Words: Kit Heathcock | Images: Sián Eckles // Ivy Wolfe
The huge demand for natural, fresh nut milks has seen Almond Creamery grow from a small market-based operation to establishing a production base at Capricorn Business Park in Muizenberg. Owner Adri Kiracofe tells us more.
How did your business start?
I started at one of Cape Town’s food markets three years ago, selling a few bottles of fresh almond milk to customers who visited every Saturday morning. At the time, I was making the milk in small blenders out of my mom’s kitchen. We’re now in a 300m2 facility in Muizenberg’s beautiful Capricorn Business Park.
Why did you choose this area to set up shop?
When I chose to move into a larger space, I needed to take into consideration many aspects, but the two most critical included the cost per square meter and the position in relation to where my staff¬ lives.
How did you find your premises?
I spent a few months searching for the right space and contacted four or five different sales agents in the process.
Why are the premises ideally suited to your business?
We have enough space to grow into this area and it’s easy for my staff to commute to and from work as most of them live close by. The maintenance staff¬ at Boulevard Way have been a blessing since we moved in as they are always willing to help us, especially Nathaniel Dearham, the supervisor.
Who are your neighbours?
It’s quite diverse around here. The Sign Shed right next door produces signs and shelving, there is Cakes and Desserts bakery, and Flexipump that makes hand-held water pumps.
What are the rental prices like in this area?
It’s one of the most cost-effective places that I found when looking for premises last year, around R55/m2 to R65/m2.
How many people visit your business each day?
We don’t sell directly to the public from here, so it’s mostly contractors, service providers, visitors and staff¬ that walk through our doors. Every now and again we do have a customer that visits us, too.
Do you have any expansion plans?
Yes, we plan to grow quite significantly over the next few years and hope to expand into larger premises as demand increases. We’re expanding our range in the near future so there’ll soon be new Almond Creamery products on shelves all over the country.
Do you operate online as well?
On our website, people can read up about who we are and why dairy-free nut milks are taking over the shelves. You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@almondcreamery). If you’re looking for our products, you can find them at your nearest Food Lover’s Market, select Spars, and Wellness Warehouses.
What’s your most popular item?
Our chocolate nut milk is the best. It’s made with almond and macadamia nuts, real cacao and sweetened with dates, so it’s just delicious. It’s also perfect to warm up in this cold winter weather, drinking it as a hot chocolate.
Almond Creamery
081 486 5238
almondcreamery.co.za
