A new, family-run company operating from the dorpie Cradock in the Eastern Cape has just launched and hopes to boost local farmers and small businesses in the Karoo.
Karoo, South Africa (18 May 2020) – Remember Box for a Boervrou? A farming family in the Karoo has turned this concept on its head to create Box FROM a Boervrou, or Karoo Farm Box. The initiative will keep on supporting small businesses and farmers in the Karoo, celebrating the luxury and quality products created in the region.
A new, family-run company operating from the dorpie Cradock in the Eastern Cape has just launched and hopes to boost local farmers and small businesses in the Karoo.
Karoo Farm Box launched their first two products this week – a luxury box for Gents and Ladies containing some of the Karoo’s most iconic products. Handmade wool slippers, luxurious mohair throws and locally-crafted leather accessories – all products with a 100% traceability from Karoo farms – are among the products in the inaugurate boxes.
So far, the reception has been overwhelmingly positive, says founder Lani Lombard. She also owns the established True Living bakery and deli in Cradock, which has been closed for business as usual due to the national COVID-19 restrictions. Lani says Karoo farmers and entrepreneurs are used to thinking outside the box to get by, and the Karoo Farm Box idea is just one way they’re trying to boost the economy in this remote part of the country.
“The idea for our Karoo Farm Box started in the toughest of times. The past drought really tested Karoo farmers and their families. Many people in the driest parts of the country relied on outside help to get by. The Boks vir ‘n Boervrou initiative was just one way South Africans reached out to us, but it struck a chord,” Lani says.
The family’s idea to create a Box FROM a Boervrou was coined and named Karoo Farm Box, to appeal to a global audience says co-founder Louis Steyn.
Lani and Louis say the Karoo Farm Box hopes to create a platform where other South Africans and the world can continually support Karoo farmers and entrepreneurs.
“Karoo Farm Box was a perfect coming-together of concepts,” he says. “I’ve been mulling over various ideas for online trading over the past couple of months. I wanted to combine the growing ‘buy-it-for-life’ movement with our love and appreciation for quality South African products and support farmers and small-town entrepreneurs in the process.
“When my mother-in-law mentioned her idea to promote natural fibres and goods that are originally from the Karoo, everything just clicked.”
Boxes are targeted at all South Africans who “deserve to feel and wear and have the very best of the country has to offer”, the company website states. A major focus is also to promote the boxes to an international market.
“All over the Karoo, there are men and women constantly working to create products that last a lifetime and that are truly reflective of the integrity of our Karoo region. But because they are located so remotely, these products seldom get the appreciation they deserve,” Louis says.
“We are bridging the gap. Products are delivered from the Karoo farms, straight to peoples’ doors.”
Karoo Farm Box will constantly be on the look-out for products that meet their Karoo quality criteria to include in their online shop. Contact them on karoofarmbox@gmail.com
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