About Nurture Brands

Ambitions & Values

Nurture Brands, established by EXEO Capital, provides investors with opportunities to support prominent manufacturers of nutraceutical, dairy, and pet care products in Southern Africa.

At Nurture Brands, we’re dedicated to empowering a healthier world by investing in companies that share our passion for health and wellness. As a subsidiary of EXEO Capital, we’re committed to partnering with innovative manufacturers of nutraceutical, specialised dairy, and pet care products in Southern Africa and select international markets that prioritize sustainability and customer well-being.
 
In today’s fast-paced world, maintaining balance and equilibrium is more important than ever. That’s why we’re focused on supporting businesses that provide convenient, healthy solutions for consumers. Our investment strategy centers around companies that promote human wellness.
 
Guided by our values of innovation, sustainability, and integrity, we strive to be a force for positive change in the industries we serve. By clustering our investments into thematic groups, we amplify our impact and foster meaningful connections between our partners.
 
Our experienced board of directors brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise from the food, nutraceutical and investment sectors, ensuring that our mission is grounded in a deep understanding of the industries we serve. Together, we’re working towards a future where wellness is within reach for all, and we’re proud to be a part of the global movement to inspire wellbeing.

Global Presence

Global Presence Map

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

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
2014
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.

Deepak Malik

DEEPAK MALIK

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (B Comm (Hons), CA (SA))

Deepak brings 40 years of expertise in business and investment, having led Norfund and IFU as Head and served as Chief Executive of the Development Bank of Zambia. As the founder of Arise B.V., he has held numerous non-executive director positions across diverse industries in Africa and Europe.