Natt Boarer (left) Stephanie Kayirangwa founders of Chilli Mash © The Times
Highlights from an article based on a Manufacturing Africa programme’s beneficiary company published in Britain’s The Times newspaper in July 2025
Chilli Mash, a Rwandan-inspired chilli sauce company based in Portsmouth, has secured a £11 million contract over five years with Belgian supermarket Delhaize, marking a significant milestone in its export journey. Co-founded by Stephanie Kayirangwa and Natt Boarer, the company has shipped 150,000 bottles of its chilli sauces to Belgium and is now expanding into Thailand, Dubai, and other European markets.
The company credits the UK government’s support for its success in navigating the complexities of post-Brexit trade. Paul Abley, a Department for Business & Trade (DBT) adviser, guided them through challenging paperwork and introduced them to Martina Blackman Andersen, a food and drink specialist at the British Embassy in Belgium. The embassy team provided logistical support, overcame language barriers, and facilitated connections with buyers, acting as an extension of the business.
Chilli Mash also tapped into the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office’s (FCDO) Manufacturing Africa programme, which supports UK manufacturing companies producing in Africa. This initiative enabled the company to part-process raw materials in Rwanda, reducing costs and improving sustainability by shipping fermented chilli mash via container instead of air-freighting fresh chillies. The company has created jobs for 25 employees in Rwanda and 15 in Portsmouth.
Despite the challenges of exporting food products post-Brexit, including customs checks and VAT compliance, Chilli Mash found overseas markets more favorable due to better pricing terms. The company plans to grow its European Union trade, focusing on countries like Germany, France, and the Netherlands, while also exploring opportunities in Thailand and Dubai.
Chilli Mash’s journey highlights the critical role of government programmes like DBT and Manufacturing Africa in mitigating risks, fostering sustainability, and enabling small businesses to scale globally. With strategic support and resilience, the company has turned challenges into opportunities, building a thriving export business.
