The African Business Journal: Burchells Foods

Burchells Foods
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admin on 20 April, 2010 01:00:00
 
Whether you try the Gourmet Africa Kali kali extra hot chilli sauce, North
African Chermoula, or classic organic basil pesto, you will learn why the fresh
and natural ingredients of Burchells Foods’ lines have won the praise of
customers and peers alike.
Based in Worcester in the Western Cape, South Africa, Burchells makes some of
the most delicious and high quality foods in the country. The
headquarters—a large, beautifully restored 200 year old Cape Dutch cellar
on the De Breede Estate, one of three National Monuments on the
estate—embodies the old world character of the foods they make and
naturally sets the pace for the unhurried crafting of unique culinary delights.
Debbie Alcock, Managing Director at Burchells Foods (the parent company of
Gourmet Africa) speaks of the 32 natural and organic lines the company proudly
produces. “When we say ‘natural’, we mean no MSG, no
additives, colorants, or preservatives, and our organic range is 100 per cent
certified and proudly procured from South Africa.”
The reason why Burchells products are so popular, Alcock believes, “is
taste. Whether it’s organic or not, I think the product speaks for itself
and the fact that it’s organically-grown and produced certainly improves
the flavour.”
This philosophy of producing clean and healthy products is the foundation for
the 120 house brands for which Burchells Foods manufactures lines, including
leading South African leaders such as Woolworths and Pick n Pay. “We also
manufacture products for a large number of retailers in the South African
region,” adds Alcock.
The service Burchells provides these clients is the capability of making food
catered to the clients’ exact specifications. The company is respected and
approached for its creativity, unique flavours and tastes, which is why they are
leaders in exporting the diverse and unique foods grown in South Africa.
“I think that’s what people go for,” Alcock elaborates,
“first taste, then the range of different products from the South African
scene—curry urban, curry paste are some examples of these because they are
produced from different seeds. People respond to authenticity.”
Peers of Burchells are responding enthusiastically. Alcock says that awards were
not on their minds when creating Bruchells’ products, “but it just
so happens, that one of them came our way. We don’t seek awards but we
certainly receive them with gratitude.”
When asked what Alcock thinks garners Burchells this recognition, she answers,
“I think it’s because the products are innovative and different,
people seek us in terms of issuing awards. In terms of competition, there
isn’t that much competition in South Africa. In fact, I would say there is
no competition in the organic market. There are very few manufactured organic
products because the barrier of entry is so difficult, whereas we’ve been
able to set up a number of farms. Many people in general do not have the
infrastructure set up, so they find it very difficult to manufacturer organic
products.”
“Green” house
Another reason Burchells shines so brightly in their field is the fact that they
are procured in South Africa’s first green factory. “We make us our
own bio-fuels and the entire factory is entirely retrofitted, which is quite a
new concept in Africa,” says Alcock. This 4,500 square foot factory has
been a great success for the company. Harnessing wind and sun energy, it uses as
little conventional energy as possible. The insulation keeps the factory cooler
in the summer, and recycled water feeds an indigenous garden on the premises. 
In line with this consciences effort to be environmental stewards, recycled
glass containers are used to package the products, and suppliers are chosen who
use the least unnecessary packaging and who align with the Burchells Foods
philosophy.
Working towards a bright future
Many of the products used for Burchells products are grown in black empowerment
cooperative farming projects which have been in part set up by the company and
which goes a long way in helping to support the previously disadvantaged South
Africans. Today, Burchells Foods runs no less than nine BEE growing projects
that involve an integrated policy of working with both farmers and retailers to
get the best possible quality of fresh produce into jars, always in the most
environmentally and ethically conscious way.
“That process is very much an external process,” says Alcock.
“We have an internationally-recognized certifying standard, ISO 9001, we
have fair trade, an international audited body (BCS). All of this is very much
international, but we also have a South African food standard body to comply
with as well as other external bodies.”
Looking forward, Burchells is looking to expand. At the moment, Burchells cannot
keep up with customer demand, so the team is currently looking at a factory that
has 400 percent capacity in part of South Africa that has a huge amount of
unemployment. “We have factory capacity, there’s great demand for
our products, and we just need to get out there and expand the product
line,” says Alcock.
The sky is the limit for Burchells, who have proven they can create and supply
delicious specialty food items. “If anyone is looking for great product
from South Africa, we can certainly offer it—organic or not. It
doesn’t necessary restrict someone from working us and if companies want
to develop products with us, we have a very strong R&D section. We’d be
very happy to work alongside them. We are exporting fairly successfully to
Europe, if anyone is interested, we’d be very happy to assist with
exporting to other countries.”
www.burchells.co.za