Churning delight into culinary artistry
16 Jan 2025
At the age of 23, Kago Dichabe has become Botswana’s beacon of entrepreneurial inspiration.
Born and raised in Tlokweng, Mr Dichabe’s journey began modestly, but his unwavering passion for food and business has transformed his establishment, CK Foods, into a pioneering brand in the health-conscious food industry.
Growing up, Mr Dichabe’s love for food was always apparent. He started as a shelf packer at Choppies Stores, where he worked with processed foods, marking the start of his entrepreneurial journey.
Observing the dominance of foreign dairy brands and the lack of local competition in Botswana’s yoghurt industry ignited an idea.
“I noticed only one local brand competing with international players, and that excited me. I have always loved creamy foods, so I thought, why not give it a shot?” he recalls.
His first attempt at making yoghurt was not perfect, but it was promising. With that glimmer of potential and hope, Mr Dichabe embarked on two years of intensive research into food processing and product development.
Fuelled by a vision for creating preservative-free, natural products, he was ready to turn his dream into reality and create value in the market.
The journey to launching CK Foods was not without challenges. Starting with personal savings from his previous job, Mr Dichabe used every opportunity to grow his business.
A pivotal moment came when he won first prize in a Tokafala pitching competition, which victory not only boosted his confidence, but also secured additional funding towards scale production.
CK Foods officially launched with its flagship product unveiling a sago pearls infused yoghurt, a unique twist that combined taste, nutrition, and texture. The initial line up featured flavours such as blueberry granadilla, vanilla and strawberry.
Over time, the range expanded to include customer-favourites such as cookies and cream as well as granola as a complement to the yoghurt.
Scaling production from 10 litres to 100 litres per week was no walk in the park for Mr Dichabe as he faced significant hurdles, including regulatory bureaucracy and shortage of key ingredients.
“Ingredient shortages were a constant challenge, but we built strong relationships with reliable suppliers locally and internationally. That made all the difference,” he shared.
Despite the obstacles, Mr Dichabe’s focus on quality and customer satisfaction never wavered. Through targeted marketing campaigns and a commitment to innovation, CK Foods steadily built a loyal customer base.
“I remember my first sale like it was yesterday. I skipped work to make the delivery, and before I knew it, social media was abuzz with inquiries. That joy was priceless,” he said with a smile.
CK Foods owes much of its success to strategic branding and marketing efforts, which include leveraging on public events such as the Botswana Innovation Day and local mall stalls erection to introduce their products to a wider audience. Social media also played a pivotal role in creating buzz and driving sales.
“Our emphasis on natural ingredients and unique flavours has become synonymous with our brand identity. This focus on quality and consistency has cultivated trust and loyalty among our customers,” Mr Dichabe explained.
Looking ahead, CK Foods aims to become a leading name in the health-focused food industry. Over the next decade, he envisions expanding regionally, partnering with major retailers and offering a broader range of preservative-free, nutritious products.
“We want CK Foods to be a brand that represents quality, innovation and sustainability. Supporting local farmers and promoting health and wellness will always be at the heart of what we do,” he said.
Through his journey, Mr Dichabe has learned invaluable lessons about resilience, teamwork and strategic thinking.
“Starting with what you have is key. You do not need to have it all figured out. What matters most is having a vision and the determination to see it through,” he advised aspiring entrepreneurs.
CK Foods has already made its mark in the food industry since its inception. By staying true to its mission of delivering natural, preservative-free products, the brand continues to thrive. Mr Dichabe’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and innovation.
With every creamy spoonful of CK Foods yoghurt, customers are not just enjoying a delicious treat, but they are supporting a vision rooted in quality, sustainability and local pride.
As Mr Dichabe continues to build his legacy, one thing is clear: CK Foods is a brand to reckon with and is here to stay. ENDS
Source : BOPA
Author : Thato Setlhare
Location : Tlokweng
Event : Interview
Date : 16 Jan 2025