Supa loaf bread is arguably one of the most popular bread brands in the country. It has been around for years and has evolved with the changes in the industry.
While Supa Loaf is consumed by millions of households in the country, not many know that its production started at a small home bakery owned by the Akberali Manji family.
In this article, we outline how the family built Supa Loaf into a multi-million business venture:
How was Supa Loaf created?
The production of Supa loaf started in their home bakery. However, Nurzakhanu Akberali Manji together with her husband Akberali Habib Manji managed to get a business license and started a commercial proper bakery in Port Reitz, Mombasa.
File image of Nurzakhanu Akberali Manji and her husband Akberali Habib Manji. [Photo:Courtesy]
At the initial phase, Nurzakhanu Manji popularly known as 'Mam Kubwa' read the business with support from her husband. Their three sons later joined the business and together they worked on growing it into one of Kenya's leading brands.
Establishment of Mini Bakeries
In 1983, the family established Mini Bakeries in Mombasa with the aim of manufacturing and distributing various ranges of bread. In the last three decades, Mini bakeries has become one of the leaders in the industry not only in Kenya but also in the East African region. It has branches in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
According to information on its website, Mini Bakeries has directly and indirectly employed over 3000 people including bicycle vendors and distributors who ensure the product gets to the consumer.
the company has had several milestones such as expansion into Uganda and Tanzania and being nominated as a Super Brand in 2006, 2008, 2010, and 2011.
In 2011, the company ran a catchy advert in the country with the catchphrase ‘Never say bread, say Supa loaf’. The advert was aired across several media outlets, with its catchphrase leaving a lasting mark among Kenyans.
Media reports indicate that the company produces over 2 billion slices of bread every year.
Other Businesses Owned by Akberali Manji Family
Apart from Supa Loaf, the Akberali Manji family also runs Butali Sugar Mills, Island Paradise Inn, and Akiyda Bakeries.
