Gladys Mawoneke is the founder of Breva Beverages Company, which launched their stylish range of alcohol-free drinks in 2014. They moved to their current office and warehouse space in Ndabeni, Maitland last year.
How did your business start?
I was raised in a family that does not drink alcohol and I struggled to find an alcohol-free drink that had an adult image and tasted great at the same time. I came up with the concept for Breva and then three years of research and development followed. We started the business from my home in Green Point, with our bottling plant in Wellington. Then once we launched Breva into retail in 2014, we needed a dedicated office and warehouse space.
Why did you choose this area for your business?
We chose Ndabeni because of its proximity to our customers’ distribution centres and to the city centre. Ndabeni is a few kilometres from the CBD and lies between, yet close, to both the N1 and N2 highways making it easily accessible.
How did you find your premises?
We had been in the market for a small and affordable warehouse space for close to a year. All the properties we were coming across were too big and were in industrial areas that are either too far from our customers or from the highways. We mentioned our predicament to a close friend and as it happened, he had this space that he was not using.
Why are they ideally suited to your business?
As well as being easily accessible, Ndabeni is small and quiet. There is hardly any traffic, so we can move freely and easily to and from our customers and suppliers. Importantly the premises are behind a train station making this place accessible to colleagues who may wish to use the train.
Who are your neighbours?
We are situated in a small, secure industrial park with a few small business offices and production facilities. The street, Old Mill Park, has some medium-sized businesses such as Voltex, Anchor Industries and Safepak, who also happen to be our suppliers, and other production companies. We have very generous neighbours with whom we have good relationships.
What are the rental / sales prices like in this area? 
The rentals range between R60/m2 and R120/m2.
Do you have any expansion plans?
Within the next 12 months the warehouse capacity will most likely be inadequate for us. Because this industrial area is ideal for our business, we will attempt to secure something in this area.
Do you operate online as well?
Businesses and consumers wishing to buy Breva in bulk can contact us through our website. (See below.)
What’s your most popular item?
Breva comes in four flavours – apple, passion fruit, peach and pineapple. Our most popular drink is Breva passion fruit and the Woolworths Non-Alcoholic Passion fruit flavoured drink as well.
021 532 1108
Words: Kit Heathcock
Images: Supplied