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Although Maneli Pets’ latest product range of locally sourced protein-based products has been met by unprecedented demand from countries far and wide – in Asia, Europe and the Americas – the Sebenza-based manufacturer of pet treats is hoping to expand further still.
Nhlanhla Dlamini wants to see Nandi on the shelves of Australia, an export destination that’s notoriously difficult from a regulatory point of view.
The potential for Maneli to branch out into primary pet food production, apart from making premium treats, is also not ruled out. But for the time being Dlamini is happy to work towards saturating South Africa’s undersubscribed market for pet treats.
“I want to build Maneli Pets into a truly South African success story. I want it to sit alongside local brands such as Discovery and Nando’s, and the esteem they have internationally,” he said.
Getting there wasn’t easy though; it took hard slog and sussed expertise to ensure success or, as Dlamini explained, the “three “P’s”:
. Personal commitment
. Personnel assimilation
. Persuasion of investors
The first was his own “nothing ventured, nothing gained” attitude, having the courage of his convictions and going out on a limb to make it work.
The second was surrounding himself with enough people of professional ability and acumen to establish an impressive brains trust that could persuade investors. That being the last major challenge, convincing the right people to invest proved instrumental in oiling the engine room of Maneli Pets so its could propel its products on to the global stage.
