Black Mamba Food - Small African Producer Creates Big Impact

Nicola Taylor • December 18, 2025

In the lush landscapes of Eswatini, a bold idea was born - that a small African food brand could change the world, not only through unforgettable flavour, but through meaningful impact. That idea became Black Mamba Foods, a producer group rooted in regenerative farming, women’s empowerment, and the belief that business can be a force for good.


Today, Black Mamba is celebrated globally for its vibrant chilli sauces, pesto’s, condiments, and jams. But at its heart, it’s a story about people and how partnership, purpose, and traceability can transform communities.  This is the journey from farm to table, and how True Origin helps make it visible to the UK.



Producer Group Born from Purpose


Black Mamba began in 2010 with just a few jars of homemade chilli sauce and the belief that Eswatini could produce world-class food rooted in sustainability. When co-founder Claudia arrived in Eswatini as a volunteer, she was struck by a deep contradiction: although 72% of the population lived in rural areas, over 90% of the country’s vegetables were imported. She saw the opportunity and felt the responsibility to help change this!


By connecting smallholder farmers to market access and training them in regenerative, chemical-free agriculture, Black Mamba set out to build both a business and a movement. Over time, it has grown into a team that is 95% women and a network of more than 60 smallholder farmers, each one a vital part of the company’s story.


Flavour With Integrity


What makes Black Mamba products unique isn’t just the heat, it’s the heart. Every jar is made from organically grown chillies, herbs, fruits and produce cultivated through regenerative methods. There are no artificial additives or shortcuts (“no added nonsense,” as their labels proudly say). Everything is crafted in small batches, hand-checked, and packed with the bold, vibrant energy of Africa.  But what truly sets Black Mamba apart is the impact behind each jar. Every purchase directly supports rural farmers, empowers women in the factory, and fuels a fairer, more sustainable food system.



Challenges in a Complex Industry


The world of ethical food production isn’t easy. Competing with industrial brands that prioritise low cost over fair trade, navigating the logistics of exporting from a landlocked country, and securing financing for growth are daily realities.

There are misconceptions, too. Some still assume that “made in Africa” means “low quality,” a myth Black Mamba works tirelessly to dismantle by producing premium, globally competitive products that speak for themselves.


What keeps them going? The transformation they see every day: farmers sending their children to school, communities thriving, and consumers discovering the taste of Africa with pride and excitement.



How True Origin Helps Tell Their Story


Black Mamba partnered with True Origin because of a shared belief: that consumers deserve to know where their food comes from, and producers deserve recognition.  Through True Origin, the Black Mamba story reaches conscious consumers in the UK, these are people who care about authenticity, ethics, and impact. This visibility strengthens the brand and shines a light on the farmers who make everything possible. 


Behind every jar of jam is a story waiting to be told. For the Black Mamba team, True Origin gives them and their farmers the chance to be seen and celebrated for the care, passion, and dedication they pour into every fruit.

Happy women workers in the Black Mamba factory in Eswatini making jam, marmalade and chilli products for True origin in the UK


From Field to Table: A Regenerative Journey


The journey of a Black Mamba product starts with smallholder farmers trained in permaculture and organic methods. No chemicals, no pesticides, just resilient, regenerative agriculture that restores soil health and supports climate-resilient livelihoods.


Once harvested, the fresh produce travels to the Black Mamba factory in Malkerns.  There, a highly skilled team of mostly women transforms the ingredients into the jams, sauces and condiments loved around the world. Every jar is crafted with care, labelled by hand, and packaged using recyclable glass.


Less than 3% of waste ends up in landfill; the rest is recycled or composted. It’s a closed-loop system that prioritises safety, sustainability, and excellence backed by an FSSC22000 food safety certification.



Empowerment in Every Jar


Of all the achievements in their process, Black Mamba is most proud of the partnership between the farmers and the women in their factory. Each delivery of fresh fruit, chillies and herbs represents income, dignity, and opportunity. And when farmers see their produce transformed into products sold internationally, it’s a powerful reminder that they are part of something bigger. This is the magic Black Mamba aims to spread, one jar at a time.

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A Taste of Africa, A Taste of Purpose


When customers open a jar of Black Mamba, they’re not just tasting a condiment. They’re tasting the land, the people, and the purpose behind it.  Every purchase is a conscious choice, a vote for fair trade, environmental stewardship, and community empowerment.  As the Black Mamba team says: “Thank you for helping us prove that business can be a force for good.”



Growing Impact: The Future of Black Mamba


With the support of True Origin, Black Mamba is expanding its global reach while staying rooted in its values.

In the next five years, they envision a fully self-sustaining African brand that uplifts hundreds of smallholder farmers, continues to champion regenerative agriculture, and stands proudly on shelves worldwide as a symbol of ethical African excellence.  Their mission is clear: Regenerate soils. Strengthen communities. Build climate resilience. And show the world that yes, Black Mamba products can change the world!


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Shop Online:  www.trueoriginfoods.co.uk


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