SharLeBel 3 years in review : Year 3- 2016
Year 3 - 2016 – We kicked off 2016 with the decision to replace the existing production Greenhouse. During May we installed the new Greenhouse of 3m x 4m with a wooden floor, insulated walls and roof. More effective fans were installed. The setup of the production house ensures correct ventilation of fresh air and better temperature control during the year. With these changes, the production increased to a capacity of 300 bags in Spawn House and 400 Blocks in production house. The results started showing by October. SharLeBel Mushrooms is now able to produce and hand harvest fresh Shiitakes 365 days per year. During this time we also increased our production range to 15 products. 2016 was closed off with 9 distribution points and a fresh production of 165kg for the year. Because we are known for quality Grade A Shiitake mushrooms, 2 of our customers have reserved all our fresh mushrooms for the year to come. Towards the end of 2016 the demand outgrew our supply and we had to buy in 80kg dried mushrooms (Equivalent of 500kg fresh) for our value-added products.
Information is key to presenting products and Lenette did redesigning on the brand presentation and look. SharLeBel brand colors represent earth (brown), growth (green) and power (red). The SharLeBel slogan : “earth, fungi, health…” represents our passion and reason we grow Shiitake. The new logo and label design were implemented during October 2016. During this time the new website was also launched – www.sharlebelmushrooms.com
Elma opened the first farmstall at the MacYoung Farmers Market in Mossel Bay. At the beginning of November we decided to move to the lovely Outeniqua Family Market in George. This is one of the top Markets in the Garden Route. Elma also did several other markets in the Garden Route area.
