Client: GelaToh

Industry: Food Production

Company Size: Small to Medium Enterprise (SME)


Location: Gauteng, South Africa

‍

Founded in 2022, GelaToh is a proudly South African ice cream brand shaking up the frozen dessert space with bold, exciting flavours and a unique twist. What started as a small operation in Rivonia Mall has quickly evolved into a growing business with a flair for creativity and a passion for quality. With a focus on innovation and a vision to scale, GelaToh is redefining what indulgence looks like in the ice cream aisle.

‍

‍

The Challenge

GelaToh, an innovative alcoholic ice cream brand, started in August 2022 with just two flavors and a small footprint. Operating out of a modest 55sqm space in Rivonia Mall, with only one machine producing 36 tubs per hour and two employees, the company was determined to grow. Recently, the brand moved to a much larger space in City Deep, which will allow for the production of significantly larger volumes, with no restrictions compared to the previous mall location.

‍

As GelaToh expanded its product range to 12 flavors and secured multiple retail contracts, it faced a critical challenge—managing cash flow while waiting for payments from retail clients. With payment terms stretching 30 to 60 days, securing working capital to purchase raw materials and sustain production became a pressing concern.

‍

The Solution

In December 2024, Pumpkn provided a short-term loan designed to bridge GelaToh’s cash flow gap. This funding enabled the company to cover operational expenses, ensuring smooth production and supply while awaiting payments from retail contracts. The quick and efficient loan process allowed GelaToh to continue operations without disruption.

‍

The Outcome

With Pumpkn’s financial support, GelaToh was able to maintain business continuity, preventing cash flow shortages from hindering growth. While a temporary packaging shortage affected revenue in December and January, the company quickly bounced back, leveraging the funds to refine its pricing strategy in February for improved profitability. The business is now well-positioned for continued expansion.

‍

Conclusion

The partnership with Pumpkn has reinforced the importance of flexible financing solutions in GelaToh’s business strategy. Moving forward, the company plans to secure reliable short-term funding options to support its expansion goals and mitigate financial risks associated with long payment cycles from retail clients.

‍

As GelaToh continues its journey to becoming the leading alcoholic ice cream brand in South Africa and beyond, Pumpkn remains a trusted financial partner, enabling the business to grow with confidence.

‍