A CHEESE SUPPLIER OF CHOICE
Cyprus Foods is a South African cheese supplier founded in 1994, growing from humble beginnings through dependable service, disciplined logistics and a commitment to quality products.
The principles that guide how Cyprus Foods grows, serves its customers and develops its people.
Purpose
To develop a uniquely dynamic cheese-supplying organisation rooted in the Republic of South Africa and extending its creative strength throughout the Southern African region by effectively managing and securing quality product availability, distribution centres, logistics, competitive price structuring, employment, corporate social investment and sustainable growth.
Mission Statement
Vision
To develop a new generation cheese-supplying company that grows from humble beginnings into a recognised cheese-supply partner within the Republic of South Africa and, ultimately, across the African continent.
Objectives
These values guide our relationships with customers, colleagues, stakeholders and the wider South African community.
BONTLE KE BOTHO
To be beautiful is to be human
Cyprus Foods' management and employees subscribe to and have adopted the principles of “BONTLE KE BOTHO” — to be beautiful is to be human. Together with our values, these principles shape a positive corporate culture and provide a sound foundation for our working environment.
A story of humble beginnings, disciplined growth, strong quality standards and a personal commitment to customer service.
The birth of Cyprus Foods coincided with the birth of South Africa's most valued and celebrated democracy in 1994. Founding member Mr Aswin Parbhoo, a seasoned businessman and now CEO of Cyprus Foods, remembers the difficult period during which he passionately worked to enter a market that had previously been difficult to access.
Mr Parbhoo's motivation at the time was to serve a small sector of the market that was being neglected by larger suppliers, mainly because of its small-order requirements. This market included independent stores, cafés, butcheries and independent take-away businesses commonly known as fish-and-chips stores.
Cyprus Foods developed an efficient and cost-effective logistical process to satisfy the needs of this sector successfully. Providing quality products together with high service levels at competitive prices created a winning formula for both Cyprus Foods and the customers it served.
Mr Parbhoo's passion to expand Cyprus Foods grew year after year. The business diversified its product range extensively, expanded its manufacturing streams and sourced products overseas, enabling it to import a wider variety of quality products at competitive prices.
At the same time, Cyprus Foods introduced complementary product ranges for the delicatessen industry.
A broad variety of cheeses remains the core product offering of Cyprus Foods. Its range includes Parmesan, Halloumi, Ricotta, Pecorino, Emmenthaler, Mozzarella Balls, olives and other related products, with packaging tailored to customer specifications where required.
This extensive range has helped Cyprus Foods become an attractive supplier to major retailers.
Cyprus Foods pursued Halaal certification through the National Islamic Halaal Trust. The Trust's requirements demand strict manufacturing and product-handling processes. Manufacturing operations and sourced products are audited twice a year, and stringent requirements must be maintained.
Cyprus Foods is also audited annually by SAFSAS as part of the industry's statutory requirements. These audits are administered by the Dairy Standard Board of South Africa and include strict adherence to proper hygienic processes. Cyprus Foods achieves a high grading, helping to ensure that the end user receives a quality product.
The food industry is exceptionally price-sensitive and is influenced by factors such as inflation and the Rand–Dollar exchange rate. Cyprus Foods therefore reviews its cost prices continually, with the aim of driving prices down and passing appropriate benefits on to customers.
The business has invested in refrigerated vehicles and operates an extensive fleet so that product quality and logistical service are not compromised. In recognition of its performance, Cyprus Foods was awarded Distributor of the Year by the Spar Group in 2006.
Cyprus Foods has developed into a distinctive and favoured cheese supplier of choice. Its customer base has included the Shoprite Checkers Group, Pick n Pay Group, Spar North and South Rand Distribution Centres, Fruit & Veg City, Nando's, Friendly Grocers and the Roots Butchery Group.
Serving major retailers requires Cyprus Foods to meet the individual quality-assurance standards and requirements applied by each retailer. From humble beginnings, the company has built a reputation for excellent service, quality products and competitive pricing, strengthening its position as a cheese supplier to major and prospective retailers.
One of Mr Aswin Parbhoo's strongest beliefs is that no customer is too large or too small for Cyprus Foods. Equal and excellent treatment should be delivered across the full customer spectrum.
He also values a personal, hands-on approach, committing himself to dealing diligently with customer queries and providing prompt, appropriate solutions.
Explore our product catalogue or contact Cyprus Foods for product information and general enquiries.