Kacholo, headquartered in Harare, Zimbabwe, is a premium agricultural producer and exporter specializing in sun-dried whole chilli pods, with a core mission to empower smallholder farmers and deliver high-quality, traceable chilli products to the global market. The company operates with a sustainability-first ethos, combining agronomic support, direct farmer engagement, and robust export logistics to bring Africa’s boldest flavours to the world.
Core Business and Offerings
Kacholo’s business model is centered around a vertically integrated supply chain that begins with small-scale growers in Zimbabwe’s rural districts and ends with certified, export-ready chilli shipments. The company partners directly with farmers, providing seedlings, training, and guaranteed off-take agreements, while maintaining quality assurance at every stage of the value chain.
Product Portfolio
- Dried Whole Chilli Pods:
- Cayenne Pepper – Long, tapered chillies with medium heat, ideal for grinding or whole usage
- African Bird’s Eye Chilli – Also known as peri-peri; small, potent pods prized for heat and aroma
- Paprika – Mild heat variety, sun-dried for retention of deep red colour and sweet profile
All products are 100% sun-dried, hand-picked, non-GMO, and sourced directly from traceable farms, ensuring full transparency and quality control for international buyers.
Specialization and Unique Strengths
Kacholo’s strategic strengths include:
- Farmer-Centric Supply Chain: Working with over 300+ smallholder farmers, especially women-led cooperatives
- Sustainability Focus: Organic practices, minimal water usage, and environmentally sound drying methods
- Traceability System: Farm-to-packet data capture, offering transparency to importers and conscious consumers
- Export-Ready Logistics: Full compliance with EU and UK import standards
The company’s unique value proposition lies in the combination of agro-empowerment and premium product positioning, making it a top choice for ethically sourced chilli imports.
Financials
As an emerging agri-exporter, Kacholo operates as a lean enterprise with reinvestment priorities:
- Revenue Model: Derived from export contracts, bulk shipments to spice manufacturers, and premium distributors
- Market Traction: Increasing presence in UK, Netherlands, Germany, and South Africa
- Revenue Growth: Year-on-year export volume growth estimated at 35–50%, driven by demand for clean-label, traceable spices
While exact financial figures are not public, trade performance indicates a strong upward trajectory supported by international development partnerships and agri-trade programs.
Shipment Records
Kacholo manages a growing export operation with high efficiency:
- Export Regions: European Union, United Kingdom, Southern Africa, and select North American markets
- Packaging Formats: Bulk (10kg–25kg jute or poly bags), vacuum packs, and retail-ready zip-locks
- Certifications: Phytosanitary certification, pesticide residue compliance, and product moisture control
- Shipping Frequency: Quarterly and seasonal shipments aligned with harvest cycles
Kacholo is registered with Zimbabwe’s Export Promotion Council and works closely with logistics partners for on-time delivery and customs compliance.
Target Market
- Spice Distributors in the EU, UK, and African diaspora markets
- Hot Sauce and Seasoning Manufacturers
- Retail Brands seeking ethically sourced dried chillies
- Importers and Traders specializing in exotic spices and high-heat products
- Sustainable and Organic Product Buyers
Capabilities
Kacholo’s operational capabilities are designed for scalability and quality:
- Agri-Extension Team providing farmer training, pest management, and soil improvement
- Central Drying and Sorting Facility in Harare for quality assurance and standardization
- Batch Traceability for food safety and export documentation
- Flexible Export Volumes to accommodate both container-load and LCL buyers
The company also offers support for private label and OEM packaging in collaboration with buyers.
Certifications and Compliance
- Phytosanitary Certified by the Zimbabwe Plant Quarantine Services Institute
- Pesticide-Free Testing: Products undergo laboratory tests for pesticide residues and heavy metals
- Non-GMO Assurance
- Traceable and Transparent Sourcing Records for all chilli lots
- Working toward GlobalG.A.P. certification for farming clusters (in progress)
These compliance factors position Kacholo as a trusted exporter for premium, health-conscious spice markets.
Achievements and Recognition
- Selected as a featured agri-exporter by ZimTrade, Zimbabwe’s national trade development body
- Recipient of agribusiness development support from international organizations like GIZ and DFID
- Recognized for women-led farm inclusion programs
- Participated in international trade shows and virtual B2B forums, including SIAL Africa and BIOFACH eSpecial
Customer Testimonials
Importers and partners have praised Kacholo for:
- Consistent chilli colour, heat, and dryness levels
- Full transparency in sourcing
- Professional communication and documentation
- Responsiveness to custom packaging and contract requests
Their partnership approach and high product integrity continue to earn loyalty from both specialty spice distributors and large-scale food manufacturers.
Kacholo is redefining Africa’s role in the global spice trade by combining social impact, product quality, and export excellence—delivering bold flavour and empowering communities with every shipment.