous testing at the in-house lab, ensuring adherence to predefined quality and specification parameters. This commitment extends to third-party assessments, conducted by the University of Zambia and the Zambia Bureau of Standards.
Supply & Marketing Chain:
Speciality Foods champions the value addition to local agricultural products. As Zambia's largest buyer of groundnuts and honey from small-scale farmers, the company plays a pivotal role in the agricultural sector. Their operations emphasize just-in-time production, targeting minimal inventory costs, and they exhibit a unique market approach by packaging products tailored for low-income communities.
Recent Developments:
2008 was a milestone year for Speciality Foods, with investments in cutting-edge machinery amplifying production capacity, driving down unit costs, and elevating packaging and health standards.
Development Agenda:
The recent influx of major retailers in Zambia, along with surging orders from established entities, underscores an upward trajectory for Speciality Foods. Amidst discussions around mergers, acquisitions, or public listing, the firm's leadership remains steadfast in their vision of keeping the business family-centric. Moreover, to bolster their operations, the company contemplates securing additional funding to meet the procurement needs for their staple raw materials.
For further details or inquiries, please visit their base in Kitwe, Zambia.
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