30 Years of Growth and Prosperity
Over the span of 30 years, our journey has been marked by numerous highlights, challenges, and pivotal events that have shaped and fortified our business. A guiding principle we’ve adhered to throughout is incremental growth – “One pebble at a time builds mountains.” – Richard
Our journey began modestly in 1994 with our first customer in Edgemead, operating from Stella Park in a 100m2 property. Within 8 years, our growth necessitated acquiring a larger space, expanding to a 900m2 property. By our 10th anniversary, we had grown into a team of 17 with a fleet of 4 vehicles serving the Cape Town area. While these milestones marked significant periods of expansion and opportunity, we also faced challenges such as the Global Financial Crisis and the brief impact of the Soccer World Cup on the hospitality sector when the expectation of the event did not materialise.
By 2015, we had continued steadily building and we celebrated our 21st birthday with staff and their families. Knowing that our team is expanding and our support to staff in more senior roles will become more relevant, we embarked on a journey to grow our EXCO team through a leadership course off site, also providing opportunities for regular staff to step into senior positions to show their capabilities.
As our operations expanded, we encountered challenges with our systems, prompting a pivotal decision to upgrade our ERP and implement an online ordering system. Despite the progress in 2017 and the years to follow, we were blindsided by the unforeseen impact of COVID-19 on the hospitality industry. Undeterred, we adapted by launching @home online services to diversify our market presence and we rallied our trucks and drivers through the streets of Cape Town and Franschhoek areas in support of the industry, staff and public #jobssavelives
In 2022, our growth trajectory led us to move into a spacious 2400m2 facility to better serve our expanding customer base. This milestone was accompanied by a rebranding of our fleet, a refreshed website, and the introduction of a business WhatsApp channel. Our journey has been characterised by resilience, growth, and unwavering support from our partners, enabling our fleet to grow to 14 trucks and our team to over 80 members, with further expansion on the horizon.
Looking ahead, we are energised by the future and the ongoing partnerships that continue to drive our success. With a commitment to a growth mindset, inclusive development initiatives, sustainability and food safety we aim to bring everyone in our supply chain along on this journey, confronting challenges head-on and seizing opportunities together. Together, we have refreshed, connected, and keep growing.
Kerston Foods Team
Supplier Highlight
Relianz Foods
Relianz Foods has been a prominent partner in the industry for more than 21 years. Specialising as a direct importer and agent for various processors and manufacturers, food safety is central to their operations. Relianz holds FSSC 22000 certification and rigorously ensures compliance among their farmers, producers, and manufacturers through their dedicated food safety department. High-quality products entering the food service supply chain is of vital importance combined with consistency in supply and communication, with a personal touch, for a successful business model.
These principles resonate deeply with Kerston Foods, establishing them as a valued and integral supplier within our supply chain. Reflecting on the journey of partnership spanning over 20 years, here are some insights from Relianz Foods.
“It’s been a pleasure being part of the Kerston Foods’s Journey, Kerston Foods has had consistent growth which speaks to the business’s management and long-term strategy. Kerston Foods is a loyal business that does not compromise on quality, reliability and service and that sets them apart from others.
Its difficult to highlight one single event as our relationship consists not of a single event but of years of consistent service delivery which signifies the consistency and service you offer your customers in return. Been able to plan is fundamental in this industry as pricing and stock availability can be challenging at times. With your company’s longevity, it has made it easier to plan ahead as best as possible.
In the coming years, a key role that will continue to be of importance in our two businesses will be, being able to offer the end user, quality products with consistency of supply through service excellence.”
Larren Campher – Managing Director
Morningstar Honey Muesli
At Relianz Foods raw materials are received and compared to specifications based on our receiving policies and stored in an allergen-controlled warehouse. Raw materials are further processed as required in a food safety-certified production facility.
A very strict food safety department ensures high-quality products are entering the food service supply chain, leading to end-user food safety and customer satisfaction.
As part of an extended range of high-quality products that Relianz Foods offers, Morningstar Honey Muesli is unique and in a class of its own. With a lavish amount of fruit, seeds and nuts added to their carefully selected and prepared ingredients, Morningstar Honey Muesli has truly created a scrumptious breakfast experience. Morningstar Muesli is packed full of goodness and great value for money.
Customer Insights
La Pineta
Your next favourite Winelands spot… With stunning views of Table Mountain and the Cape Winelands, La Pineta is warm and inviting in winter time, and bright and fresh in the summer months.
Elegance, creativity and creating lasting memories are what makes the partnership between Kerston Foods and La Pineta a true collaboration. Over the past 5 years, our journey has cultivated a trust-based relationship where mutual support has been key to its growth. As Melissa, manager of La Pineta Restaurant, reflects on our partnership, she shares some of her key insights gained from our collaborative efforts.
“Over the past few years some of the memorable experiences is amazing service from the sales team at Kerston Foods. Whether it’s a request for them to source stock, price check, last minute order, after hours order, following up on a delivery, upliftment request or just a little advice, they have always been fast to respond to our queries and always comes back with feedback and a solution. With Kerston Foods there are no loose ends!
We have seen the products and services offered by Kerston Foods evolve over the years. We started with Kerston Foods as our “dry goods” supplier, but now they are our go to for almost everything.
One of the biggest milestones we have experienced with Kerston has been rebuilding our business after COVID.
We know that with Kerston Foods we will continue to receive great quality at the right prices.”
Melissa Rickets – Manager
Staff Insights
Aaron Makuvise
The unquestionable value of growth and how it impacts on overall performance of a business and individuals is emphasised by many business leaders globally.
“Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning.” – Benjamin Franklin
At Kerston Foods, continual growth is not just important; it’s fundamental to who we are. We are dedicated to supporting the growth journeys of our staff, recognising that each opportunity for development enhances both the individual and the business. Over the years, we have supported and empowered individuals like Aaron Makuvise, who began his journey with us as a driver and has since become as a key decision-maker in our distribution department. Aaron graciously shares his insights on his transformative decade with us.
“Some memories that stand out for me over the time I have been with Kerston foods:
- The introduction of digital apps brought a significant shift in how we manage logistics and customer interactions.
- Personally, my first promotion from a driver to a dispatcher remains a highlight, marking a pivotal moment in my career progression.
Initially, our culture was heavily focused on operational efficiency, which remains a crucial aspect of our identity. Over time, there has been a noticeable evolution towards embracing innovation and technology to enhance service delivery. Despite these changes, our steadfast commitment to maintaining high standards of quality and ensuring customer satisfaction has remained a consistent cornerstone of our culture.
A challenging project we faced was the gradual replacement of our old truck fleet with new multi-temp trucks. This required careful planning, financial management, and operational coordination to ensure minimal disruption to our delivery schedules. Through strategic purchasing and phased implementation, we successfully upgraded our fleet while continuing to meet customer demands effectively.
Our company’s ability to adapt and innovate, as seen in the implementation of digital apps and fleet modernisation, sets us apart in the competitive food distribution industry. The consistent focus on quality, customer satisfaction, and operational excellence has earned us a reputation for reliability and leadership in the Western Cape region.
A social event that stands out as a cherished memory for me is our previous outing themed “Let us grow together”. It provided a valuable opportunity for team bonding, celebrating achievements, and reinforcing our collective sense of purpose and unity. Such events not only fostered camaraderie but also highlighted the strong community spirit that defines our company culture at Kerston Foods.”
Upcoming Impact Initiative
Employee Wellness
In discussing wellness and prioritising our staff, we recognise the importance of taking a moment to focus on this vital aspect of life. Studies consistently highlight the direct impact of physical activity on individuals’ longevity. Regular physical activity not only reduces symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress but also enhances cognitive function and promotes better sleep. While wellness often emphasises mental well-being and healthy eating, the physical aspect of caring for our bodies is equally crucial and sometimes overlooked.
Establishing a routine for physical activity is essential for fostering growth through deliberate habits. Research indicates that the top 5 percent of high performers are 40 percent more likely to exercise three times per week. Exercise plays a pivotal role in sending oxygen and nutrients to tissues, enhancing cardiovascular efficiency, and boosting overall energy levels, enabling individuals to tackle daily tasks more effectively.
To spearhead this conversation, Kerston Foods’ social committee intends to introduce physical activities aimed at encouraging staff to prioritise their physical well-being. Be on the lookout for some fun photos and activities shared via our social media pages.