Kenya - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

NgeliFoods: Revolutionizing beekeeping with sustainable practices for 100% natural bee products, empowering local communities.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

NgeliFoods is a pioneering startup based in Makueni County, Kenya dedicated to revolutionizing the beekeeping industry. Our mission is to promote sustainable practices for producing 100% natural bee products while empowering local beekeepers and communities. We currently have four products: - NgeliBee Multi-flora Honey, NgeliBee Lemon-Ginger Honey, NgeliBee Original Granola and NgeliBee Fruits & Nuts Granola. We leverage technology to optimize beekeeping processes and ensure traceability from hive to table. We own and serve close to 100 beehives and are in partnership with 13 bee farmers from the Eastern Side of Kenya. With a commitment to environmental stewardship and social impact, we aim to be a leader in ethical and sustainable beekeeping.

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

Ngeli Foods aims to solve the scarcity of natural bee products in the market and the absence of sustainable practices. A major percentage of beekeepers struggle due to a lack of expertise in bee keeping, leading to low-quality yields. Moreover, they often fall victim to traders who adulterate the produce for profit. Ngeli Foods addresses these issues by supporting beekeepers through comprehensive training and resources resulting to healthier bee colonies and yields, then empower the beekeepers economically by purchasing directly from them, ensuring traceability of every bee product.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your startup provides (at least 3).

1. Premium Quality: Ngeli Foods offers consumers access to 100% natural and ethically sourced bee products, ensuring premium quality and authenticity. 2. Health and wellness: Our products are more than just delicious honey and other bee products, they are also packed with essential nutrients and antioxidants, contributing to the overall well-being. 3. Ethical and Sustainable Practices: With every product used, it supports local beekeepers and communities while promoting environmentally friendly practices. This leads to both a positive impact on people and planet.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your startup’s product/service is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

Ngeli Foods' products i.e., NgeliBee Multi-flora honey, NgeliBee Lemon-ginger honey, NgeliBee Granola, NgeliBee Fruits & Nuts Granola are aimed at serving health-conscious consumers who prioritize quality and authenticity. We target b2c (direct consumers i.e., individuals and families), retail stores and hotels that offer honey and granola servings in their meals. Our targeted beneficiaries seek natural and sustainable bee products to enhance their health and well-being.

01.05 When was your company established?

2023-06-26

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

0

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

0

01.09 Please describe the profile of the other owners within your startup (skills, experience, etc.)

I am the sole director of Ngeli Foods (limited liability company), and I have an expertise in Business Intelligence.

01.10 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link(s) here:

https://ngelifoods.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/ngeli-foods/ https://www.instagram.com/ngelifoods?igsh=MTY3NGhpeTRheHFvcA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

b) Materials (agriculture, fishing, chemical products, construction materials, containers and packaging, metals and mining, paper and forest products)

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

Ngeli Foods directly contributes to the "No poverty" goal by empowering local beekeepers, many of whom are in rural or economically disadvantaged areas, providing them with sustainable livelihoods and economic opportunities. By promoting sustainable beekeeping practices and ensuring fair compensation for bee products, Ngeli Foods helps lift beekeepers out of poverty, thereby contributing to poverty reduction and economic development in local communities. Additionally, by creating market access for ethically sourced bee products, Ngeli Foods supports small-scale producers and fosters inclusive economic growth.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

5

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

Ngeli Foods contributes to the "Zero hunger" goal by providing access to high-quality, ethically sourced bee products. By empowering local beekeepers and promoting sustainable beekeeping practices, Ngeli Foods helps increase food security and ensures a steady supply of nutritious honey products. Additionally, by supporting small-scale farmers and providing fair market opportunities, Ngeli Foods plays a role in reducing poverty and enhancing food access for communities.

02.03.01 My startup contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification for my startup

Ngeli Foods contributes to the "Good health and well-being" goal by providing consumers with access to high-quality, ethically sourced bee products. Our focus on promoting sustainable beekeeping practices ensures that our products are free from harmful chemicals and additives, promoting the health and well-being of our customers. Additionally, honey and other bee products have numerous health benefits, including boosting immunity, soothing sore throats, and promoting overall wellness.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

5

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

Ngeli Foods promotes quality education by providing comprehensive training and resources to beekeepers, empowering them with the knowledge and skills needed for sustainable beekeeping practices. This education not only enhances their livelihoods but also contributes to the overall improvement of agricultural practices in the community.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

Ngeli Foods promotes gender equality by providing equal opportunities for both men and women in beekeeping training and employment. We believe in empowering individuals regardless of gender, creating a diverse and inclusive work environment. Additionally, our products cater to a diverse customer base, contributing to gender equality in access to nutritious and ethically sourced bee products.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

2

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

Ngeli Foods strongly aligns with the objective of decent work and economic growth. We create employment opportunities within the beekeeping sector, fostering economic growth in local communities. By empowering beekeepers with our innovative technologies and training programs, we enhance their livelihoods and promote sustainable income generation. Furthermore, our commitment to fair trade practices ensures equitable partnerships, contributing to a more inclusive economy. As we expand our operations, we aim to further stimulate economic development while upholding principles of social responsibility.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

Ngeli Foods strongly contributes to industry innovation and infrastructure by revolutionizing traditional beekeeping practices. Our startup integrates cutting-edge technologies, data analytics, to enhance beekeeping efficiency and honey production quality. We additionally intend to innovative hive monitoring systems and honey extraction methods, to advance industry standards, driving progress in sustainable agriculture. Moreover, our focus on infrastructure includes the establishment of beekeeping hubs and logistics networks, facilitating the distribution of honey products to global markets. Through continuous innovation and infrastructure development, Ngeli Foods propels the beekeeping industry forward, fostering economic growth and environmental sustainability.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

Ngeli Foods significantly contributes to reducing inequalities by empowering beekeepers and fostering inclusive economic opportunities. We prioritize fair trade practices and provide training and support to beekeepers, especially those in marginalized communities. By offering access to innovative beekeeping technologies and markets for their honey products, we bridge the gap between small-scale producers and larger markets, ensuring fair compensation and equitable participation in the supply chain. Additionally, our focus on biodiversity conservation benefits all communities by preserving natural ecosystems and promoting environmental resilience, ultimately leading to a more equitable distribution of resources and opportunities for future generations.

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

3

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

Ngeli Foods' focus on sustainable beekeeping practices positively impacts urban and peri-urban areas by promoting biodiversity and enhancing green spaces. Urban beekeeping initiatives not only support bee populations but also contribute to urban agriculture, pollination of local flora, and fostering a connection to nature within cities. By educating communities about the importance of bees and providing opportunities for urban beekeeping, Ngeli Foods contributes to creating healthier and more sustainable cities for all residents.

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

Ngeli Foods is committed to promoting responsible consumption and production practices throughout the bee value chain industry. By implementing sustainable beekeeping methods and prioritizing environmental conservation, we ensure that our honey products are produced ethically and with minimal ecological footprint. Through transparency in our supply chain and consumer education initiatives, we empower individuals to make informed choices and support sustainable agricultural practices. Additionally, our focus on fair trade principles ensures that both producers and consumers benefit equitably from our products. Overall, Ngeli Foods actively supports the Responsible consumption and production goal by championing sustainable practices and fostering a culture of environmental stewardship.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

Ngeli Foods plays a crucial role in climate action through its focus on sustainable beekeeping practices. Bees are essential pollinators for many plant species, including those that contribute to carbon sequestration and climate regulation. By promoting bee health and biodiversity conservation, Ngeli Foods helps maintain resilient ecosystems capable of mitigating the impacts of climate change. Additionally, our emphasis on sustainable agriculture reduces greenhouse gas emissions associated with conventional farming practices, such as pesticide use and land degradation. Through our commitment to environmental stewardship and innovation, we actively support the global effort to combat climate change and build a more sustainable future.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

2

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

Ngeli Foods is dedicated to promoting biodiversity conservation and sustainable land management practices through beekeeping. Bees are vital pollinators for a diverse range of plant species, including crops and wildflowers essential for terrestrial ecosystems. By supporting bee populations and preserving natural habitats, Ngeli Foods helps maintain healthy ecosystems and biodiversity on land. Additionally, our focus on sustainable agriculture reduces habitat destruction and promotes the restoration of degraded landscapes, further contributing to the preservation of life on land. Through our efforts, we actively support the global goal of protecting and restoring terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity.

02.16.01 My startup contributes to the Peace Justice and Strong Institutions goal

3

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

4

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

06.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

5

06.02 The product/service represents an entirely new type of product/service.

3

06.03 The product/service could be described as a new technology.

2

06.04 The product/service is an improvement on an existing product or service.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.05 The product/service could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

2

06.06 The product/service responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.07 The product/service is a new version of an old product/service.

1 - Strongly Disagree

06.08 Justification for my startup

Ngeli Foods offers innovative solutions in beekeeping and honey production, which may not be considered simply a new version of an old product or service. While honey production itself is not new, our approach, which integrates technology and sustainable practices, represents a significant evolution in the industry rather than just an iteration of existing methods.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Ngeli Foods competes with Peptang, Green Forest, and Bree's Bees Limited. Premier Foods Limited alias ‘Peptang’ may have an advantage in terms of brand recognition and distribution channels, while Green Forests Foods may differentiate itself through unique flavour combinations and natural certifications. Ngeli Foods, on the other hand, differentiates itself through its commitment to sustainability, ethical sourcing, and traceability.

11.05 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?

Yes, I support female beekeepers.