Barely two weeks since the launch of South Africa’s robust food delivery platform, Dryvar Foods has already impacted the food delivery market, with a 20% rise in its restaurant, grocery store and on-the-go food outlet network, prompting more young contractors to join the brand.
It’s founder, CEO Priven Reddy, said: “I was inspired to create job opportunities and self-sustainable entrepreneurship for historically disadvantaged black men and women in South Africa when I saw the devastation and helplessness of people losing their jobs due to the Covid-19 pandemic.”
Reddy says that the Dryvar Foods model was designed to reduce the hefty food delivery costs and make convenience more affordable.
“Other companies based their model on charging suppliers as much as a 45% commission, who in turn hiked their prices. This substantial price increase was then passed on to the consumer. Our model was designed to bridge that gap and since Covid-19 has increased the rate of unemployment and poverty in South Africa, I was determined to make a difference,” he said.
The rapidly growing brand is set to expand its footprint into Africa and extend further into Germany, United Kingdom, Netherlands and Middle East within the next year.
Dryvar Foods entered the market last month by empowering budding franchise owners from neighbouring townships to become entrepreneurs and providing jobs to a whopping 150 drivers, who would have otherwise been unemployed. These drivers were in addition, kitted out with branded scooters, tablets, cell phones, uniforms, data and received intensive training on Covid-19 protocols and customer service.
Reddy plans to create a further 1 200 employment opportunities within the next few months as the company expands throughout South Africa and abroad.
Powered by Amazon, Dryvar Foods realizes that opportunities for young entrepreneurs are often marred by inaccessibility to the market, lack of access to finance, as many young people do not have collateral to access bank loans, and lack of tertiary education. However, Dryvar Foods says that key to be successful in this industry is continuous training and development of its team, who are not just drivers but managers of their own businesses. Their success is largely dependent by their own motivation and vigour to succeed in a fast-paced market.
For aspiring Durban entrepreneur, Andile Phahla, the dream of owning his own business has finally been realised.
The 33-year-old, who recently moved from Umlazi to Hammarsdale to care for his family said he was overjoyed to have been given the opportunity to develop his entrepreneurial skills especially during this very difficult time.
“It’s been a very difficult journey. Each time I tried to start a new business, I struggled to get the support from large corporates. But when I approached Dryvar Foods I was pleasantly surprised that a South African owned delivery service concept provided much needed opportunities at a time of distress,” said Phahla.
He added that Dryvar Foods taught him to self-sustainability and determination adding that he is trained in fleet management, customer service, etiquette, delivery with a smile, Covid-19 protocols and safety.
The Dryvar Foods app can be easily downloaded on a smart mobile device. For more information visit: www.dryvarfoods.com.
