One of East London’s most successful businesses, Ginger Love, was recently granted the opportunity to travel to Dubai for the Gulfood Trade Show, where they were able to showcase their products to the international market.
Simone Klaasen, one of the founders of Ginger Love, made the trip and experienced many business opportunities that she will soon be able to implement in the Eastern Cape market.
“My experience at the Gulfood Trade Show was amazing, absolutely mind-boggling. This opportunity will always be the most amazing experience for our business.
“This experience taught me so much about the international market, and how the rest of the world implements systems that work so much better.
“I also managed to make international contacts and had multiple business people show interest in forming different partnerships and pilot projects with me,” said Klaasen.
Klaasen’s sister-in-law and business partner, Virginia Brown, says this opportunity is just proof that all their hard work is not in vain.
“The affirmations we receive on a regular basis are extremely gratifying. This shows us that Ginger Love has helped many and will continue to do so.”
The Gulfood Trade Show is the world’s biggest annual food and hospitality show that provides opportunities for food professionals to know about the latest products, analyze market trends, meet global suppliers, and seek new collaborations and partnerships.
Klaasen credits the Eastern Cape Development Corporation for making this opportunity possible and maintains that everything that she learned will be beneficial for the future of Ginger Love.
“The lesson I learned there was that no matter how big or small you are, as a business everyone works hard. When you have a big business, one tends to think it’s easier, yet I saw huge companies all working even harder. I am excited to implement some of these new ideas and work around any challenges we come across. I also have to mention my sister-in-law and business partner, Virginia, because, without her, none of this would be possible. One day our biggest goal is that every bottle of Ginger Love sold must feed a child. That’s the biggest goal. We need to change lives and wellness needs to always be affordable,” Klaasen said.
“Although we worked all day and there wasn’t much time for sightseeing, we were lucky enough to go in the evenings and see a few tourist spots.
“We were also lucky that family friends of mine live there and could take us to some beautiful places on our last evening there.”
2023 is set to be a big year for Ginger Love as the small business continues to grow its brand and possibly tap into the global market.
Although this was a business trip, Klaasen did get a small chance to explore a few parts of the ‘City of Gold’.
“We hope to expand with machinery and hopefully find some investors to help along the way. Our business is small, family-owned and our biggest mission is to spread the magic of love and kindness, and affordable wellness. Ginger Love is on a mission to change the world. We are so grateful for the love and support.
Ginger Love was a massive hit with the international market. A patron from Indonesia said: “I love Ginger Love. It is so nice and I wish it could come to Indonesia sometime soon.”
A fellow trader from Gonubie said: “We love Ginger Love, my wife especially. It’s a brand that’s close to home and something we’ve loved since day one when it came to our shelves. Thank you for this awesome brand.”
Mohammed has been living in Dubai for two years and maintains that he has carried his love for the brand with him.
“I love this product so much. I used to use it all the time in SA and I still enjoy it very much.”
