Building a premium wellness brand was never Pitsi Mafolo’s only ambition. She also wanted to prove that South Africa’s agricultural products could create more value before leaving the country.
That vision gave rise to Eden Harvest Co, a Polokwane-based agro-processing business transforming locally sourced macadamia nuts into premium cold-pressed extra virgin oil for cooking, skincare and haircare while creating opportunities for farmers and local communities.
Drawing on more than 14 years of experience in the retail industry, Mafolo founded the business after identifying an opportunity where others saw a raw agricultural commodity.
“I saw an opportunity to help keep more value within our country by transforming locally grown macadamia nuts into premium products that consumers can proudly trust and enjoy,” she says.
From retail to agro-processing
Mafolo’s entrepreneurial journey began in 2019 with her natural skincare brand, Bonolo Naturals. As the business grew, she wanted to build something that combined wellness with value-added agriculture.
While researching natural ingredients, she became fascinated by the versatility of macadamia oil. Although South Africa is among the world’s leading producers of macadamia nuts, she realised much of the value addition happens outside the country’s borders.
“For me, this is more than building a business; it is about creating value where the raw material originates,” she says.
Today, Eden Harvest Co works with macadamia growers across South Africa, coordinating processing and laboratory quality testing with trusted partners before delivering finished products to consumers.
Its flagship cold-pressed extra virgin macadamia oil is produced for cooking and wellness applications. Free from additives and preservatives and naturally rich in monounsaturated fats, the products are supplied to households, restaurants and commercial buyers, and are also available through the ClicknSave Store online platform.
Customer education has become part of the company’s identity.
“We don’t simply sell products, we help consumers understand the benefits of what they are using and how it fits into healthier lifestyles and wellness routines. We believe informed customers make confident purchasing decisions.”
Building value from every harvest
Like many growing businesses, expanding market access has been one of Eden Harvest Co’s biggest challenges.
“Developing an innovative product is only one part of the journey. Creating opportunities to reach retailers and consumers requires persistence, relationship-building and consistency,” she says.
Despite still being in its early stages, the business has already attracted international interest from Portland, Oregon, secured opportunities to expand into Botswana and supplied premium products for corporate gifting.
Supporting local farmers remains central to the business.
“I believe that when we process more of our agricultural products locally, we create greater economic value for our communities,” Mafolo says.
“Every order placed with local farmers strengthens their businesses and contributes to employment opportunities throughout the value chain.”
Proud of her Limpopo roots, Mafolo says the baobab tree in the company’s logo represents home, resilience and growth, values that continue to guide the business.
Growing a proudly South African brand
Currently operating as a family-run business, Eden Harvest Co plans to establish its own agro-processing facility, creating about 19 direct jobs while supporting many more opportunities through farming, logistics and packaging.
Over the next five years, Mafolo wants the brand to become a recognised name in leading retailers, homes, restaurants, salons, spas and hospitality establishments across South Africa and international markets.
“I want our cooking oil to become a trusted staple in kitchens, our skincare products to become part of everyday wellness routines, and our oils to be used by salons, spas and hotels both locally and internationally,” she says.
“But most importantly, I want Eden Harvest Co to demonstrate that a proudly South African brand can compete globally while creating opportunities and adding value at home.”
Looking back on her journey, Mafolo encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to think beyond selling raw products.
“My advice is to look beyond the raw product and focus on the value you can create,” she says.
“Agriculture offers endless opportunities for innovation. Don’t limit yourself to what already exists. Keep learning, do your research, solve real problems and create products that add value. That is where lasting opportunities are found.”
