Blessings Gwengwe, popularly known as Blaze in the music industry, has launched a unique line of crisps under the brand name Sharp Sharp, made from locally sourced ingredients such as cassava, banana and potatoes.
His company, Yodellas Enterprise, is driven by a commitment to creating snacks that are not only sumptuous but also healthy, and affordable
Operating from Lilongwe, Yodellas supports local agriculture and aims to reduce food waste by sourcing ingredients from smallholder farmers.
Speaking in an interview with ProjectM Blaze, who is the founder and managing director of Yodellas, said his passion for cooking and experimentation led him to launch Sharp Sharp.
“Seeing the final product of various crisps on the market, gave me the courage to share it with others. The positive feedback encouraged me to establish Sharp Sharp last year,” he explained.
He said: “Our goal is to add value to perishable agricultural produce, giving them a longer shelf life.”
Despite facing challenges such as fluctuating raw material prices, the devaluation of the kwacha, and shortage of foreign exchange which has hindered the import of essential machinery, Blaze remains hopeful.
“Additionally, accessing loans to boost my business remains a significant barrier as banks require high collateral that small-scale enterprises like Yodellas cannot meet. Despite these challenges, we still have hope that one day the sun will rise for us,” he said.
Blaze said the company, which started in 2023, has been gaining visibility through trade fairs.
“These platforms allowed us to showcase our products and build trust with potential customers. Sharp Sharp crisps are now available in many shops in Lilongwe and some in Blantyre and Mzuzu, with plans to expand to every district in Malawi,” he said.
Blaze, who holds a diploma in financial accounting from the Malawi College of Accountancy, also highlighted the role of these fairs in helping Yodellas reach new markets.
“Participating in the National Agriculture Fair and a trade fair in Tanzania helped our company gain valuable feedback from consumers and expand our reach,” he said.
Blaze’s commitment to sustainability sets Yodellas apart from competitors.
“We source ingredients from smallholder farmers, empowering them while offering customers fresh, natural snacks they can trust. His business model not only supports local agriculture but also helps reduce food waste,” he said.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Blaze offers some valuable advice:
“I encourage my fellow youths and those wanting to venture into business to be creative, innovative, and think outside the box. Doing business in Malawi requires patience, persistence, and commitment. Reinvest whatever you earn if you want to grow,” he added.
