A rural agricultural enterprise in Limpopo is set to scale national supply chains of Food Lover’s Market after winning a major enterprise development programme, a move its founders say will protect local jobs and combat food waste in small-scale farming communities.
Ecovado, an avocado oil business based in Dovheni village, was named the winner of the Seeds of Change 2026 enterprise development programme.
Founded by husband-and-wife duo Hulisani Mabugana and Hulisani Mudau, the business processes locally grown, lower-grade avocados that fail to meet strict fresh-market standards into high-quality oil and value-added products.
Overcoming the rural surplus crisis
In many rural parts of Limpopo, avocado trees grow in nearly every household garden. While this provides food for families, it creates a severe challenge for local small-scale farmers trying to sell their surplus fruit. Because the local market is saturated, and lower-grade avocados are rejected by major fresh produce distributors due to minor aesthetic flaws, rural growers frequently see their harvests rot.
Ecovado established its processing operation directly within the community to create value at the source. By processing the avocados close to where they are harvested, the business keeps economic benefits inside the village, reduces transport costs, and provides a reliable income stream for residents.
“Ecovado is more than a food business. It is a vehicle for rural economic development and empowerment,” said co-founder Hulisani Mabugana.
“Every bottle represents the hard work of local farmers, workers, and communities who believe in creating value from South African agriculture. Our vision is to transform avocados into opportunity, prosperity, and lasting positive change,” Mabugana said.Â
The challenges of rural manufacturing
Setting up a manufacturing business in a rural area comes with unique logistical and infrastructure difficulties.
Mabugana explained that breaking into the commercial market is tough for entrepreneurs operating outside major urban centres, making formal retail recognition a crucial turning point for the whole community.
“As an entrepreneur from a rural community, there are many obstacles to building a manufacturing business. This recognition confirms that our vision has value and potential. It brings hope to our village community that their jobs are safe and that more employment can be created through this opportunity,” Mabugana said.
The enterprise currently provides vital employment for both men and women in Dovheni village, helping to stimulate a local economy that is frequently overlooked by mainstream commercial investments.
The journey to the retail shelf
Ecovado secured the top spot following an intensive bootcamp week in Cape Town and a final day of pitching to a panel of retail executives.Â
Through the development programme, Food Lover’s Market will support Ecovado with mentorship, retail insights, and guidance on packaging, branding, and quality systems. This assistance is designed to help the village business refine its customer offering and move its products onto commercial store shelves.
Andrew Millson, Executive for People and Sustainability at Food Lover’s Market, stated that the programme aims to back businesses that create practical, long-term change at a grassroots level.
“Ecovado is a powerful example of how local food innovation can reduce waste, create opportunity for farmers, support rural manufacturing, and bring proudly South African products closer to consumers. This is the kind of enterprise development that has the potential to change lives beyond the shelf,” Millson said.
Millson added that the retail group is committed to sharing knowledge with promising businesses that operate in under-resourced areas.
“Our role is to help open access, share retail knowledge, and give promising businesses a stronger foundation to grow. Ecovado’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and possibility, and we are proud to be part of its next chapter.”
IOL
Yaeesh Collins
iol.co.za
