Darling Sweet
| Business Location: | Rural area - Farms |
| Province | Western Cape |
| Branch: | City of Cape Town |
| Business Start Date: | |
| Busniess Type: | cc |
Business Dynamics and Challenges
Business Activities:
Darling Sweet was started by Frits van Ryneveld and his partner Hentie van der Merwe almost ten years ago, in July 2014, in the Swartland town of Darling. The business provides employment opportunities to 36 people, mostly woman from the Darling community.
Darling Sweet produces a range of 10 flavours handcrafted toffees, 8 soft caramels and 3 toffee spreads in a range of unique and exciting flavours, using traditional methods and with no artificial colourants, flavourings or preservatives added. The idea of establishing a brand of toffee and caramels in Darling sprouts chiefly from Darling’s historic link to one of the product’s chief ingredients, butter, but also from the owners' initial market research which indicated that there exists within South Africa an unexplored market for high quality traditional handcrafted toffees and caramels.
Darling Sweet brand is firmly established in the local, South African confectionery market and their products are available in both small independent stores and retail giants such as Mr Price Home and Pick n Pay and Shoprite/Checkers. Darling Sweet products have also been exported (mostly pre-Covid) and they are exploring export possibilities again.
The Darling Sweet brand also has a range of products geared towards the hospitality turndown service, and these are available in many hotels and guesthouses throughout South Africa.
Challenges/Needs:
The following challenge was identified:
o Access to local markets.
Intervention Insights and Results
Intervention Details:
The following interventions were implemented:
o To attend the South African Retail Gift, Toy, Décor & Design (SARCDA) Trade Exhibition.
o To attend the South African Retail Gift, Toy, Décor & Design (SARCDA) Trade Exhibition.
Outcome Details:
The following result was achieved:
o Revenue increased from R 5 118 681 to R 7 100 611, an increase of 38.71%.
o employment increased from 26 to 36, an increase of 38%.
o Revenue increased from R 5 118 681 to R 7 100 611, an increase of 38.71%.
o employment increased from 26 to 36, an increase of 38%.
Client Feedback
Client Comments:
“The value Seda offers and brings to a SME like us is huge. Always professional, always helpful and spot on to our business needs”.
