Name: Leeko Nkala Company: Chilladiddo Age: 35

WHEN Nkala started Chilladiddo, a business that markets a range of chilli relishes and pastes, her aim was to make extra money.

Nkala said Chilladiddo started as a hobby in her kitchen in 2010. First she experimented with different spices and herbs to make interesting sauces. She later teamed up with a food technologist, who helped her to refine her recipes and to improve on the shelf life of the products.

Nkala did not need big bucks to start her business. “I started with R300 to buy the fresh ingredients and spices needed for the sample stock.”

Chilladiddo ’ s clients, says Nkala, comprise of restaurants, flea-markets, food show guests, corporates and retailers. In the retail space, some of the companies stocking her products include Spar in Pineslopes and Impala Fruit and Flower Market in Strubensvalley near Randburg.

Chilladiddo ’ s product range includes chilli relishes and chillinaise (chilli relish, mixed with mayonnaise). The company also produces raw honey. The products in various sizes sell from R50 to R220.

Nkala says the biggest challenge for her is to find innovative ways of extending the shelf life of her products while retaining their taste.

Based in Johannesburg, Chilladiddo employs five part-time workers in sales, merchandising and distribution and three full-time employees in production and administration.

Contact: 083-227-5283