Hive Highlights ft. Westley Trading Co
Bee Festive Blog
Hive Highlights ft. Westley Trading Co
Welcome to this week's blog post on Bee Festive's Hive Highlights! As part of our weekly series, we are dedicated to showcasing local, unique brands that are making waves in their respective communities. Our goal is to create a hive community where brands can come together and share their nuggets of wisdom, inspiring and supporting one another along the way.
This week, we are thrilled to shine the spotlight on Westley Trading Co, a family-run business with a deep-rooted passion for good food and locally sourced produce. Nestled in the heart of Limpopo, Westley Trading Co has captured the essence of the region's flavors and created a range of delectable products that truly stand apart.
In this feature, we delve into the fascinating story behind the brand's inception, their exceptional offerings, and their unwavering commitment to authenticity and quality. Join us as we explore the world of Westley Trading Co and uncover the delicious treasures they have to offer.
Through this blog post, we aim to celebrate the artisans and entrepreneurs who pour their hearts and souls into their craft, showcasing the diverse and rich tapestry of local brands. Whether you're a food lover, a supporter of small businesses, or simply curious about unique flavors, we invite you to be part of our hive community and discover the hidden gems that make our world a more vibrant and flavorful place.
Stay tuned as we dive into the captivating journey of Westley Trading Co, where tradition meets innovation, and local ingredients are transformed into culinary delights. Get ready to be inspired and tantalize your taste buds with the extraordinary creations from this remarkable brand.
Remember, the hive community is all about connection and sharing. So, be sure to join the conversation and spread the word about these incredible local brands. Together, we can create a thriving community where wisdom flows and inspiration abounds.
I have known Lara and Rich for many years and just love stocking their delicious products on Bee Festive. Let's embark on this exciting journey and celebrate the essence of Westley Trading Co and their dedication to the flavors of Limpopo. Get ready to indulge in a true taste sensation!
Hey Lara & Rich. Thank you for joining us.
Tell me a bit about yourself:
We produce locally sourced products from the heart of Limpopo. A small family run business with a passion for good food and local produce.
What inspired you to create this brand?
The Marula Jelly: This is where it all started for Westley Trading Co - The famous recipe – In and around the war years there was a lack of everything I suppose and Mattie had nothing to put on her scones for her afternoon tea. Mattie, my grandmother and original cooking master, was a lowvelder with a nose for getting the best out of indigenous fruit and creating a memorable taste. She spent hours experimenting, testing, tasting to get the correct texture, and pectin levels of the jelly.
Can you tell me about the products you offer and what sets them apart from similar products on the market?
OLIVE CHILLI
An exciting blend of fresh Mediterranean olives and vibrant Mozambican chillies. Our Olive chilli is a more traditional Portuguese chilli sauce with a Limpopo twang. Best served with Juicy prawns and crispy calamari or simply added to your special pasta dish.
- Ingredients: Olives (45%), Vegetable Oil (Olive Fruit), Garlic, Cayenne Pepper, Turmeric, Salt, Vinegar, Water, Spices, Xanthan Gum
- Shelf Life: 2 year (does not need to be cooled)
- Size: 280g
MARULA JELLY – AVAILBLE MARCH 2023
Our 100% Locally sourced Marula fruit is harvested in the bushveld the natural way, by allowing the fruit to fall from the tree before collecting. Due to seasonality, our delicious Marula Jelly can only be made once a year, over a two week period, when the fruit is at its juiciest. Try our Jelly with any roast lamb or pork or with a slice of fresh white bread or on a muffin. Its also a handy replacement for honey.
- Ingredients: Marula Fruit (60%), Sugar (40%)
- Size: 230ml
MANGO CHILLI
A vibrant blend of ripe, juicy mangoes and flavoursome chillies. Our Mango Chilli is packed with Limpopo flavour and has a gentle kick. Try our Mango Chilli with crispy chicken and sizzling chips. It's also great with a fatty lamb braai!
- Ingredients: Mango (55%), Chilli (20%), Turmeric, Garlic, Salt, Vinegar, Vegetable Oil (Sunflower Seed), Xanthan Gum, Colourant
- Shelf Life: 2 years (does not need to be cooled)
- Size: 280g
TOMATO SQUASH
A century old recipe that gets tastier over time. Our juicy ripe jam tomatoes are squashed and blended with curried herbs and chillies. Our squash is best served with bacon and eggs or a tasty t-bone steak.
- Ingredients: Tomatoes (60%), Onion, Salt, Vinegar, Chilli, Masala [chilli, cumin, fennel, coriander, turmeric, fenugreek, clove, cinnamon, aniseed and bay leaves], Mustard Powder, Starch
- Shelf Life: 2 years (does not need to be cooled)
- Size: 280g
What is the story behind the name of your brand?
The Name: Westley, a family name dating back centuries to distinguish between British and South African sides of the family. Westley, used for the South African side has stuck and has been used as a middle name for both boys and girls for over 200 years. A family that is passionate about adventure, the African bush and making locally sourced products.
Are your products handmade or locally sourced?
Yes all our products are made the traditional way with lots of love.
All our products are sourced in and around Limpopo.
What are your values as a brand and how do they reflect in your products?
At Westley Trading Co – we strive to be original in brand and taste.
What has been the biggest challenge you have faced as a local brand, and how did you overcome it?
I suppose the biggest challenge is that no one (suppliers) really wants to help the little guy. To give you an example if you buy 10 bottles its X but if you buy 100,000 bottles it’s a tenth of the price and when starting out margins are everything. It would help the little guys a lot if suppliers helped more on special pricing to help the little guy get off the ground.
What are your future plans for the brand?
We would really like to start exporting to Europe and have just set up a facility which will enable us to do so.
How can consumers best support your brand and the local community?
Try the product and spread the word.
Who is someone that inspires you?
My Great Uncle, Charles Astley Maberly the well-known naturalist and explorer was born to an army family in England but on coming to South Africa he quickly decided that being an artist and living with nature was his calling. He lived an unconventional life on his Farm Narina where bushpigs and monkeys had the right of way. He was at his happiest in the wilds sketching his animal friends.
What do you love most about South Africa?
The wild spaces
Is there anything you could say to someone wanting to start their own business?
Believe in yourself and leap because if you spend too much time looking you will never leap. Don’t forget successful people aren’t afraid to go broke.
Is there anything more you would like to add?
Nothing good in life is easy but if you are determined you will succeed.
In conclusion
We hope you enjoyed delving into the world of Westley Trading Co and exploring their passion for locally sourced products from Limpopo. The journey from Mattie's famous Marula Jelly recipe to the unique flavors of Olive Chilli, Mango Chilli, and Tomato Squash showcases the brand's commitment to authenticity and taste.
These products make an incredible addition to a gift for someone special. Especially with Father's Day coming up soon. Have a look at our gift ideas.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Westley Trading Co team for sharing their inspiring story and giving us a glimpse into their culinary creations. Their dedication to preserving traditional methods and supporting the local community is truly commendable.
We would also like to express our appreciation to all our readers for being part of our hive community, supporting and celebrating local brands. Your enthusiasm and engagement make this platform come alive.
A special thank you goes out to Rich and Lara for their valuable insights and contributions to this blog post. Their expertise and passion for discovering unique brands have helped us create a vibrant and informative piece.
We invite you to join us again next week on Hive Highlights, as we continue our journey through the hive, shining the spotlight on another extraordinary local brand. There are countless stories waiting to be told, and we are excited to share them with you.
Until then, keep exploring, keep supporting, and keep spreading the word about the remarkable brands that make our world a tastier place. Together, we can create a thriving hive community where wisdom and inspiration flourish.
Thank you for being part of our Bee Festive Hive Highlights! Stay tuned for more exciting discoveries in the weeks to come.
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