SEEDS OF CHANGE
Supplier Development Partnership 2026
Seeds of Change 2026: Food Lover’s Market Announces This Year’s Winning Local Entrepreneurs
Food Lover’s Market has announced the winners of its Seeds of Change 2026 supplier development programme, celebrating three standout local social entrepreneurs with the potential to grow into the next generation of retail-ready suppliers.
This year’s winners are Hulisani Mabugana of Ecovado, Gontse Selaocoe of All Day Jam, and Minnie Brink of Miracle Meel. Selected from the programme’s Top 10 finalists, the winners impressed through their product innovation, business potential and the stories behind their brands.
Seeds of Change gives promising small suppliers access to mentorship, practical business support, exposure and guidance to help them take the next step. Through the programme, Food Lover’s Market continues to invest in local entrepreneurs, helping open doors for businesses that can create opportunity, support communities and contribute to South Africa’s food landscape.
Applications Closed
We are looking for businesses that show:
- Great products and services that work well as a Food Lover’s Market listing.
- A business with a very strong social and/or environmental focus and impact.
If this is you, and you meet the criteria, consider applying via the tab below.
What do you need to qualify for Seeds of Change?
To qualify, businesses should positively impact their communities and add value to the Food Lover’s Market shopping experience. Smallholder farmers, food surplus management, commercial services, sustainable packaging solutions, and produce and products within in-store departments such as bakery, confectionery, groceries, and liquor are encouraged to apply.
Requirements include:
- being operational for 12 months
- showing financial stability
- having a business plan showcasing successful implementation
Shortlisting process
The shortlisting process includes a review of applications by the Food Lover’s Market Seeds of Change team to refine the list of applicants to 30 candidates. These shortlisted candidates will join Food Lover’s Market for a two-day webinar to share with you what makes a successful business.
The content of the workshop comprises:
- Hearing from Food Lover’s Market buyers, industry experts, Seeds of Change alumni (sharing their experiences, the benefits of the programme, etc.) and various guest speakers
- Covering topics such as finance, marketing, business planning, business models
- Group activities
- Tools, tips, tricks and solid advice on how to elevate your business.
- The two-day workshop aims to share value, even for those who don’t make the top 10. It is to give you the knowledge to take your business forward, regardless of the competition.
Final shortlisting
Based on assignments submitted by the top 30, the top 10 candidates are selected and are invited to a five-day boot camp in Cape Town. It is a challenging week that can push you outside your comfort zone and requires full commitment from start to finish. Be prepared!
The content of the boot camp comprises:
- Engage in sessions with the Food Lover’s Market buying and marketing teams.
- Hear insights into local and global retail trends.
- Have a face-to-face with Food Lover’s Market CEO, Brian Coppin about his retail journey and the Food Lover’s Market story.
- Be part of a Fertile Ground final business pitching day – an opportunity to implement the boot camp learning, showcase the passion you have for your business and your vision, and pitch your business to a panel of Food Lover’s Market experts
- On the same day the winner, who will be listed as a supplier to Food Lover’s Market, will be announced.
Still have a few questions?
We encourage potential applicants to register to attend our 90-minute info session. This webinar is free to attend and will take place online over Zoom. You will have the opportunity to ask questions to the facilitators and panel about the process to confirm if Seeds of Change is right for your business.
The info session will take place on Tuesday, 25 March 2025.
The Seeds of Change Timeline
11 March – Free to attend info session
1 April – Application closes
5-6 May – Two-day Top 30 Workshop
15 May – Top 10 are announced
8 – 12 June – five-day boot camp and Fertile Ground pitching day
The deadline for applications is 1 April 2026.
Setšong African Tea Crafters
“A huge congratulations to Retang Phaahla from Setšong African Tea Crafters, who impressed the panel with her well-thought-out and cohesive business pitch. The other nine applicants were also very impressive, and the high standard of applications reflects the great mix of social enterprises across South Africa who are focused on building a sustainable society and economy.”
26th May 2022 Setšong African Tea Crafters triumphs as winner of the Seeds of Change Supplier Development Partnership
Read more about the 2022 Seeds of Change winner here.
Zandile Kumalo, CEO of Neighbour Roots, has been named the winner of the 2023 Food Lover’s Market Seeds of Change Supplier Development Partnership. After an intensive boot camp and a final pitch to senior executives, Neighbour Roots secured its place as the latest social enterprise supplier to the fresh produce retailer.
Specialising in hydroponic farming, Neighbour Roots transforms unused urban spaces—such as the rooftop of Morningside Shopping Centre—into thriving gardens that produce fresh, chemical-free vegetables and herbs. With a commitment to sustainability and social upliftment, the enterprise not only reduces environmental impact but also creates jobs and empowers local communities.
Read more about the 2023 Seeds of Change winner here.
Pure Folk, a business dedicated to enhancing gut health through fermented foods, was named our top social enterprise supplier for 2024.
Pure Folk offers a variety of natural products, including sauerkrauts, kimchis, kombuchas, kombucha vinegar, ginger-infused beet kvass, water kefirs, and fire tonics.
“Winning the Seeds of Change Supplier Development Partnership is life-changing for me and my business. It’s an opportunity to grow and learn, and I’m delighted to be part of the Food Lover’s Market network. I encourage other social entrepreneurs to apply next year. Whether you are listed as a supplier or not, the knowledge, hands-on experience, and exposure to the business process are invaluable in understanding what it takes to grow your business and work with a major retailer such as Food Lover’s Market.”
Read more about the 2024 Seeds of Change winner here.
Thekga Movement
Thekga Movement, led by social entrepreneur Boitumelo Mphahlele, emerged as the overall winner of the 2025 Seeds of Change Supplier Enterprise Development Programme for its innovative solution to climate and energy challenges.
Mphahlele praised the programme experience, describing it as “transformational and practical.” She added:
“The Food Lover’s Market team and mentors offered incredible insights into retail readiness, brand building, and sustainability. I would encourage any social entrepreneur out there to apply next year. It’s an opportunity to turn your purpose into real impact.”
Read more about the 2025 Seeds of Change winner here.
