Couple set up first African trade cash & carry in UK
A COUPLE say they have set up the first one-stop African trade cash and carry in the UK that is exclusively black-owned – despite adversity.
Birmingham entrepreneurs Olusegun and Oyetola Akande said they are ‘excited’ to serve the city.
Their new warehouse business – Pride of Africa Trade Cash and Carry – is based in New John
Street West, Lozells. The pair hope it will be a hub for African and Caribbean cuisine enthusiasts.
It will offer a wide range of spices, seasoning, sauces, grains, beverages, fish, meat, poultry, palm oil, cooking oil and snacks, sourced directly from Africa.
Mr and Mrs Akande said their journey has been far from plain sailing with entrepreneurs from the black community still facing funding hurdles from banks, according to reports.
Mr Akande claimed: “The banks made it very difficult for us.”
However, the couple’s desire to serve their community drove them to succeed.
Mrs Akande said: “We’re a company run by Africans, for Africans. We go the extra mile directly to the source and we only sell quality products.
“Our new store is not just a place to shop for groceries but a destination where customers can explore and experience the rich and diverse culinary heritage of Africa. We’re excited to expand our presence and bring our unique offerings to the vibrant community of Birmingham.”