Cape Town-based artisanal biscuit producer Khayelitsha Cookies has secured more than R1.4-million in deals from two UK‑backed companies.

One agreement will see its products served onboard British Airways flights, while the other covers the supply of private‑label shortbread products to the UK market.

The deals were concluded with support from the UK Trade Partnerships programme, an initiative funded by the UK government.

The programme aims to help developing countries leverage the UK’s Economic Partnership Agreement to increase exports, with the preferential terms of this agreement allowing about 95% of South African goods to enter the UK market tariff-free.

“We are incredibly grateful to the International Trade Centre and the UK Trade Partnerships Programme for helping turn these two exciting deals into reality,” says Khayelitsha Cookies operations executive Tommy Williams. 

“Thanks to their support, we will now be supplying two UK-based companies in the UK, with our biscuits making their way across the country and sharing the rich, irresistible taste of South Africa with customers far and wide.”

The 100% women-owned Khayelitsha Cookies creates job opportunities for women from underserved communities in the Western Cape.

For every 1 000 cookies sold, each woman employed is able to support between five and seven dependents within her family or community. 

As a result of the UK deal, the company expects to create more opportunities for women in these communities.

“I had the privilege of visiting Khayelitsha Cookies’ factory and meeting the remarkable women behind the business, and I was deeply inspired by their entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to their community,” says British High Commissioner to South Africa Antony Phillipson.

“This partnership is a powerful example of how trade can deliver growth on both sides – creating opportunities and livelihoods in South Africa, while bringing high‑quality, proudly South African products to UK consumers.”