Bambara Groundnut Food technologies
Bambara Groundnut: A Versatile, Nutritious Crop with Market Potential
The Bambara Groundnut, also known as the round bean, is widely grown across Africa and is recognised by various names. It has significant potential as a cash crop due to its nutritional composition, functional properties, and antioxidant potential. At CPUT, we have leveraged the Bambara Groundnut as a raw material to create several value-added products, including:
- Dairy substitutes
- Baked goods
- Meat substitutes
- Beverages
These products are gluten-free, lactose-free, and cholesterol-free.
Key Benefits:
- Lowers cholesterol
- Stabilises blood glucose levels
- Acts as an effective detox aid
The Bambara Groundnut can grow in drought conditions, making it an ideal crop for South African farmers. It presents a lower-risk farming option, with a growing cycle of just 4-5 months.
Market Opportunity:
There is a growing demand for healthier diets, along with an increasing incidence of lactose intolerance. This trend presents an opportunity for the Bambara Groundnut to meet the needs of consumers seeking alternatives to traditional dairy and meat products. This is a high-margin market with significant potential for better returns.
Commercialisation Plan:
Aonyx Holdings (Pty) Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of CPUT, aims to create a manufacturing business that vertically integrates with other sectors in South Africa.
- Phase 1: Establish a manufacturing facility in South Africa to supply the local market and export products to the UK and US in the medium term.
- Phase 2: Set up a manufacturing plant in India to access the growing Asian market.
Preferred Commercialisation Route:
We are seeking a joint venture with a strategic partner who can help propel this business forward. Ideally, the partner would invest in the entity and bring valuable management experience to support the growth and scaling of the business.
