SOUTH AFRICA – South Africa’s Rush Nutrition, a healthy and wellness brand that manufactures healthy snacks and beverages has secured backing from Secha Capital, a Johannesburg based impact investor.

Rush Nutrition is capitalising on the vast healthy food market space by providing products that meet the need of health-conscious consumers in an ever fast-paced lifestyle while being free from toxins, gluten, soy, wheat and refined sugar.

Lara Mare, managing director and co-founder of Rush Nutrition, says; “As a busy working mom, I understand the allure of convenience foods that are quick and easy to eat on-the-go.

“Unfortunately, most of these snacks are packed with sugar and other preservatives, they are not the ideal option for growing bodies and minds.

“That is why we developed Rush products for the on-the-go market so that we can offer natural fuel for our busy lifestyle.”

Mare plans to use the investment from Secha Capital to accelerate the brand’s growth. She explains; “Rush Nutrition is at an inflection point of growth.

“We have been doing well in retail and now we are looking to push aggressively into additional channels as well as tap into export market and we are excited to partner with Secha for this next phase of our growth.”

Secha Capital co-founder, Rushil Vallabh, added; “We are seeing a global shift in eating behaviours. People want food that are healthier for them, they want to know what is in their food and where it comes from.

“Rush Nutrition excites us because they are at the fore front of nutritional design and have authentic product.

“Our partnership with the Jobs Fund will help us scale up the manufacturing side of the business and help build out the sales team for expansion into new channels and geographies.”

South Africa’s healthy food market is growing 14% per annum — even faster for products that offer convenience and wellness at an affordable price.

Led by dynamic entrepreneur, Lara Mare, Rush has well-established listings across major retailers and forecourts and a high-capacity production factory.

Kuhle Mnisi (Masters at UCT, Goldman Sachs alum), a Secha Fellow, was seconded to become Rush’s interim Chief Operating Officer.