Top 3 finalists of 2024 Cap ‘n Hook Fish Processing, Pure Folk Fermented Foods and Arable Grow
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Cape Town, South Africa – Food Lover's Market proudly announces the launch of the 2025 Seeds of Change Supplier Development Partnership, now in its fifth year of supporting and empowering small local businesses that drive real social change.
What started as a bold vision to uplift social enterprises has grown into a thriving movement, equipping small businesses with the tools, mentorship, and market access they need to succeed.
The journey for potential suppliers kicked off on 21 February 2025, when applications officially opened. Interested businesses can attend a free webinar on 25 March 2025, where industry experts and previous Seeds of Change alumni will share insights into the programme. Applications close on 07 April 2025, after which the top 30 candidates will be selected for an exclusive two-day workshop with the Food Lover's Market team and alumni who have successfully navigated the programme.
The Seeds of Change initiative focuses on businesses committed to ethical sourcing, sustainability, food security, and job creation. Whether it's regenerative farming, artisanal food production, or innovative food solutions, Food Lover's Market is committed to fostering partnerships that benefit both business and society.
Seed of Change Finalist 2021
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Since launching Seeds of Change in 2021, Food Lover's Market has seen 120 social entrepreneurs participate in the two-day online workshop, 41 finalists advance to a week-long boot camp in Cape Town, and 11 suppliers successfully listed in its stores. As of January 2025, the total purchasing value from these suppliers stands at R7 414 686.39.
"Some of our most successful suppliers to date include Chuck Chilli (assorted chilli pastes), Integrated Aquaculture (fresh Tilapia fish), and Home Bao (frozen dim sum)," says Terri Coppin-Harris, Culture and Communication Manager. "We are immensely proud of this programme's impact on emerging businesses and their communities."
Additionally, seven new finalists from the 2024 cohort are in the final stages of the listing process and are expected to be stocking Food Lover's Market stores in the coming months:
The Food Lover’s Market Seeds of Change programme formed part of a case study conducted by Yunus Social Business and Accendio, which was featured in a case study on the World Economic Forum (WEF) website.
An extract from the study reads: "Companies such as Food Lover’s Market, SAP, and Virgin Active have demonstrated the potential of social procurement to drive both business and social impact. To scale these efforts, a shared value approach should be promoted to foster sustainable partnerships.”
Seed of Change Finalists 2023
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Food Lover's Market invites all aspiring suppliers and purpose-driven entrepreneurs to participate in this fantastic initiative. Visit the Food Lover's Market Website to apply or for more details.
Concludes Coppin-Harris, "Seeds of Change is more than a programme; it's a launchpad for purpose-driven entrepreneurs to scale, innovate, and thrive. We encourage small businesses to enter if they drive social change in their communities."
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