A small social enterprise from Cape Town's Khayelitsha township has landed a game-changing deal with British Airways, securing contracts worth £58,000 that will put their cookies in the hands of UK travellers whilst creating vital employment for local women.
Khayelitsha Cookies' agreement with British Airways represents a remarkable achievement for the company, which was established specifically to provide job opportunities for women in one of South Africa's most disadvantaged areas. Passengers on selected BA routes will soon be sampling the enterprise's cookies, bringing a distinctly South African flavour to their in-flight experience. The company has also secured additional contracts to supply private-label shortbread to UK retailers, broadening its presence in the British market.
These deals, collectively valued at more than R1.4 million, highlight the strengthening trade links between Britain and South Africa, particularly within the food sector. For the women of Khayelitsha, however, this success means far more than export statistics—it translates directly into sustainable employment and skills development opportunities that would otherwise be scarce in the township.
The increased UK demand will require significant scaling up of production, creating additional jobs and providing stable incomes for families in the community. This expansion demonstrates how local businesses can successfully integrate into global supply chains whilst delivering meaningful social impact. The model focuses on sustainable income generation and community upliftment, showing how commercial success and social responsibility can work hand in hand.
For British Airways passengers, this partnership introduces an ethically sourced snack option with a compelling backstory. It reflects a broader trend among UK carriers and retailers towards sourcing products that combine quality with strong social missions. The success could well inspire similar collaborations between British businesses and South African social enterprises, creating a template for meaningful international partnerships that benefit communities on both sides of the trade relationship.