Wakaberry

Wakaberry is a South African soft-serve frozen yoghurt bar, established in Durban, May 2011 and is classified under the Froyo trade name.^[1] Created by Ken and Michele Fourie and their business partner, David Clark in 2011, the company has spread throughout South Africa and operates in over 40 franchised stores across eight provinces.

Origin

The founders, inspired by the growing “Froyo” industry around the world, saw an opportunity to create the brand which never operated in South Africa in the past. Wakaberry was the first self-service, pay-per weight yoghurt store in South Africa. The name Wakaberry was derived from the 2010 South African Soccer World Cup song "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)".

Popularity

Initially Wakaberry stores were owner owned until its first franchised store, Wakaberry Lonehill was opened in 2012. Originally the brand was not set out to be a franchise - this developed after customer demand and resulted in the franchise becoming one of the fastest growing companies in the country. In March 2014 restaurant franchise group Famous Brands acquired a 70% stake in the Wakaberry Frozen Yoghurt Bar business, for an undisclosed sum.^[2] This acquisition has set in motion the extension of the companies name, with planned world wide expansion.^[3] Famous Brands chief executive Kevin Hedderwick stated that the acquisition of the company was to help in further growth with some of the country's most famous family restaurants, Wimpy and Steers,^[4] and a part of their goal of becoming a complete food service provider.^[5] On July 26, 2014, the company celebrated the countries first 'National Frozen Yogurt Day' which allowed the first 200 customers through each of the 36 store’s doors' to receive a special limited edition spoon. A smartphone application and two new flavors where released on the same day.^[6]

Type

The low fat flavors vary from store to store, but customers can expect a wide variety including Strawberry, Vanilla, Mixed Berry and English Toffee and store variations like Red Velvet, Peanut Butter, Pomegranate, Kiwi and Watermelon. Toppings offer fresh fruit, nuts, and cereals, and others such as sweets, chocolates and sauces. Wakaberry is the first South African frozen yoghurt brand to offer a unique self-serve concept that allows each customer to choose their own combination. Pricing is based on a pay-per-weight system.^[7]

References