Ambitions & Values

At Nurture Brands, our mission is clear: To be passionate about wellbeing. We believe the world is ready for a more authentic, sustainable approach to life and business—an approach that also attracts purpose-driven people who want to make a real difference.

We empower our teams and customers through carefully chosen investments in innovative, values-led businesses. With strategic support and deep collaboration, we help build products and experiences that foster health, authenticity, and fulfilment—making a meaningful impact in the world we operate in.

Our vision is to make wellness and quality nutrition accessible to all. We invest in leading brands and manufacturers in the nutraceutical and specialised dairy sectors across Southern Africa and select global markets, all chosen for their ability to drive positive change.

We are more than investors—we are partners. Our approach combines capital, operational support, and strategic guidance, all within a cost-effective Shared Services model. We encourage independence, innovation, and alignment around a shared purpose, ensuring each brand operates with excellence and integrity.

Since 2021, Nurture Brands has consistently demonstrated growth, profitability, and market leadership. This success reflects our focused investment thesis: to identify and nurture high-potential branded businesses through a cluster strategy, supported by a board with over a century of combined experience in food and investment.

We embed innovation and sustainability into everything we do. From forward-thinking product development to ethical business practices, our subsidiaries are united in building not just a profitable brand portfolio—but a movement that truly lives its values.

Global Presence

Global Presence Map

International

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Direct Sales:

United Kingdom, South Africa
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New Markets:

Turkey, UAE
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Co-manufacturing:

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

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Direct Sales:

South Africa
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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

CEO & 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.

Niel du Toit

NIEL DU TOIT

DIRECTOR - MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS

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 - OPERATIONS

Stellenbosch Business School Senior Management Development Programme

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.

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.