Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in farming but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Matti Spiecker, Founder of LIMBUA Group Limited, located in Embu, Kenya.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We believe: If you are one of the market leaders for organic macadamia nuts, you should set the best example. That's why LIMBUA creates value chains in which there are only winners: around 7,000 smallholders in Kenya and over 700 employees who work in the local factories. Additionally, a large number of quality-conscious customers in Europe and the USA, who produce high-quality food and cosmetics or trade in them, benefit from the value chains created by LIMBUA. Together, we show that sustainability is much more than organic farming: We see it as a new way of doing business in which people and nature have a secure future.
Tell us about yourself
During my studies of economics at the University of Witten/Herdecke, I had the opportunity to visit successful social entrepreneurs in 25 countries in Asia, Latin America, and Africa. This inspired me to start LIMBUA as a sustainable value chain player that combines organic farming with smallholder farmers in Kenya, rural value addition, and sales of healthy products to customers worldwide.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
LIMBUA combines different areas in one organization: Organic farming in rural communities, software development to fully digitize the processes, food processing in our decentralized facilities, and a sales organization in Europe. It took many years and a very dedicated team to develop all these areas to the level they are today.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Especially the early years require persistence and hard work to get things established.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Be persistent. Think long-term. Appreciate people.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.limbua-group.com/en/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matti-spiecker-684178244/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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