During the COVID-19 pandemic, Wanjiru Mambo faced an unexpected challenge that would redefine her entrepreneurial journey. As a restaurant co-owner in Nairobi’s Upper Hill district, she experienced the devastating impact of lockdowns and restrictions on the hospitality industry. With restaurants shutting down and operations coming to a standstill, she found herself with an excess stock of perishable goods, particularly potatoes, that risked going to waste.
Rather than succumb to the crisis, Wanjiru Mambo saw a golden opportunity. She began selling the surplus potatoes within her local community, and to her surprise, she had massive sales and pre-orders. This enormous demand indicated a gap in the market for high-quality, ready-to-cook potato products, especially for restaurants, caterers, and busy households seeking convenience without compromising on quality. After spotting this gap, she established Wedgehut Foods Limited in 2021, a company dedicated to processing and supplying premium potato products to a vast clientele.
Mambo had the immense desire to add value to Kenya’s staple crops, ensuring that customers receive pre-cut, processed potato products that save them time and effort.
Their products range from French fries to potato wedges, Lyonnaise potatoes, Cubed potatoes, and Whole peeled potatoes. These products cater to hotels, restaurants, schools, hospitals, and individuals, offering a suitable solution that enhances efficiency in food preparation. The company’s processing capacity is up to 4 tonnes of potatoes per day, ensuring timely deliveries to meet the demands of its diverse clientele.
Unlike traditional potato suppliers, Mambo’s company focuses on ready-to-cook products, significantly reducing customer preparation time. Wedgehut Foods collaborates with smallholder farmers, encouraging sustainable agricultural practices and high-quality seed varieties. Wanjiru Mambo works closely with farmers to ensure a consistent supply of premium-grade potatoes.
Food safety and quality assurance are two of the company’s driving forces. The company adheres to strict hygiene and food safety standards, ensuring all products meet local and international quality benchmarks.
Additionally, Wedgehut Foods has significantly contributed to economic empowerment in Kenya by partnering with local farmers and hiring from the community. They have successfully created employment opportunities for over 30 staff members, which has helped to foster economic growth and development.
In just a few years of operation, her business has experienced rapid growth, securing supply contracts with over 20 major retailers, including Naivas Supermarkets, one of East Africa’s largest retail chains. The company has successfully supplied thousands of kilogrammes of processed potato products to its expanding customer base.
Financially, the company has generated over $500,000 in revenue, proving the high demand for its products. Wanjiru Mambo’s entrepreneurial journey with Wedgehut Foods shows her innovation and ability to adapt to market demands. She has built a successful business and significantly impacted Kenya’s food security and economic development.
