Gloria's Food Hub

Gloria Pepper Sauce and Catering CC is a Namibian agro-food processing business founded by Lavinia N. Simon. It specialises in handcrafted hot sauces, chili pastes, spice blends and related products made primarily from locally sourced ingredients. The brand name comes from a childhood nickname given to Simon by friends who watched cartoons together at her home.

The business began informally in late 2018 when Simon started making chili sauce at home and sharing it with friends and colleagues. Early batches were bottled in repurposed containers and sold through word of mouth and local markets. Demand grew steadily. The company was formally registered in 2020, and Simon left her full-time job in early 2023 to focus on the venture full-time.

Products are made without preservatives and emphasise bold local flavours. The range includes multiple heat levels of classic chili sauces, jalapeño varieties, and fruit-based habanero sauces such as mango-pineapple and red grape. Additional items like chili crunch, pastes and spices have been added over time. The company promotes a zero-waste approach by using surplus produce that would otherwise go to waste.

A core part of the model is sourcing directly from Namibian farmers. This reduces post-harvest losses (noted in company materials as affecting a large share of local produce) and supports small-scale growers. Seasonal surpluses of chilies, mangoes, pineapples and other crops have inspired new flavours. The business also offers wholesale and bulk orders.

Products are stocked in major retailers including Food Lovers Market, Model Stores, Choppies, Woermann Fresh / Woermann Brock outlets, Zero Waste stores and various gift shops and lodges across Namibia. They are also available at markets and through direct orders. The company operates from Windhoek and participates in local food markets and events.

Simon oversees production, sourcing, branding and logistics. The business started with modest capital and has grown through reinvestment, training and partnerships. It positions itself around local empowerment, sustainability and Namibian culinary identity, aiming to turn surplus farm produce into premium finished goods while supporting the agricultural value chain.