As summer arrives in Mauritius, entrepreneurs are seizing the opportunity to showcase their creativity and develop their businesses. Faiz and Fadil Khaidoo, two brothers from Port-Louis and Flic-en-Flac, have been in the fruit trade since childhood, which is part of their family history. They offer cut mangoes with various sauces, allowing customers to compose their own tasting experience. This concept is inspired by a well-established habit in Mauritian cuisine: accompanying fruits with salt, pepper, or coco rouz.
The Khaidoo brothers' idea is to bring a touch of modernity to this tradition while preserving its authenticity. Customers can choose from different flavor combinations, such as sweet, spicy, sugary, or acidic. The brothers aim to develop their concept around cut fruits and sauces, proposing new combinations according to the seasons and available products. They also want to contribute to valuing local fruits and the culture of preserves. Their goal is to make Anaco a reference in the world of fruits and preserves in Mauritius.
Élodie Wong-Yick, a 28-year-old entrepreneur from Goodlands, has transformed her passion for handmade creations into a business. She founded Candélo, a brand specializing in artisanal candles and perfumed products, in 2022, and her entrepreneurial adventure officially took shape in 2023. Wong-Yick's creations are inspired by the landscapes and scents of Mauritius, and she uses fragrances from Grasse, France, a city renowned for its perfumery expertise.
Wong-Yick's candles are not just functional but also decorative pieces. She creates original compositions, such as flower-shaped candles or bouquets of candles, which are highly appreciated by customers. The summer season is a propitious time for new creations at Candélo, as it is associated with vacations, parties, and gatherings. Wong-Yick adapts her collections, packaging, and formats to meet the demands of tourists looking for souvenirs.
The summer season presents opportunities and challenges for entrepreneurs like the Khaidoo brothers and Wong-Yick. They must anticipate demand, select products carefully, and preserve their freshness. The Khaidoo brothers' business takes on a different rhythm during the summer, with consumers seeking freshness and easy-to-eat products. Wong-Yick, on the other hand, must find a balance between creativity, availability, and quality to meet the demands of her customers.
Despite the challenges, the entrepreneurs are optimistic about the future. The Khaidoo brothers want to expand their concept and make Anaco a reference in the world of fruits and preserves. Wong-Yick is preparing a Christmas collection and plans to develop exclusive perfumes inspired by Mauritius. She also wants to offer more personalized creations for her customers.
The creativity and innovation of entrepreneurs like Faiz and Fadil Khaidoo and Élodie Wong-Yick are contributing to the growth of Mauritius' economy. Their unique products and approaches are helping to promote local culture and traditions. As the summer season continues, their businesses are expected to thrive, and their products will likely become popular among tourists and locals alike.
Key points
- Local entrepreneurs are introducing innovative products to meet the demands of the summer season in Mauritius.
- The Khaidoo brothers offer cut mangoes with various sauces, while Élodie Wong-Yick creates artisanal candles and perfumed products inspired by the island's landscapes and scents.
- The entrepreneurs aim to promote local culture and traditions through their unique products and approaches.
