{"id":90170,"date":"2024-11-18T13:05:26","date_gmt":"2024-11-18T13:05:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/all-news\/frozen-delights-eritrean-canadian-entrepreneur-on-transforming-excess-fruit-into-tasty-treats"},"modified":"2024-11-18T13:25:28","modified_gmt":"2024-11-18T13:25:28","slug":"frozen-delights-eritrean-canadian-entrepreneur-on-transforming-excess-fruit-into-tasty-treats","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/photo\/frozen-delights-eritrean-canadian-entrepreneur-on-transforming-excess-fruit-into-tasty-treats","title":{"rendered":"Frozen delights: Eritrean-Canadian entrepreneur on transforming excess fruit into tasty treats"},"content":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Rwanda. <\/strong><\/span>When a vacation turns into a new venture, it\u2019s more than just memorable\u2014it\u2019s transformational. For Melku Gebrekristos, an Eritrean-Canadian entrepreneur who first immigrated to Canada in 2002, her trip to Rwanda opened doors to Kigali\u2019s growing agricultural value chain.<\/p>\n

\u201cOriginally, I’m from Eritrea, and I\u2019ve been in business for the past 18 years,\u201d she said. \u201cI started by producing ice lollies and drinks in Canada, where I developed my brand, Laza, featuring hibiscus drinks and ice lollies. Now, we\u2019re bringing Laza ice lollies to Rwanda.\u201d<\/p>\n

empower the earth<\/p>\n

When Gebrekristos visited Rwanda at the end of 2022, she was struck by the sight of fresh fruits being discarded at the Nyabugogo market. \u201cIt was difficult to see so much fresh produce going to waste after all the hard work of the farmers,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn Canada, fruit is mostly imported and not fresh. So I immediately thought, why not create something to support these farmers and contribute to the local economy?\u201d<\/p>\n

After doing some research, Gebrekristos founded that Rwanda\u2019s ice lolly market relied heavily on imports, which further motivated her. \u201cI realized this could be a great business opportunity that could also support Rwanda\u2019s economy and empower local farmers by creating value-added products,\u201d she explained.<\/p>\n

Soon after, Gebrekristos began the process of securing a business license, finding a location, and sourcing ingredients from local farmers. Now, her Laza ice lollies are available in around 12 locations across Kigali. \u201cEverything we use is locally sourced, natural, and healthy,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Discarded fruits are transformed into delicious frozen treats, helping reduce farmer losses.<\/p>\n

The ice lollies come in six flavors: strawberry, mango, pineapple, banana chocolate, lemon ginger, and mixed fruit, bringing a refreshing twist to Kigali\u2019s snack options.<\/p>\n

For Gebrekristos, launching Laza Lollies in Rwanda is more than just expanding her business from Canada\u2014it\u2019s about tapping into local resources and creating a sense of pride in Rwandan-made products. In Canada, where her original Laza business started, fruits are mostly imported and often frozen, but in Rwanda, fresh, local produce is abundant.<\/p>\n

end-of-life care<\/p>\n

This difference inspired her to build a brand that showcases the country\u2019s agricultural richness.<\/p>\n

Labelled “Proudly Made in Rwanda,” her lollies are dairy-free and crafted purely from local fruits, giving them a uniquely Rwandan feel with Imigongo designs on the packaging to resonate with local culture.<\/p>\n

Gebrekristos sources ingredients from suppliers and occasionally visits markets herself, ensuring quality and freshness. She emphasizes that her lollies cater to all ages, introducing Rwandans to frozen treats beyond ice cream.<\/p>\n

Laza’s ice lollies in six varieties\u2014Strawberry, Mango, Pineapple, Banana Chocolate, Lemon Ginger, and Mixed Fruit\u2014are adding a cool twist to Kigali’s snack scene.<\/p>\n

The process preserves the natural nutrition of the fruit, as freezing maintains its original health benefits without any artificial colors or flavors. Based in Kigali, her production team makes and supplies the lollies locally, with supermarkets and cafes now carrying the brand after a successful launch event where 600 free samples were given out.<\/p>\n

By turning surplus fruit into value-added products, Gebrekristos hopes to support Rwandan farmers and reduce food waste.<\/p>\n

“Instead of throwing away excess fruit, we\u2019re creating something that preserves it and contributes to the local economy,\u201d she said. For her, it\u2019s not just about business; it\u2019s also about fostering self-reliance and opportunity within Rwanda\u2019s agricultural sector.<\/p>\n

She now employs more than five staff, bringing on additional part-time help for major events at sports venues like BK Arena and Amahoro Stadium. Currently, Laza Lollies can be also found in Kamonyi and Rubavu districts, and her goal is to expand access across the country.<\/p>\n

Reflecting on her journey of navigating Rwanda’s business ecosystem, Gebrekristos acknowledges the learning curve of doing business in a new country.<\/p>\n

“Starting a business in a place you’re unfamiliar with isn\u2019t easy. You have to adapt to how things work locally,\u201d she says, noting that the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) registration process, while different from what she’s used to, became manageable once she was willing to adapt to local procedures.<\/p>\n

When asked for advice to other entrepreneurs, she highlights the importance of adapting to the local environment and seizing opportunities that align with what\u2019s feasible in Rwanda.<\/p>\n\r\n