Katavi Botanicals to debut in US cosmetics market

Katavi Botanicals, makers of all-natural skincare creams in southern Africa, have introduced the sublime qualities of five South African superfruits into the US cosmetics market for the first time.

The "Big 5" — Kigelia, Marula, Baobab, Moringa and Mongongo — native to South Africa are unique and resilient fruits that flourish in arid regions. Katavi has channelled their powers to be brought across to the US using the entrepreneurial flair of the ‘dark continent’.

Gus LeBreton, Katavi’s CEO, ethno-botanist and founder of a non-profit trade association of rural farmers and producers in southern Africa called PhytoTrade, said: "These remarkable plants thrive in harsh, dry climates under a relentless equatorial sun. Our proprietary formulas are a unique combination of compounds these plants developed to stay hydrated and retain moisture."

Katavi was founded by Janine Halsted and Carolyn Berman. The belief at Katavi is that plants flourishing in arid, desert type regions must have evolved some special means to adapt to such extreme conditions. This was related to the skin of a human being, which is exposed to the elements and man-made pollutants; a major reason for conditions such as premature ageing and photoageing.

The 30-year-old Zimbabwean Halsted, veteran of the African cosmetics industry, was introduced by her cosmetic scientist father to the Kigelia extract, in her native place. The Kigelia Africana fruit, often used by African healers and held in fascination by Halsted’s father, holds the distinction of being used for the first time by Katavi’s skincare range.

Berman declares: "Kigelia is a difficult ingredient when used at a high percentage. Through 25 years of patience and perseverance, we’ve not only identified ingredients that have a good synergy with Kigelia, we’ve also determined the perfect quantities to ensure each ingredient challenges the other to peak performance. And we ensured our creams smell and feel wonderful!"

Kigelia formulated creams were first introduced in the market through independent health stores and dermatologists in South Africa.

Right now, Katavi is negotiating with a major US TV shopping channel to launch their products around early 2015.

Former US-based Sky News correspondent Jacqui Buchanan will be brand ambassasdor for Katavi on the shopping channel.

Buchanan affirms: "Key ingredients are ethically harvested in a sustainable manner and rural communities benefit from the process. Since using Katavi products I am regularly told my skin glows."