Tropical venture bearing fruit for organic health food business

Moses Kibuuka Muwanga has worked for almost a decade to launch Jali Organic. The company is an ethical, organic and sustainable African food brand specialising in dried fruit.

Mr Muwanga, 45, of Sharrow, in Sheffield, was helped by the Entrepreneur Exchange, which is run by Business and Education South Yorkshire.

He set up Jali, which sells dried pineapple, bananas, jack fruit and mango, after inheriting 500 acres on the tropical island of Bussi, on Lake Victoria, in Uganda.

He considered selling the land to developers but changed his mind after visiting, when he was struck by its beauty and the abundance of wildlife.

Mr Muwanga built a drying factory on Bussi, with the villagers' help, so he could use a slow-drying method to retain the fruits' flavours.

"I realised that sweet-tasting, organic dried fruit from Africa could help improve the diet of children in Sheffield, while paying Fairtrade prices to the farmers would could improve the community's education and health provision."

He was mentored by Emma Killilea, the founder of gluten-free food company Delicious Alchemy, who provided advice on routes to market and sales.

Mr Muwanga added: "When you're setting up a business, it's a very lonely process and it's really great to be able to talk to someone who understands what you're going through and who can help you avoid some of the pitfalls."

In partnership with St Mary's Church in Bramall Lane, Sheffield, Mr Muwanga has helped to provide a water tank for people living in the village of Jali, and he also sponsors free primary school education in the area.