09 February 2005

Johannesburg: Kraft Foods Global employees Chris Almond of Australia and Lou Anne Blanchard of the United States participated in UNV’s Corporate/Private Sector programme in March 2004. Their technical expertise in packaging and product development was used to help a new food manufacturer, GTL Food Manufacturers, located in Johannesburg, South Africa.

“I was first attracted to the mission because it seemed an excellent way to give of my expertise, in a way that would make a significant difference, to a small company in a developing country, where help was clearly needed,” says Chris. “It was also a great opportunity to visit South Africa and learn something of their people and culture.” Lou Anne was equally thrilled to be able to share her technical skills to help others improve their products and processes and learn about a different culture.

GTL Food Manufacturers is a small company located in Cleveland, a suburb of Johannesburg. It was incorporated in 1997 as a manufacturer and distributor of powdered food beverages. They employ eight people and produce dry blends of milk powders, powdered soft drinks, coffee creamers and soup mixes. GTL’s objective in asking the UNV programme for help was to expand their business by entering the retail market in South Africa and also exporting to other African nations.

Chris and Lou Anne worked closely with the staff during their two-week assignment. They trained staff on mixing and blending operations and recommended processing improvements that significantly increase throughput. They also worked with GTL to develop new products, optimize current products, and improve shelf life: an important element for retail market and export.

Chris and Lou Anne also addressed GTL packaging needs by: optimizing materials and developing specifications, setting up a new packaging machine and improving the use of existing ones, and establishing product test methods and general laboratory practices.

As UN Volunteers through the Corporate/Private Sector programme, Chris and Lou Anne provided technical input that offered clear benefits to GTL industries. “We felt that GTL Foods was extremely grateful for the help and advice we gave them,” says Lou Anne. “We provided very practical assistance with formulations, methods and basic knowledge that could immediately be put to good use. Staff at all levels of the company quickly and enthusiastically became involved in what we were doing. From a consumer perspective, there should be an overall improvement in the quality and range of GTL products.”

They also felt privileged to spend time and work with the people of GTL. “From a cultural perspective, we believe we have a much better understanding of how it is to live and work in South Africa,” explains Chris. “The people we worked with went out of their way to proudly show us their country and explain their way of life, insights, and understanding we would not have gained as tourists. We met many people from all over Africa during our stay from South Africa to Malawi. Everyone welcomed us into their hearts and homes!”