Ambitions & Values

A singular mission drives Nurture Brands: “ TO INSPIRE BETTER LIVING ”

Humanity and the planet yearn for a new, authentic, sustainable approach to life and business. So do any super-star team members. Good people want to make a difference to humanity and the planet we live on.

We believe that through a very targeted,  strategic investment approach and unwavering support of our teams in the innovative subsidiary companies we invest in, we can empower our customers and employees to lead authentic, healthy,  more fulfilling lives through our products.  To make a small dent in the universe we operate in.

Our Vision

We envision a world where wellness and quality nutrition are accessible to all.  We invest in and support prominent brands and manufacturers in the nutraceutical and specialized dairy industries in Southern Africa (and select International markets) to drive positive change and to deliver our vision.

Our Approach

Our carefully curated portfolio includes market-leading companies with highly recognised brands that stood the test of time, renowned for their commitment to excellence and innovation.

We are more than an investment holding company; we are partners in our group’s progress and collaborate closely with our portfolio companies, providing not just capital but strategic guidance, operational support, and access to the best industry experts through our cost-effective Shared Services model. Most importantly, cohesion in the vision we are striving towards.

We prioritize and institutionalize sustainability, innovation, down-to-earth quality, and wellness in our operations, guided by a robust ethical framework and value system.

Our approach is hands-on and tailored, ensuring that each company and brand realizes its full potential. We believe that every brand needs to operate independently to be efficient, passionate, and world-class at everything they do.

Back on Track

Our Group turned the corner in 2024. We now consistently  demonstrate growth, profitability, cash generation and market leadership, reflecting the success of the implementation of our investment thesis:

“To identify and nurture high-potential branded businesses in a cluster investment strategy.”

Nurture Brands benefits from the guidance of an experienced, dedicated board of directors, collectively possessing over a century of experience in food and investment sectors.

Our Commitment to Innovation

We prioritize companies that are at the forefront of innovation, developing products and services that meet the current and future needs of consumers.

We are embedding and nurturing this innovative approach into the DNA of every Nurture Brands subsidiary.

Focus on Sustainability

Nurture Brands is not only building a highly profitable brand portfolio, but we are cultivating a sustainability movement! Companies that truly “live” sustainability will stand the test of time.

Global Presence

Global Presence Map

International

Direct Sales:

United Kingdom, South Africa

New Markets:

Turkey, UAE

Co-manufacturing:

Portugal, Spain, Italy, Bulgaria, Romania, Austria,
Czech Republic, Slovakia

Distributor:

Canada, Iceland, Sweden, Norway, Germany, Belgium, Lebanon, Egypt, Nigeria, Malaysia, Singapore, New Zealand, Namibia, Botswana, Kenya, Ghana, Zambia, Malawi, Mauritius, Seychelles, Swaziland, Lesotho, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Somalia, Poland, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar

Southern Africa

Direct Sales:

South Africa

Distributor:

Namibia, Botswana, Kenya, Ghana, Zambia, Malawi, Mauritius, Seychelles, Swaziland. Lesotho. Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Somalia

Company History

Since 1949, a legacy of excellence has been built across the nutraceutical, specialised dairy, and pet care industries, with a commitment to quality, innovation, and customer well-being. These pioneering companies have earned their places as industry leaders, driven by a passion for delivering exceptional products and services.
 
Nurture Brands is proud to carry on this legacy, expanding its reach through strategic partnerships and acquisitions in the wellness sector. Our mission is to inspire global wellbeing by innovating for a healthier tomorrow, preserving the heritage of our partner companies, and creating value for all our stakeholders – from customers and colleagues to investors, partners, and the communities we serve.
 
By nurturing each business in our portfolio with care and dedication, we unlock their full potential, empowering them to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those they touch. Our goal is to harness the collective strength of our partner companies to drive positive change and promote wellbeing, both locally and globally.

Company Timeline

1949
E
Vital Foods
1949
E
Nautilus Pharma
1974
E
Mezé Foods
1977
E
Efamol
1980
E
Fairview
1982
E
Wassen International
1995
E
ProMeal
2017
E
Vitagene
2021
E
Nurture Brands
2021
E

July

Nurture Brands 40% acquisition of the Fairview Cheese Company
2022
E

October

Nurture Brands 100% acquisition of the Vital Health Foods Group
2023
E

March

The Fairview Cheese Company 70% acquisition of Mezé Foods
2023
E

April

Ascendis Consumer Brands Contract Manufacturing Agreement

Board Of Directors

RIËL MALLAN

EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN (B Comm, IEP (INSEAD))

With 25 years in business, investment, and platform building, Riël founded and led The Unlimited Group as CEO for 20 years, driving an average annual growth of 14.4%. His expertise spans international food production, retail, and export, focussing on optimising value across the entire supply chain.

Lehotlo Ramokgopa

LEHOTLO RAMOKGOPA

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (BSc. Comp Sci, MBA, PGD (Marketing))
Lehotlo brings 26 years of business and investment expertise, with a strong foundation in banking and consulting. Formerly a Partner at KPMG and Regional Manager at Standard Bank, she now leads Evolut Consulting as Founder and Managing Director, holding international certifications in sustainability management.
Herman Marais

HERMAN MARAIS

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (B Comm LLB (Hons))

With 26 years of business and investment expertise, including leading capital raises of USD 250 million, Herman has managed multi-sectoral transactions across East and Southern Africa, executing two platform strategies. A former Deloitte partner, he is also an accomplished entrepreneur and director of companies.

Paul Nguru

PAUL NGURU

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (B Comm LLB (Hons))

With 26 years of business and investment expertise, Paul has successfully led USD 250 million in capital raises. His multi-sectoral transaction experience spans East and Southern Africa, including implementing two platform strategies. A former Deloitte Partner, he is also an entrepreneur and company director.

Wilhelm Loubser

WILHELM LOUBSER

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER CA (SA)

With 18 years of CFO experience spanning executive and non-executive roles at PWC, Paarl Media, and Vital, Wilhelm has developed profound expertise in financial leadership, strategic management, and driving organisational growth, making him a valuable asset in diverse business environments.

Niel du Toit

NIEL DU TOIT

MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS EXECUTIVE CA (SA), CFA

Niel brings 7 years of private equity expertise, specialising in food-related sectors. His career includes significant roles as an Analyst and Associate at EXEO Capital, where he contributed to investment strategies and portfolio management.

JANET WELHAM

DIRECTOR

With 30+ years in executive roles across industries, Janet is CEO of Saige, leading strategy and key project delivery. She played a central role in elevating the Cape Town Marathon to Gold Label status and has driven award-winning green and sports initiatives. As co-founder of Endurocad, she champions youth and athletic development. A former Vital Health director, she led global brand strategy and brings deep regulatory insight across Southern Africa and Australia.