Windhoek
Pick n Pay Namibia, a subsidiary of the Ohlthaver and List Group, said it is ready to sell locally grown vegetables and other Namibian products in its stores countrywide in support of the O&L Group’s commitment to “Creating a future, enhancing life” for all Namibians.
Pick n Pay has, in partnership with Natural Value Foods, embarked on a journey in support of government’s “Growth at Home” strategy.
The Otavifontein farm has been part of the O&L Group for many years and has in parts been leased from the group by Pick n Pay, in collaboration with Natural Value Foods Namibia – a joint venture between Pick n Pay Namibia and Natural Value Foods South Africa. Vegetables, such as spinach, cabbage, barley and oats are currently being grown at the farm.
The farm comprises of 2700 hectares of land, which includes irrigation pivots, as well as dry crops and farmland. Pick n Pay Brand Manager, Victoria Forbes, said the future looks great for this specific farm: “Excitingly, the farm has already shown its first harvest of maize that was sold on the market. The first cabbages that were harvested last week have proven to be a record-breaking success, judging by the product size. These cabbages have already been distributed to Pick n Pay stores, and are selling at very affordable prices, compared to immediate competitors.”
Managing Director of Pick n Pay Namibia, Norbert Wurm, also shared his excitement over this venture and believes that, not only will this provide more affordable vegetables to Namibians, but will contribute to healthier living.
“This initiative and agreement with Natural Value Foods Namibia was entered into last year, and serves the purpose of bringing life back to the farm that was laying idle at Otavifontein. We identified that there is a need to grow more products and create more value locally,” Wurm said.
“Entrepreneurially driven Pick n Pay Namibia will share its success in the business arena by facilitating opportunities for others in business; supporting growth in the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) sector, and contribute towards the cultivation of an enterprise culture in our country,” added Forbes.
The Pick n Pay MSME programme was officially introduced at the 2015 Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair, after which a database of potential providers of goods and services was set up.
The O&L Group has invited focused and success-driven MSMEs to become part of an entrepreneurial initiative. “Be sure that you are registered and comply with all legal and industry related regulations. The business must be available for inspection to ensure health and safety compliance.
“If the business provides food products, food safety audit requirements must be fulfilled, and products and product ingredients must be traceable. Other requirements include that packaging, labelling and barcoding must comply with Pick n Pay’s requirements, and delivery, logistics and distribution must be proven,” explained Wurm.
“Pick n Pay Namibia expects all MSME programme participants to be serious about growing their business and motivated to honing their skills. Please note that Pick n Pay Namibia’s MSME programme is not a funding or loan scheme. Applicants will have to secure funding elsewhere. This programme will, however, be a solid support system to get your business to the next level,” Wurm explained.
Eligible entrepreneurs wanting to participate in the MSME programme have been invited to register with Pick n Pay’s Procurement department.