Our #MCM is Lesly Marange, Founder and CEO of Glytime Foods, whose story is one of passion, perseverance, and innovation. Growing up in a unique environment – Khami Prisons camp, Bulawayo – Marange’s early life was marked by a passion for cooking.
Despite facing discouragement from his community and even his father, Marange’s mother encouraged him to pursue his dreams.
He went on to study food science at Chinhoyi University of Technology, where he drew inspiration from the success stories of prominent food enterprises.
During his university days, Marange started a small business from his backyard, making roasted maize.
He sold it at prison, army, and police camps, leveraging his knowledge of these institutions from his childhood.
Although his maize product was well-received, the packaging was basic. Undeterred, Marange continued to innovate and improve his products.
After completing his degree, Marange joined a sugar factory in Harare, where he quickly rose through the ranks to become the product development manager.
In this role, he developed several successful products that boosted the company’s profits. This experience gave him the confidence to start his own business, Glytime Foods, in 2018.
With an initial investment of just US$2,000, saved from his previous job, Marange launched Glytime Foods’ first product, granola, at the end of 2018.
He began making it in his own kitchen, transforming the space into a production area after preparing his family’s meals each morning.
Initially, the company could only produce 24 units of granola cereal daily. However, with the help of his team, Marange was able to increase production to meet the growing demand.
Food Lover’s Market was the first grocery chain to stock Glytime’s cereal, with an initial order of three cases.
Although it took three days to produce, Marange was thrilled to have his product on the shelves.
A subsequent order of 15 cases posed a production challenge, but Marange was quick to adapt, initiating a night shift to meet the demand.
As Marange navigated the challenges of building a business, he also pursued an MBA at the National University of Science and Technology.
The program not only provided him with valuable knowledge and skills but also turned into an unexpected sales avenue.
Marange would bring Glytime products to his classes and sell them to his fellow students.
However, Marange’s journey to success was not without its challenges but he managed to persevere in order to build his brand to what it is today.
Glytime Foods has since become a leading brand in Zimbabwe, known for its innovative and healthy products.
The company now supplies its products to about 120 stores, including Pick n Pay, Food Lover’s Market, OK Mart, and Bon Marché, not only in Zimbabwe but Zambia and Botswana as well.
The company’s commitment to community development, empowerment, and sustainability has earned them recognition as a leader in the food industry.
Glytime Foods remains committed to Lesly Marange’s original vision of quality and community impact.
The company continues to produce its products without artificial additives, instead using the finest ingredients sourced from local producers and growers.
These partnerships support women-led apiaries, rural farmers, and ethical suppliers of nuts and fruits. As a result, Glytime Foods’ products are renowned for their authentic flavor and exceptional nutritional value.
“At the heart of Glytime Foods is our commitment to sourcing raw materials from surrounding smallholder farmer communities.
“We work with over 500,000 farmers across various value chains. Our network includes 300,900 people in small grains, 120,000 in honey production, 1,000 in heritage-based ingredients, 70,000 in oats farming, and 188,000 in non-timber forest projects.
“This network ensures a consistent supply of high-quality ingredients while supporting local economies and promoting sustainable agriculture practices,” said the company.
The company’s dedication to social responsibility has earned it a reputation for community empowerment, sustainable practices, and innovative product development.
With distribution across Zimbabwe and partnerships that impact over half a million people in the region, Glytime Foods is a leader in the food industry.
For its future plans, Glytime Foods is expanding its operations with a new manufacturing plant, product line extensions, and increased community involvement, while also working towards an 80% local supply chain strategy in preparation for the Africa Free Trade Agreement.
“As we look to the future, Glytime Foods is constructing a manufacturing plant in MSASA, expanding our “On the Go” and “Healthy Options” lines, and deepening our community involvement.
“Our 3-5 year supply chain strategy aims to achieve 80% local supply and 20% import as we prepare for the Africa Free Trade Agreement,” added the company.
Marange’s story is a testament to the power of innovation, hard work, and determination. From his humble beginnings in a prison camp to his current status as a leading entrepreneur in Zimbabwe, Marange’s journey is nothing but an inspiration to all.
Source: businessbeat24.com
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