At Gooseberry Delight

Gooseberry Delight Limited (GDL) is a visionary fruit processing company founded in 2019 by Viola Maina, an inspiring graduate entrepreneur. Located in Illula, Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, GDL aims to revolutionize the fruit industry in Kenya by creating unique and exceptional fruit products from the wild Cape gooseberry. Viola's passion for supporting small-scale farmers in her local village led her to discover the untapped potential of Cape gooseberry as a viable alternative crop. At the time, Cape gooseberry was a neglected and wild fruit that had not been cultivated or traded on a commercial scale. With her innovative mindset and the support of the GLD team, Viola successfully brought this overlooked fruit into the limelight, harnessing its potential as the core of GDL's operations. Today GDL's mission goes beyond producing exceptional products. The company is dedicated to uplifting local communities, providing health benefits to consumers, and contributing to environmental preservation through the sustainable cultivation of Cape gooseberry. By actively promoting and supporting small-scale farmers in engaging in commercial fruit production, GDL ensures a consistent supply of high-quality produce while strengthening the local agricultural sector. Since its formal registration in October 2020, Gooseberry Delight Limited has achieved significant milestones and made a positive impact. The company currently employs 17 permanent workers and engages 10 dedicated women in casual roles for sorting and packing processes. Additionally, the farmers who supply GDL offer employment opportunities by hiring four casual workers per acre during harvesting. Empowering the local workforce is at the core of GDL's values. GDL's product portfolio comprises four distinct categories, all utilizing Cape gooseberry fruits as the primary ingredient. These categories include fresh and dried fruits, ready-to-drink juice, and condiments such as jams, hot and sweet sauce, hot chili, and jam. Each product is carefully crafted to showcase the versatility of Cape gooseberry and create a delightful culinary experience for consumers. Gooseberry Delight Limited has rapidly established a strong presence in the Kenyan market through strategic collaborations with renowned supermarkets, grocery stores, and fruit distributors. Their products can be found in leading retail chains such as Chandarana Foodplus, Naivas supermarket, and Mboga na Kadthalika grocery store chain. Furthermore, GDL has formed valuable partnerships with distribution companies like Follow the Sun Limited, Berry Fruit Distributor, Beyond Fruits, and Twiga Foods who own a convenient last-mile distribution to approximately 140,000 outlets across major towns and cities in Kenya. With a target market consisting of middle- to upper-class individuals who prioritize their health and well-being, GDL strategically positions itself to cater to their preferences. These customers appreciate high-quality products and are willing to invest in premium offerings. Gooseberry Delight Limited won a Marketing Grant from Citibank Uk - Global matters in Africa and continues to receive a lot support from various organizations, including Kenya Agricultural Livestock and Research Organization (KALRO), Micro Small and Enterprise Authority (MSEA), Uasin County's Department of Trade, and Techno Sever (AINFP program). These partnerships provide GDL with quality seeds, technical assistance, capacity building, market linkages, and financial support. Welcome to the world of Gooseberry Delight Limited, where passion, purpose, and delightful fruit products come together