Collagen Café, a South African wellness brand founded in 2021, embarked on a mission to revolutionize collagen supplementation with convenient, highly absorbable liquid products. Learn about their strategic approach to international expansion, revealing their key indicators for readiness, insightful tips for market research, and the resilient mindset that allowed them to overcome initial fears and navigate unexpected obstacles.
1. Can you please share a bit of background information about Collagen Café?
Collagen Café launched in 2021. Our vision was to bring convenient, highly absorbable and quality collagen products to the market.
2. When did you realize your business was ready for exporting? What were the key indicators?
We realized our business was ready for exporting after we had gained significant traction in the South African Market and started to receive interest from foreign distributors through our extensive marketing. Key indicators: consistent growth, customers overseas asking where they could purchase, knowing we would be able to compete on price, quality and branding.
3. Can you share some pro-tips for finding and researching international markets? Where did you find your best leads?
We found our best leads through South Africa distributors and international business growth consultants. We did extensive research through travel, google and amazon to see what was trending overseas.
4. What was your biggest initial fear or concern about exporting, and how did you address it?
Were we good enough for the international market. We addressed it through believing deeply in each product we create and through digging deep to overcome fear. We also remain authentic to our core.
5. Did you encounter any unexpected obstacles, and how did you adapt?
Yes, there are many obstacles in business generally and we adapted to them like we would any problem in our business by addressing it head on with a practical and positive mindset.
6. Did you attend trade shows or participate in international business development programs? If so, which was most helpful? Yes, we did, both are helpful in their own ways.
Yes, we did, both are helpful in their own ways.
7. What advice do you have for aspiring exporters in South Africa?
Dream big and anything is possible with enough hard work, planning and foresight and ensure you use Import Export License.
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