Dear Friends, Family, Colleagues, Customers & Suppliers
As we commemorate three decades of Kerston Foods, I find myself in awe of the journey we’ve embarked upon since those early days. Time truly does fly, especially when you’re passionate about what you do, even amidst challenges and obstacles.
Reflecting on our beginnings brings a sense of pride that words cannot fully capture. It all started 30 years ago when Mark Sproston and I, both former colleagues at Strange Foods, dared to dream of creating something extraordinary. I remember those initial conversations like they were yesterday, filled with excitement, ambition, and a shared vision for excellence.
Our journey wasn’t without its share of hurdles. We faced challenges, navigated uncertainties, and learned valuable lessons along the way. Yet, through it all, the unwavering dedication of our team and the support of our families propelled us forward. Together, we turned aspirations into achievements and obstacles into opportunities.
One of the most rewarding aspects of this journey has been witnessing the growth and evolution of Kerston Foods. We’ve always strived to deliver the best, leveraging our resources efficiently and pushing ourselves to new heights of excellence. Every success story, every milestone reached, is a testament to the collective effort and commitment of our entire Kerston Foods family.
I must also express my heartfelt gratitude to my father and mother, John & Margaret Kershaw, whose belief in our vision and unwavering support paved the way for our success. Their investment in our venture was not just financial; it was a vote of confidence that fuelled our determination and resilience.
As we celebrate this significant milestone, I extend my gratitude to each of you—our valued stakeholders. Your trust, support, and collaboration have been instrumental in shaping Kerston Foods into what it is today. Together, we’ve built a legacy of excellence, innovation, and integrity that we can all be proud of.
Looking ahead, we are committed to continuing our journey of growth, innovation, and service excellence. With your continued partnership, I am confident that the next 30 years will be filled with even greater achievements and shared successes.
Thank you for being an integral part of the Kerston Foods story.
Richard Kershaw
Owner
Supplier Highlight
Max Products
Three decades ago, when we embarked on our journey, our primary objective was to establish enduring and robust partnerships with key associates. We take immense pride in proclaiming that we have successfully achieved this with Max Products. They have been an integral part of our voyage since its inception, sharing numerous business ventures with us along the way. As articulated by their owner, Barry Baker, their collaborative journey with us encompasses several pivotal aspects, which we are eager to share below:
Over the past 30 years, our partnership with Kerston Foods has evolved from a mere transactional relationship to a strategic collaboration deeply rooted in trust and mutual respect. We’ve witnessed significant milestones together, navigating market changes, industry challenges, and technological advancements hand in hand. Our communication has become more transparent, our processes more streamlined, and our commitment to each other’s success unwavering.
What sets Kerston Foods apart from others we work with is its unwavering dedication to quality, innovation, and sustainability. Unlike many other companies in the industry, Kerston Foods consistently goes above and beyond to exceed customer expectations while maintaining a strong focus on environmental stewardship and social responsibility. This commitment not only resonates with our values but also sets Kerston Foods apart as a leader in the market.
While there may not be one singular collaboration or project that stands out, our longstanding partnership with Kerston Foods since 1998 has been characterised by numerous successful collaborations and projects. Over the past decades, we’ve worked closely together on various initiatives ranging from product development and innovation to supply chain optimisation and market expansion.
Our continuous collaboration has been marked by a shared commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction. Together, we’ve navigated market fluctuations, industry trends, and technological advancements, always striving to stay ahead of the curve and deliver value to our customers.
Throughout our partnership, we’ve consistently supported Kerston Foods in achieving its goals and objectives, whether it be through providing high-quality products, reliable services, or strategic insights. Our ability to adapt, innovate, and collaborate has been key to our mutual success and longevity in the industry.
While there may not be one standout collaboration, our collective efforts over the years have undoubtedly contributed to the growth and success of both our organisations. We look forward to continuing our partnership and exploring new opportunities for collaboration and growth in the years to come.
The growth and longevity of Kerston Foods have had a profound impact on our business as a supplier. As Kerston Foods has expanded its operations and diversified its product offerings, our role as a key partner has grown exponentially. We’ve had to adapt to meet increasing demand, invest in new technologies, and expand our own capabilities to ensure we can continue to meet Kerston Foods’ evolving needs. However, this growth has also presented us with new opportunities for collaboration and innovation, driving mutual success.
Looking ahead, we see our partnership with Kerston Foods playing an even more significant role in the coming years. As the market continues to evolve and consumer preferences shift, our collaboration will be instrumental in driving innovation, capturing new opportunities, and staying ahead of the competition. Together, we will continue to explore new avenues for growth, expand into new markets, and deliver value to our customers while upholding our shared commitment to quality, sustainability, and excellence.
Looking ahead, we are enthusiastic about continuing this remarkable journey with you.
Machine Auto Dish Liquid
Buying bulk products, such as a 25-litre container of dishwashing liquid from Max Products, can offer several benefits:
Cost Savings
Purchasing in bulk often results in significant cost savings per unit compared to buying smaller quantities. This is particularly advantageous for businesses that use large amounts of the product regularly.Reduced Packaging Waste
Buying in bulk typically involves less packaging per unit of product compared to individual or smaller-sized containers. This helps to minimise waste and is environmentally friendly.Efficient Storage
Larger containers take up less space per unit of product compared to multiple smaller containers. This can lead to more efficient storage solutions, especially for businesses with limited storage space.Supply Assurance
Having a larger supply of essential products on hand ensures that you are less likely to run out when you need them, providing peace of mind and continuity of operations, especially for businesses.Customer Insights
Mount Nelson
For more than 15 years, Mount Nelson has stood as a cherished partner of Kerston Foods. As one of Cape Town’s premier five-star hotels, their partnership is a privilege we deeply value, and we eagerly anticipate many more years of collaboration ahead. Mount Nelson’s mastery in offering exotic Cape cuisine perfectly complements our diverse product range, creating a synergy that embodies culinary excellence.
Given their profound understanding of Kerston Foods, it was only natural to seek insights from Mount Nelson regarding our shared journey. And who better to offer these insights than Lucinda Enslin, their esteemed cost controller!
Here we go:
30 already – wow! Congratulations!
Something that stands out for me is the team that will go the extra mile, trying to source a product that we need even if you do not carry it, for example the A10 chick peas to name one out of a bunch.
I have seen some great improvements on delivery times and communication on product related queries over the years of dealing with Kerston Foods. One of the biggest milestones that I have seen over the period of our partnership is the relationship that we have built with the sales representatives and other key staff at Kerston.
We are very excited to continue the journey with Kerston Foods and to see you grow as a supplier to us in all our needs and wishes.
Staff Insights
Eric Williams
Eric Williams has been an integral part of our Kerston Foods family for over 13 years, currently serving as our dedicated general warehouse stager. With a wealth of experience spanning various operational roles, Eric possesses a comprehensive understanding of the Kerston ethos. He commands respect among our team members, demonstrating a genuine passion for his duties and showing remarkable empathy towards his colleagues.
Moreover, Eric plays a crucial role as a valued member of our Health & Safety team, demonstrating a profound commitment to his responsibilities in ensuring a secure working environment. His dedication is truly commendable.
We greatly value Eric’s presence within our team, cherishing the wealth of experience and insight he brings from his long-standing tenure with us. Recognising his deep understanding of our business, we invited Eric to reflect on his journey, encapsulate our company culture, recount a significant challenge we’ve overcome, highlight our distinguishing factors, and share his most cherished memory at Kerston Foods to date. Here are his reflections:
The most significant memory for me is being the only one to have won the most extraordinary award three times in a row, “RESPECT”! I was also part of the distribution team, where I broke the record for the most stops completed. I remember that we were once rewarded for painting the warehouse floor, with an outing to quad biking with the warehouse manager.
What has always been consistent, is the company’s developmental programs. They always provide us with the opportunity to grow, be better and do great! I have never experienced a hostile working environment there at Kerston Foods. The diversity is beautiful. We are a well-blended family!
During the Covid-19 pandemic, many employees lost the jobs, but our company stood firm in trusting God, that we will make it out of the other side. Here we are today, with the ability to reflect on all the challenges we have faced and conquered.
The company creates an exciting work environment for us as employees. We are truly heard, and our voices are valued. Here at Kerston Foods, we are united as a family and that is one thing our competitors cannot replicate. Our customer service is first to none. We know what our customers need and so we deliver time after time. We always try to reinvent ourselves by setting goals for the year on the strong foundations of the previous years.
My fondest memory was when we moved into our new home and how we celebrated with the Jerusalema dance. This was a steppingstone to much higher levels of success for us.
Upcoming Impact Initiative
World Book Day 2024
This World Book Day 2024 we will celebrate the notion that children are more inclined to embrace reading when their choices are championed and when reading is made enjoyable. The Read Your Way initiative urges everyone to relinquish pressure and expectations, allowing children the freedom to choose – and the opportunity to relish – their reading experiences.
As part of our social initiatives, the Kerston Foods Social Committee eagerly anticipates celebrating World Book Day on April 23rd, 2024. We plan to collect used books from staff, family, and friends, which will then be donated to a creche or school in need of literary resources. We firmly believe that books and education play pivotal roles in fostering strong communities, bolstering businesses, and advancing our nation. As a company, we prioritise growth and education as fundamental elements in empowering our staff to become future leaders. Here are some inspiring quotes that reaffirm our commitment to the future of our business:
“Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.” – Margaret Fuller
“Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.” – Richard Steele