What is Naledo Foods and Beverages About?
Naledo is a social enterprise founded by the dynamic mother-daughter team Umeeda and Nareena Switlo. Being a better business for better lives means sourcing sustainably and partnering with hundreds of small-scale growers to ensure a positive impact from forest to fridge. The commitment to sustainable practices extends through every facet of operations—from cultivation to processing—ensuring that the turmeric products are not only of the highest quality but also carry a minimal environmental footprint. With a firm belief in the power of turmeric to improve lives, the enterprise shares its rich heritage and benefits with the world… A truly inspiring initiative in the food products industry.
Main Benefit
- B Corp score: 82.7
- Founded by the passionate mother-daughter duo, Umeeda and Nareena Switlo
- Partners with hundreds of small-scale growers and small holder farmers
- Produces wildcrafted, whole root turmeric paste known as Truly Turmeric—sourced from Belize’s Toledo district
- Embraces sustainable sourcing and practices that ensure both quality and a low environmental impact
The Inspiring Journey of Naledo
The story of Naledo is as vibrant as the golden hue of its turmeric. Umeeda and Nareena Switlo embarked on a journey powered by vision and social responsibility. Their passion for nurturing small-scale growers and improving health through sustainable practices has shaped a mission that is both heartfelt and innovative. With energy and determination, the founders have created an enterprise that supports communities, employs youth, and raises the bar in the food products industry. It is a journey marked by moments of courage, perseverance, and an ever-growing commitment to bettering lives… simply remarkable.
Heritage and Resilience
Umeeda’s story speaks of resilience and determination. Born in Uganda into a family of entrepreneurs—her father managed an insurance company and her mother ran a Montessori school—Umeeda’s life changed dramatically during the 1970s when a dictator terrorized the country. Fleeing as refugees, Umeeda arrived in Canada at the tender age of 15 with just one suitcase, marking the start of a new chapter. Over family dinners, her mother—known lovingly as Mamajee—kept the stories of home alive. Ultimately, Mamajee authored a cookbook called ‘Mamajee’s Kitchen’, preserving cherished traditions and the flavors of the past, which can be found on the enterprise’s website.
Discovering Truly Turmeric
A turning point arrived when Umeeda first went to Belize to volunteer with the Belizean government via CUSO International. While sharing her business skills with youth communities, she ventured across the country and met many people of Indian ancestry who recounted stories of their ancestors arriving as indentured servants over 200 years ago. Amidst these captivating tales, cooking naturally came up—one farmer, in particular, revealed the wild turmeric growing on his land. “It was the most vivid orange and the best quality turmeric ever seen!” Umeeda recalls. After several months of experimenting, she created the world’s very first wildcrafted, whole root turmeric paste—Truly Turmeric—which has come to define the brand.
Sustainable Sourcing and Community Empowerment
Naledo’s initiative goes beyond simply producing high-quality turmeric. It stands as a beacon of sustainable sourcing and responsible business practices. The enterprise supports growers by providing them with an opportunity to earn extra income while preserving traditional agricultural practices and protecting natural resources. By aligning its operations with environmental stewardship, Naledo not only benefits small-scale growers but also creates lasting economic and social impacts within their communities. This commitment to ethical practices not only enhances product quality but also inspires hope for a healthier, more sustainable future.
Project Impact on SDGs
- No Poverty – By supporting small holder farmers and growers, it provides a pathway to improved livelihoods.
- Zero Hunger – Through investing in sustainable food production practices, it enhances food security.
- Good Health and Well-Being – Its turmeric products promote wellness and natural health benefits.
- Decent Work and Economic Growth – Sustainable operations empower youth and create job opportunities.
- Responsible Consumption and Production – Emphasizes eco-friendly sourcing and processing methods.
- Climate Action – Advocates for low environmental impact practices from forest to fridge.
Continued Commitment to Sustainable Futures
The narrative of Naledo Foods and Beverages continues to evolve with a deep-rooted commitment to sustainable futures. By combining heritage with modern social entrepreneurship, the founders nurture not only a product line but also a movement that values every step from cultivation to processing. Through collaboration with hundreds of small-scale growers and a passion for empowering communities, the enterprise remains dedicated to making the world a better place—one spoonful of Truly Turmeric at a time… A story of hope, resilience, and a bright, sustainable tomorrow is what Naledo represents.
