Mint & Honey (Pty) Ltd and the Atlantis Special Economic Zone (ASEZCo) are thrilled to announce the official lease signing ceremony between the 2 entities.  This was held on 24th October 2023 at the Economic Green Link (EGL) Building, situated within the ASEZ - the new facility from where Mint & Honey will be operating.  Mint & Honey, a private company founded in 2018, is on a mission to combat food insecurity through its fortified food manufacturing extrusion facility in the ASEZ. The facility's strategic location provides access to both Eastern and Western markets, positioning the organization as a significant player in the global mission to address hunger and poverty.

“Our goal is to reduce child mortality and prevent malnutrition-related growth issues, such as stunting and wasting. We want to make a meaningful impact on children's lives and give them the best opportunities to thrive and reach their full potential” – says Regan Paul, Founder and Owner of Mint & Honey

The presence of an investor like Mint & Honey within the ASEZ is poised to bring substantial benefits to the zone and its surrounding community. Mint & Honey's commitment to addressing food security aligns well with the ASEZ's mission to foster the growth of an agricultural cluster driving economic growth, innovation, and sustainable development. By establishing a fortified food manufacturing extrusion facility, Mint & Honey not only contributes to job creation within the local community but also supports the agricultural cluster within the SEZ.

'The need for sustainable urban agricultural projects is growing. In Cape Town, we are well positioned to become a global leader in this space and to use innovative practices to address the food security needs of communities while creating job opportunities for the people of Atlantis. The City is a proud supporter of the Atlantis Special Economic Zone and the work that it is doing with companies such as Mint & Honey,' said Alderman James Vos, the City of Cape Town's Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth.

 Furthermore, the organization's dedication to environmental sustainability, exemplified by its investments in clean energy and responsible manufacturing practices, will further enhance the SEZ's reputation as a hub for socially responsible and environmentally friendly enterprises. Mint & Honey's presence is a testament to the ASEZ's appeal as a destination for visionary companies seeking to make a positive impact on society and the environment while driving economic prosperity.

The journey began with the official signing of the lease, a pivotal moment attended by prominent figures including Alderman James Vos, and Chairperson of the ASEZCo Board, Jo-Ann Johnston. This milestone marked the initiation of Mint & Honey's ambitious undertaking within the Atlantis Special Economic Zone.

“We're very excited to welcome Mint and Honey, an innovative food manufacturer, into our growing eco-system. As we drive the Western Cape's economy forward with clean-tech enabled agri-processing , we will not only harness the power of green energy but also create jobs that contribute to a more sustainable future for our region” said Jo-Ann Johnston, Chairperson of the ASEZCo Board.

The ceremony was seen as an exciting occasion, symbolising Mint & Honey's commitment to its mission, vision and cleaner manufacturing process. The event brought together key stakeholders, dignitaries, and members of the media to commemorate this remarkable achievement. The company's relentless pursuit of eradicating poverty and achieving zero hunger is reflected in its collaboration with experts in the nutritional food sector, engineering firms, and government institutions across various Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries.

Matt Cullinan, CEO of the ASEZ said: “Mint & Honey aim to create approximately 60 new jobs from their new facility, whilst supplying the world food programme with much needed nutritional compounds for disbursement throughout Africa. Not only will there be a direct impact on food security throughout South Africa and Africa, but this facility will also contribute to a growth in exports and thus local economic growth.”

In this exciting synergy between the ASEZ and Mint & Honey, a promising future of innovation, growth, and collaboration unfolds, forging a path towards economic success and sustainability for years to come.