The deal comes after Wesgro, the Western Cape's official tourism, trade and investment promotion agency, led Bayede on two outward selling missions to Brazil last year. "Both visits were the first time for Bayede entering the Brazilian market and I believe this is just the beginning," said Antoinette Vermooten, CEO of Bayede.
King Goodwill Zwelithini endorses Bayede, which produces wine, clothing, textiles, leather, rooibos tea, beadwork and pottery. In 2012, it was listed in all the Walmart stores in China.
"The Bayede brand is a winner and is our competitive advantage. Wesgro has been a great help in assisting us in a tough market. Our next target is our Rooibos tea," Vermooten said.
Jason Engledoe, Wesgro's International trade manager, said the deal was a result of "repeat visits coupled with relationship building, pooling of resources and knowledge sharing, which are paramount for success in this market."
The deal will see previously disadvantaged beaders, based in the Western Cape, Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal, receive almost R50,000.
