A Vision Born from Necessity

Founded in 2022, Voellada Ventures emerged as a response to a pressing issue affecting small-scale farmers in Kenya—post-harvest losses and limited market access. Yvonne Kimathi, the founder, witnessed firsthand how the lack of reliable markets resulted in significant food wastage, particularly for perishable items like fruits. This realization ignited her passion for creating a solution that not only tackles food wastage but also enhances food security in the country.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, when the demand for natural, immune-boosting products surged, Yvonne launched Bee Natural, the flagship brand of Voellada Ventures. Initially focused on pure, natural honey, the brand quickly expanded to include specialty infused honey varieties, gaining significant traction in the market. The success of Bee Natural inspired the development of Fitifruity, a brand aimed at transforming surplus fruits into nutritious, long-lasting snacks.

At the core of Voellada Ventures is the commitment to social impact—empowering small-scale farmers, reducing food wastage, and contributing to food security in Kenya. By providing sustainable markets and reducing post-harvest losses, Yvonne aims to uplift farmers’ incomes while ensuring consumers have access to healthy, natural products.

Business Overview and Core Values

Voellada Ventures operates as an agri-value addition company dedicated to enhancing the livelihoods of small-scale farmers. With its two brands—Bee Natural and Fitifruity—the company produces 100% natural honey and dehydrated fruit snacks free from added sugars and preservatives.

Mission: To reduce post-harvest losses, enhance food security, and offer nutritious, high-quality products to consumers year-round.

Vision: To be a leading force in transforming agricultural produce into premium, nutritious products while creating sustainable economic opportunities for farmers across Africa.

Core Values:

  • Sustainability: Prioritizing eco-friendly practices and reducing food waste.
  • Empowerment: Supporting small-scale farmers and uplifting communities.
  • Quality: Delivering premium, natural products that meet the highest health and safety standards.
  • Innovation: Continuously improving and developing solutions to address food insecurity and malnutrition.

Products and Revenue Generation

Voellada Ventures offers a diverse product range, including:

  • Bee Natural: Premium Pure Natural Honey and Specialty Infused Honey.
  • Fitifruity: A range of 100% natural, dehydrated fruit snacks, including mango, pineapple, banana, apple, and mixed fruit packs.

The company employs a multifaceted business model to generate revenue, which includes:

  1. Product Sales: Direct sales through specialty retail stores, online platforms, and bulk sales to hotels and restaurants.
  2. Partnerships: Collaborations with high-end hotels and gourmet food stores that purchase in bulk, providing a consistent revenue stream.
  3. Online Sales: An e-commerce platform that allows customers to purchase products directly.

By focusing on efficient supply chain management, value addition, and sustainability, Voellada Ventures effectively controls costs while enhancing its profitability.

Understanding the Market

Yvonne has effectively identified and targeted diverse market segments, including health-conscious families, eco-conscious consumers, premium clients in the hospitality industry, and online shoppers. Each group values quality, health, and sustainability, aligning with Voellada Ventures’ mission and product offerings.

The company actively engages with customers through feedback collection, market research, and trend monitoring, enabling it to tailor its products to evolving consumer preferences.

Achievements and Milestones

Since its inception, Voellada Ventures has achieved notable milestones, including:

  • Awards and Recognition: Yvonne was honored with the Agripreneur of the Year award at the SHE Eastern Africa Awards 2024 for her efforts in reducing food wastage.
  • Social Impact: Recognized as a Social Impact Champion by GIZ, the company has uplifted hundreds of small-scale farmers and trained over 2,000 women in beekeeping as an alternative income source.
  • Partnerships: Secured collaborations with prestigious hotels and restaurants, establishing Voellada Ventures as a trusted premium supplier.

Overcoming Challenges

Yvonne has faced several challenges, including supply chain logistics for perishable items, economic uncertainties, and securing funding for expansion. To overcome these hurdles, Voellada Ventures has focused on its unique selling points—premium quality, sustainability, and social impact. The company actively seeks financial partners while reinvesting profits to maintain high standards and foster innovation.

Innovating for the Future

Voellada Ventures remains committed to innovation, continuously adapting its strategies to meet market demands. The introduction of advanced dehydration techniques for Fitifruity and the development of specialty infused honey varieties are examples of how the company embraces innovation. Additionally, plans to enhance its e-commerce platform demonstrate a commitment to staying ahead of industry trends.

Sustainability and Social Responsibility

Voellada Ventures prioritizes sustainability by utilizing eco-friendly packaging and ethical sourcing practices. The company invests in community initiatives that empower small-scale farmers, reduce food wastage, and promote responsible consumption. Through these efforts, Yvonne ensures that her business positively impacts both the environment and society.

Looking Ahead

Yvonne Kimathi envisions Voellada Ventures as a leading global provider of premium, sustainable food products. Her goal is to significantly reduce food wastage in Kenya by transforming surplus fruits into valuable, nutritious offerings. The company plans to diversify its product line, expand its market presence, and maintain its commitment to eco-friendly practices while supporting small-scale farmers.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Yvonne encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to take action: “The journey is not easy, but with resilience, determination, and innovation, anything is possible. Start now, identify your purpose, and don’t be afraid of challenges. Surround yourself with mentors, focus on sustainability, and keep pushing forward.”