Initial Situation
A South African premium gourmet food manufacturer wanted to establish a foothold in the DACH market — without brand recognition, customer base, or existing distribution structure. The high-priced product had to occupy a new category in a highly competitive environment. At the same time, European food standards had to be implemented to ensure import capability and market access.
Lever
A partner from our team founded a dedicated marketing company as co-founder and played a key role in steering the market entry from conception to operational execution. Together with the founding team, he developed the go-to-market architecture, positioned the brand, and established multichannel marketing via digital channels, social media, catalog business, trade shows, and point of sale. In parallel, the required corporate, import, and logistics structures were created, along with exclusive licensing and distribution agreements for the DACH market.
Result
An unknown product in DACH became a premium gourmet food brand listed in retail with a functioning marketing, distribution, and logistics structure. After successful market development, the company was sold to a strategic buyer.
Period: approx. 3 years from founding to exit · Role: Co-Founder / Strategic Partnerships & Business Development
