Willowton Oil, originally a plant specialising in expressing oilseeds and refining edible oils and now a leading producer of oil-based products, is a family-owned business, which began operations in 1970. The outstanding business acumen and foresight of founder Dawood Hassam Moosa (known as DH) and his brothers, built Willowton from humble origins into one of South Africa’s largest manufacturers of FMCG products, ranging from edible oils, candles, toilet and laundry soaps, to margarine and spreads, as well as baking, chocolate and industrial fats.
Situated in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, Willowton Oil has expanded its original operations to incorporate its manufacturing, packaging and distribution capabilities, to the extent that it now also has operations in Isando (Johannesburg) and Maitland (Cape Town).
In 2004, Willowton acquired the edible oil and margarine manufacturing units of Tiger Brands based in Cape Town, more commonly known as CapeOil, including the brands Sunshine D, Nuvo and Crown.
The business is built on pillars of excellent service, ongoing investment in technology and human resources, and the hands-on involvement of the directors in the daily running of the business.
A central technical centre with latest technology ensures that high standards of quality are maintained at all times and the company is always striving to develop new products and further improve the existing quality of products manufactured under the Willowton banner.
Their sound business approach is paying dividends. Willowton Oil products are found in leading chain stores, supermarkets, wholesalers, retailers, independents and food manufacturers nationwide. Willowton is exporting aggressively, and brands such as Sunfoil, D’Lite, Crown, Daily, Britelite, Cameo, Sunshine D, Nuvo, and Romi, can be found in markets in Southern and Central Africa.
The business is currently run by the sons and grandsons of the late DH Moosa, continuing his vision to provide a quality product matched with quality service, to meet the needs of its quality customers at a reasonable price with a reasonable profit, and to always remember its social and religious responsibility to educate through means of bursaries and to help uplift those less fortunate, regardless of race, colour and creed.
