Local peanut butter brand Yummy Tummy today marked a major milestone with the official opening of its first commercial retail store at Baywest Mall, signalling a significant step in its evolution from a home-based business into a growing retail brand.
Founded in 2020 by entrepreneur Patience Agar during the COVID-19 pandemic, the business has steadily built a loyal customer base, expanding its reach beyond Nelson Mandela Bay to markets in Cape Town, Johannesburg and George. The opening of a dedicated retail space now provides an opportunity to strengthen brand visibility and engage directly with customers.
Reflecting on the journey at the official opening, Agar said, “This is a proud and emotional moment for me. What started as a small operation has grown into something far bigger than I imagined, and opening this store is proof that with hard work and persistence, you can build something meaningful from very humble beginnings.”
She added that the store represents more than just a retail outlet, noting that “it gives us the opportunity to connect directly with our customers, grow our team and take the business to the next level,” while positioning the brand for further expansion both locally and internationally.
Yummy Tummy currently employs 11 people, including Agar, reflecting its steady growth from a small startup into an emerging employer in the local economy. Production takes place at a dedicated factory, where a range of products – including granola bars, caramelised nuts and nut butters – are manufactured primarily on an order basis, while also being distributed through local markets.
The market response to the brand has been overwhelmingly positive. Agar noted that demand has grown significantly, particularly as the business expanded beyond Nelson Mandela Bay. “The response has been amazing,” she said. “We are now seeing more bulk orders coming through, and opening a retail store allows us to build stronger relationships with our customers and increase brand recognition.”
Like many small enterprises, Yummy Tummy has had to navigate challenges related to access to finance, market entry and operational capacity. Agar highlighted cash flow constraints, the cost of equipment, certification requirements and the complexities of working with larger retailers as some of the toughest hurdles. “Accessing markets, especially retail, is not easy, and payment terms from bigger companies can be very challenging,” she said. “There were times I had to rely on personal loans, overdrafts and credit cards just to keep the business going. It’s tough to run a business, but resilience is key.”
Its growth trajectory has, however, been strengthened through targeted support and partnerships. The business participated in the Exporter Development Programme facilitated by the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber and funded by the Eastern Cape Development Corporation, which equips businesses with the tools and exposure required to access new markets.
Agar has also actively pursued international opportunities, participating in global trade exhibitions to showcase her products. “It has been an amazing experience,” she said. “Last year I attended the Foodex exhibition in Saudi Arabia, where our products were very well received, and we are currently following up on potential orders. I was also recently in Japan for another Foodex exhibition, and the response there was equally encouraging. We are confident that these engagements will soon translate into international orders.”
Looking ahead, Agar has ambitious plans for both local and global growth. “Our goal is to export our products globally,” she said. “Locally, we would like to secure a farm where we can grow and produce our own raw materials. That would be a major step forward for the business.”
Commenting on the significance of the milestone, Chief Executive Officer of the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber, Denise van Huyssteen, said: “Yummy Tummy’s transition into a formal retail space is a remarkable achievement and a clear demonstration of what is possible when entrepreneurial drive is supported by the right ecosystem.”
She added that the brand’s growth reflects “resilience, innovation and a strong commitment to building a sustainable business,” noting that the Chamber is proud to have contributed to its development. “Milestones like this not only strengthen the local economy, but also inspire other entrepreneurs to pursue opportunities to grow and scale their businesses,” she said.
Adding to this, Strategic Initiatives Manager at the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber, Lunga Mjodo, highlighted the broader importance of structured enterprise support in driving MSME development. “The Entrepreneurship Desk has been operating for four years and currently supports 446 businesses. It serves as a one-stop shop and gateway where MSME growth and sustainability interventions are housed through various programmes and initiatives,” he said.
With its doors now open at Baywest Mall, Yummy Tummy is positioned to deepen its presence in the retail market, enhance customer experience and continue building on its growth momentum as one of Nelson Mandela Bay’s emerging business success stories.
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