Words: Kit Heathcock | Images: Supplied
Caffeinated chocolate is a fairly new concept on the energy-foods scene. Local brand Zang Chocolate brought this international trend to Cape Town in 2015. Using 100% cocoa butter and no palm oil, it’s no gimmick, but a sure-fire way to get a longer-lasting caffeine kick, and the bars come in milk or dark chocolate versions. The business is based in Salt River, produced locally, and is now widely available at supermarkets and petrol stations. Owners Jethro Braun and Brett Horwitz tell us more about the business.
How did your business start?
We were students at the University of Cape Town looking for ideas for alternative sources of energy to help us study late into the evening or morning. Energy drinks and coffee just weren’t quite cutting it, as they were making us crash quite heavily from the quick release “caffeine- high”. We stumbled across an overseas brand that had created a caffeinated chocolate, which has the benefits of a slow release and long-lasting energy. Subsequent to that, we decided to create and develop our own caffeinated chocolate here in South Africa, which became Zang Chocolate. We launched it onto the market in early 2015.
Why did you choose this area for your business?
We always saw the Salt River/Woodstock area as a creative hub and the location is perfect for us, as we are close to our factory and to town.
How did you find your premises?
Through a broker and through searching online.
Why are the premises ideally suited to your business?
The location is central to everything.
Who are your neighbours?
We have a host of businesses around us from promotional agencies to video producers, digital agencies and textile companies – the area is booming with ideas and business.
What are the rental prices like in this area?
The prices are reasonable for such a central location and up-and-coming area.
How many people visit your business each day?
We currently do not have a retail shop but do allow for collections from the office, which functions as an operational and administration base. Zang sells directly to its distribution partners and through its various retail channels. You can find Zang chocolates at till points or the “snake-run” at retailers such as Pick n Pay, Checkers, Clicks, Dis-Chem and all petrol stations.
Do you have any expansion plans?
We’ve got an exciting new product variant being launched mid-September. We’re also expanding internationally in 2019… watch this space!
Do you operate online as well?
Yes, at zangchocolate.com. You can buy directly from us on the website and we deliver via courier nationwide.
What’s your most popular item?
Currently, it’s our mini-Zangs. One 14g chocolate has the equivalent caffeine content of half a strong cup of coffee, and using 100% cocoa butter gives the chocolate a much richer, creamier taste. We also make 36g bars in both milk and dark chocolate.
Zang Chocolate
021 447 2827
zangchocolate.com
