Reducing Pressure in December
December is often a time of high demand and increased pressure in the hospitality industry. With holidays, festive events, and a surge in visitors, businesses face the challenge of maintaining smooth operations while ensuring the highest standards are upheld. For many in the hospitality sector, this month can feel like a balancing act between meeting customer expectations and managing the operational stress that comes with the season.
At Kerston Foods, we understand these challenges and have taken proactive steps to reduce pressure while ensuring the continued success of our partners in the hospitality industry. One of the most critical aspects of our approach is the unyielding commitment to food safety. As the volume of business increases, so does the importance of adhering to stringent food safety protocols. Maintaining food safety is non-negotiable, especially in a time when health regulations are more important than ever.
Kerston Foods has set the standard by becoming FSSC 22000 certified, a globally recognised food safety management system certification. This certification is a testament to our dedication to providing safe, high-quality food products while supporting the hospitality industry’s need to meet rigorous safety standards. With FSSC certification, we ensure that all food products distributed by us are handled, stored, and transported with the utmost care, giving our customers the peace of mind they need during this busy time.
Our team works tirelessly to ensure a seamless supply chain, even during peak months, by anticipating demand, streamlining operations, and focusing on quality control at every step. This proactive approach not only reduces operational pressure but also ensures that the food our clients serve remains safe and compliant with all health regulations.
By leading the way in food safety and distribution in the Western Cape, Kerston Foods is helping our partners in the hospitality industry navigate December with confidence, delivering safe, high-quality food while maintaining the smooth operations necessary to handle the festive season rush.
Supplier Highlight
Omnisurge
Kerston Foods is delighted to celebrate its enduring partnership with Omnisurge, one of South Africa’s most trusted suppliers to the medical, beauty, business, and government sectors. For over seven years, Omnisurge has been a valued partner, consistently providing top-quality products and reliable service. This collaboration reflects Kerston Foods’ dedication to delivering exceptional value to our customers.
Our success is built on strong relationships with suppliers like Omnisurge, whose commitment to quality and safety mirrors our own. This partnership has been instrumental in maintaining our standards of excellence, and we look forward to many more years of shared growth and success.
Let’s hear from a brand manager at Omnisurge as they share their experience of working with Kerston Foods over the years:
“As one of Kerston Foods valued suppliers, I’ve had the privilege of being a partner since 2017. Over these past seven years, our relationship has grown stronger, built on a foundation of trust and collaboration. It’s been wonderful to see how our shared commitment to excellence has contributed to our mutual success.
In my opinion, what sets Kerston Foods apart is their exceptional transparency and loyalty. These qualities truly distinguish them from others and make our partnership not only professional but also deeply valued.
Our collaboration on the donation initiative in aid of cancer, along with the invitations to Kerston events, truly stands out as a memorable highlights in the history of our partnership. It has been a privilege to work together on meaningful projects that not only strengthen our professional relationship but also make a positive impact beyond our businesses.
As a supplier, Kerston Foods impressive growth and longevity have greatly benefited us, offering stability and opportunities to grow alongside them. We truly value the partnership and the foundation it provides for mutual success.
Looking ahead, I see our partnership playing a vital role in fostering mutual success. I envision our business relationship continuing to thrive, grounded in innovation and aligned with our shared goals for the future.”
Golden Hands Gloves: A Class Above the Rest
For over 18 years, Omnisurge has proudly partnered with kitchens, hotels, and catering businesses nationwide, delivering hygiene and safety products you can count on. Here’s why we’re the trusted choice for the hospitality industry:
Unlike other suppliers, we don’t compromise on quality to cut costs. Our products are designed to meet the high demands of the food and hospitality industries, ensuring compliance and peace of mind.
From food preparation to housekeeping, Omnisurge products are made with the needs of the hospitality sector in mind. Never run out of the essentials. We guarantee consistent stock availability, even during peak demand.
Golden Hands stand out for all the right reasons:
Golden Hands gloves are made with premium materials that prioritise strength, comfort, and safety, ensuring a flawless user experience. While other brands lower their standards to offer cheap gloves, we choose to maintain superior quality. Golden Hands gloves last longer, perform better, and save you money in the long run.
Manufactured with skin-friendly, food-safe materials, our gloves exceed industry hygiene standards, ensuring safety and compliance. Ergonomically crafted for extended wear, providing a snug fit and superior grip, even in wet or greasy conditions.
With Golden Hands, you don’t have to sacrifice quality for affordability, and with Golden Hands gloves, you’re choosing a smarter, safer solution for your business.
Customer Insights
Lanzerac
It is with great pleasure that we introduce you to Lanzerac Wine Estate, a historic treasure nestled in the picturesque Jonkershoek Valley, on the outskirts of the charming town of Stellenbosch. Established in 1692, Lanzerac is a true icon, steeped in Cape heritage and renowned for its old-world charm. The Estate offers stunning views of majestic mountain ranges, sprawling vineyards, and expansive gardens shaded by centuries-old Oak trees.
In 1959, the homestead was transformed into the Lanzerac Hotel, blending the traditional French concept of a country hotel with a wine estate. Today, Lanzerac stands as an elegant five-star country hotel, complete with acclaimed bars, restaurants, a remarkable tasting venue, and a luxurious day spa.
As one of the oldest farms in the region, Lanzerac’s rich history began when Isaac Schrijver planted the first vineyards, naming the farm Schoongezicht, or ‘wonderful view’. Over the years, the estate has evolved, with the iconic Manor House and its sophisticated Cape Dutch architecture dating back to 1830.
Lanzerac Wine Estate is proud to share their inspiring story and the details of their collaboration, as told by their Procurement Manager:
“As Kerston Foods continues to expand its product lines and services, I envision our partnership becoming even more tailored to our specific needs. More collaborative efforts, like joint marketing initiatives through their website and digital marketing channels.
With the rising demand for sustainable and ethically sourced products, Kerston Foods helps us stay ahead by offering more eco-friendly options and aligning with the Hospitality industry standards for sustainability.
As I look to the future, I would love to see Kerston Foods expand its offerings with enhanced ready-to-eat meals, particularly with diverse dietary options such as vegan and gluten-free products (Plant-base products). This would not only complement their current range but also cater to a broader customer base, aligning with industry trends and increasing the appeal of existing products.
Streamlining the order process with a more integrated digital platform through the newly developed Sales App and Webstore, will increase efficiency throughout the supply chain. Regular feedback sessions, especially through their dedicated sales team, helps to address issues promptly and enhances our collaboration.
Kerston Foods plays a crucial role in our supply chain by ensuring consistent quality and timely deliveries. This is pivotal as we aim to expand our market reach and grow.”
Staff Insights
Godfrey Duma
We are thrilled to introduce Godfrey Duma, a highly valued member of our Dispatcher team at Kerston Foods. With over 11 years of dedicated service, Godfrey has consistently exemplified exceptional commitment and expertise in his role. It is an honour to have him as part of our team, and we are pleased to share a glimpse of his aspirations and vision for the future with Kerston Foods:
“In the next few years, I see myself growing in many aspects of my life professionally and on personal level. I aspire to take up leadership role/s within the distribution department. With the skills and experience I have gained over the years and a growth mindset that I possess I believe that I would add value and contribute immensely to Kerston Food’s growth.
In the coming years Kerston Food’s culture will more likely evolve positively into champion status across the Western cape region. To claim this status one important aspect that Kerston Foods has to maintain is consistency towards success in every delivery (Big or small).
At Kerston foods, our ability to go out of our way to source product lines that are not traditionally part of our range, to satisfy our customer’s request, is a key strength out of many that sets us apart. The positive reviews from our customer database system shows we are the most efficient food distribution company they are dealing with, it’s important to ride on these positive outcomes going into the future by being extraordinary.”
Upcoming Impact Initiative
Food Safety
As a business that handles and distributes food products, we recognise the critical importance of food safety. Our recent achievement of FSSC 22000 certification demonstrates our commitment to this core value.
Fostering a strong food safety culture within our business is essential to delivering on this commitment. It’s about creating an environment where every employee understands the importance of food safety, feels empowered to take ownership, and is equipped to make safe choices.
At the heart of our food safety culture is our care for the well-being of our wider community. We believe that by prioritising food safety, we’re not only protecting the health and safety of those who we serve, but also demonstrating our respect and appreciation for the trust they’ve placed in us.
By prioritising food safety culture, we enhance our reputation, improve compliance, drive business success, and most importantly, contribute to the well-being of our community. It’s a collective responsibility that requires every employee’s active participation and commitment.
As we move forward, we’ll continue to nurture this culture, driving continuous improvement and innovation in our food safety practices.