While many local businesses closed their doors as a result of the financial losses incurred during the nationwide lockdown, local resident Danïel Vlok launched a new, Stellenbosch-based biltong business in March.
According to Vlok, a former second-hand items dealer, he started Bosch Biltong as he was inspired by his upbringing, which included making biltong with his uncle. His uncle also motivated him to create a business out of it.
“When I was young, I used to enjoy learning how to make biltong with my uncle. We started talking about it more and decided that it would be a good idea to make biltong and sell it,” said Vlok. “My business partner – a good friend of mine – and I have always wanted to open a butchery,” he added.
He stated that the biltong produced by the company is naturally prepared at home and as a result, is sold at more affordable prices.
“We buy meat at the best possible prices and our spices are homemade with no added monosodium glutamates (MSGs). It’s completely natural. In doing so, we want to keep our prices lower and to give the average person in Stellenbosch the opportunity to enjoy some of our biltong,” he said.
Bosch Biltong has also partnered with Koelenhof Wine Cellar in Stellenbosch as a potential supplier.
Andrew de Vries, managing director at Koelenhof Wine Cellar, said that although Bosch Biltong is a young business, the partnership with Koelenhof will assist with biltong sales along with the anticipated increase of wine sales.
“We are currently busy with redistributing wine. However, we hope that their biltong-making and sales increase with people buying wine,” said De Vries.
Biltong for the community
According to Vlok, being based in Stellenbosch makes it easier for them to attract customers. It also helps them to interact with, for example, wine farms in the area and to engage with the community via local social media groups.
“Although we are a new business, our target is to sell approximately 40kg of biltong per month. We are working hard to create awareness [for our business] and also grow it,” he said. Vlok said they were also hoping to see a further increase in sales as lockdown regulations are further eased.
Daniël Vlok talks about the establishment of his biltong business. (AUDIO: Supplied/Danïel Vlok)
Local resident Fredrick van der Merwe said that he was drawn to the affordable prices and good quality of biltong he was sold.
“I had done business with Bosch Biltong and was surprised at their great prices and good taste and quality of biltong,” he said.