Our Story
1996 — The problem becomes personal
The work began in Prieska, on the Orange River, when the national Working for Water programme started clearing invasive mesquite. Living at ground zero of the infestation, we saw both the damage and the unused value in the tree — first in the wood, then in the extraordinary seedpods.
2004 - 2005 - From Timber to Food
A mesquite woodworking factory that once employed around 30 people closed when the rand strengthened and export furniture became unviable. That forced a harder question: what else could this tree give? Research with South African institutions confirmed what desert communities have long known — the pods are a nutrient-dense superfood, naturally low-GI, rich in fibre and minerals. Dune Foods was founded in 2005 to process those pods. The first products were nutraceuticals for blood-sugar support, sold as Manna Health Products
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2018-2019 MannaBrew
After more than a year of roasting trials, we found a profile that brews like espresso: full-bodied, nutty, with caramel and chocolate notes — and no caffeine. MannaBrew was built for people who love the ritual of coffee but not the jitters, the acid, or the afternoon crash. It is not coffee. It is not tea. It is a superfood brew.