Ready Chopped Veggies, established in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic, has swiftly carved out a niche in Pretoria. Situated at Van Heerden and Paul Kruger Street in Capital Park, Ready Chopped Veggies caters to individuals seeking convenience without compromising on freshness and quality.
Founded by Botshelo Mahlangu, her vision was sparked by a desire to support busy individuals pursuing a healthy lifestyle while minimizing kitchen efforts. Her business addresses the gap in the market for pre-prepared, fresh vegetables that modernize meal preparation without sacrificing nutritional value.
Signature Products
Botshelo says among their range of offerings, some products stand out as customer favourites.
“Our cooked not seasoned beetroot has been a hit with our clients. The fact that they can put whatever dressing they wish to add, has been a highlight and it remains one of our most bought and loved product,” she shares.
Botshelo adds that the product’s appeal lies in the versatility it offers, allowing customers to personalize their meals.
Ensuring Freshness and Quality
To guarantee utmost freshness, Ready Chopped Veggies adheres to a strict policy of chopping vegetables on the day of delivery. This commitment highlights their dedication to providing customers with produce that is not only convenient but also at its peak in terms of taste and nutrition.
Botshelo says that by chopping only what is ordered each day, they minimize food waste, embodying their commitment to sustainability. Moreover, they actively seek and value customer feedback, viewing it as instrumental in their pursuit of continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.
“We always want to hear from our customers because we believe that’s how a small business like ours will thrive. We do correct and rectify when we receive feedback and we make sure in the end the client is satisfied. However, we try from the onset to do everything correctly to avoid mistakes that will cost us”.
Overcoming Challenges and Achieving Milestones
As a small brand aiming for success, Ready Chopped Veggies did come across some challenges, like any other business would.
“One of the challenges we came across was not being successful in accessing government funding. Also, having to stop people from using our images and logo to advertise their businesses has led to a big confusion for our clients. Overall, just trying to sustain the business from one’s pocket”.
However, despite all the challenges they faced, Ready Chopped Veggies still celebrated a few milestones.
“Being able to open a physical store remains our greatest achievement to date. Having clients in Dubai, Botswana Chicago, China and India continuously supporting us will always remain a highlight as well,” adds Botshelo.
At Ready Chopped Veggies they are one brand that adheres to hygiene protocols. Botshelo says they do daily cleaning routines to ensure that Ready Chopped Veggies maintains impeccable food safety standards. They also adjust their product offerings seasonally, aligning availability with market demands and pricing sensibilities.
“We always try to be aware of what is in season and what’s not and we price our products accordingly. Because we are still developing, if something is too expensive for us to have in that season, we stop selling it, unless the client insists on having it even if it’s at a higher price”.
Growth Opportunities and Innovation
With promising growth and the potential to expand into underserved markets like townships, Ready Chopped Veggies is still accessible to many. Through their physical store in Pretoria or efficient delivery service covering certain areas, Ready Chopped Veggies is reachable through their active presence on various social media platforms and direct contact channels.
“We have a physical shop located at 325 Evans Center Cnr Van Heerden and Pau Kruger Street – Shop No.4. We also deliver in Pretoria, Johannesburg, and Rustenburg. People can find us on all social media platforms as Ready Chopped Veggies. They can also email us at enquiries@readychoppedveggies.co.za, alternatively, call 0670567273,” shares Botshelo.
Future Plans and Expansion
Looking ahead, Botshelo says they aim to expand nationally, to establish franchises across South Africa. They also plan to diversify their product range and contribute to youth employment by creating more job opportunities.
