FRY GROUP FOODS

A ONE-OF-A-KIND PRODUCT
From small beginnings in the Fry's family kitchen in Winston Park KwaZulu-Natal, Fry's has become an international success. In 1991 Fry's Vegetarian Foods directors Wally and Debbie Fry quit the construction industry in KwaZulu-Natal and took up a new hobby - developing meat-free alternative meals purely for themselves and their family (all committed vegetarians) to enjoy.

Today Fry's Vegetarian Foods is one of the world's largest producers of a range of frozen products made from natural vegetable proteins that are low in fat, high in protein, cholesterol free, preservative free andmanufactured to closely resemble the appearance and texture of meat. Fry's Vegetarian is very fortunate in that it has a unique process that was designed and perfected by its managing director, Wally Fry. This unique process means that Fry's produces a one-of-a-kind product that is the unrivalled leader in the vegetarian meat analogue market in South Africa.

There is no doubt that Fry's is the brand leader in the vegetarian market in South Africa, and the company is fast becoming a leading brand in this industry in many international countries. The company's vegetarian products are available in an estimated 20 000 outlets globally. In South Africa, Fry's products are available in Checkers, Spar and Pick n Pay and most other midtrade stores and independents.

Fry's products are manufactured in a dedicated meat free factory and carry endorsements from the highest authorities of vegetarianism in the world. The Fry's family passion and commitment to absolute quality, true ethics of vegetarianism and complete awareness of the environment on which they have an impact will ensure that the needs of their consumers are met and exceeded. All Fry's food is made using the finest quality ingredients without compromise on goodness and taste. Fry's aim is to meet everyday needs for nutrition with delicious, healthy and cruelty free products. The products are also NON GM and the raw materials are identity preserved from farm to manufacturing warehouse.

The company's systems ensure that its packaging, labeling, sales force, customer communication and product quality are maintained and continuously improved.

Besides the creation of employment, Fry's centre of operations is its factory in Mahogany Ridge and as such a huge amount of business is generated for the KwaZulu-Natal based suppliers of its raw materials, as well as the ancillary service sectors supplying Fry's with repairs and maintenance services, transport, factory fuel, consumables and other necessary services. Wherever possible, Fry's sources its raw materials from within the province.

In addition to a sense of loyalty to the province where the company has its roots, there are practical benefits with being able to visit suppliers that are based nearby. Supplier and customer relationships are strengthened by the close contact that Fry's encourages.

INDUSTRY STANDARDS
Fry's Vegetarian has been certified ISO 22000 since 2008 by SABS. This standard is both the integration of ISO 9000 Standard which involves documentation management systems and HACCP food safety hazard management systems. The ISO 22000 is an internationally recognized certification. Fry's are also audited and comply to the SAFSIS food safety system that ensures systems and food safety compliance on behalf of both the food retail and food service industry such as Pick n Pay and Famous brands (Steers). The company scored 96% for its last audit which categorizes Fry's in the "Gold Status" of food manufacture.

EMPLOYEES
Fry Group Foods employs 280 employees from the local community. These employees are all trained on site to perform the job function which they are employed to do as well as cross trained in other functions. This gives them job pride and confidence to perform well on a daily basis. The employees are
excited to work at the company and this is reflected in the low absenteeism (under 2%) which is unheard of in this type of industry.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
By creating andmanufacturing tasty vegan, meat free alternative products - we assist in minimizing the detrimental impact that the meat, fish, poultry and dairy industries currently have on our beautiful planet. The more we serve this cause the more the human consciousness as a whole will understand the need to minimize the impact we humans are inflicting on the environment. This is our commitment and moral reason for being who we are.

Fry Group Foods sponsored the Meat Free Monday campaign in South Africa and is working together with WESSA, Animal Rights Africa, Beauty Without Cruelty (all non profit organisations) to educate the public about food choices and the effect of those choices on the environment.

The campaign has been extremely successful and Meat Free Mondays is already being supported by many local schools and corporates. The campaign has generated some profits - all of which have been donated to environmental non profit groups.

ACHIEVEMENTS

• Fry's set the bar high and in so doing sets a good example of what is possible to many other similar companies.
• Wally and Debbie Fry were winners at the Ernst & Young South African Chapter of the World Entrepreneur Awards in the Emerging Category 2010.
• Fry's has been announced the "Most ethical company in the UK" and has been given the rights to use the "Best Buy" label on packaging.
• Fry's has also won the Best Vegan Burger UK in 2009 and 2011

Wally Fry regularly travels around the world to speak on the success of Fry's and the opportunity for meat free products. The most recent speech given by Mr. Fry in London at the World Preservation Conference was titled "An inspirational talk on the human spirit, its ability to change and how to do it now - citing the success of Fry's vegetarian".