Gqeberha Ice Cream Entrepreneur Aims for Retail Expansion with Major Pitch

Thando Volontiya, the founder of GQ Creamery in Gqeberha, is on the brink of a significant breakthrough as his ice cream brand garners attention from Shoprite Checkers. The supermarket chain has expressed interest in stocking GQ Creamery’s products following a surge of interest on social media.

Volontiya is set to pitch for a R1 million prize at the Standard Bank Kasi SME National Pitch Challenge finals on August 27, a competition that has already proved pivotal in his business journey. After winning the Eastern Cape leg, he’s among the ten finalists aiming to secure funding that will help him establish a larger production facility.

The ice cream will first be available in Shoprite Checkers stores in Nelson Mandela Bay, with plans to expand across the Eastern Cape as demand increases. GQ Creamery currently operates one store in Newton Park and is preparing to launch a mobile ice cream trailer in Walmer by September 1.

“The Checkers offer not only ignites my determination to win the pitch challenge, but it will also help expedite my plans to open additional shops,” Volontiya shared. His vision includes establishing four outlets by early 2027, with profits from these locations fueling the opening of a factory to facilitate larger production.

Volontiya's entrepreneurial journey began in the back room of his home, where he initially sold ready-made ice cream adorned with toppings. After moving to Gqeberha, he used his experience in e-hailing and retail to refine his approach to customer service and product demand. Inspired by dessert stores in Johannesburg, he turned to social media to promote his creations, which quickly caught the attention of local consumers.

With aspirations to further enhance his ice cream-making skills, Volontiya enrolled in a two-week course at Carpigiani Gelato University in Johannesburg. “The streets have taught me much, but formal training will allow me to improve and expand,” he remarked, emphasizing his commitment to craft quality ice cream.

Source: www.dailymaverick.co.za