Luca Tooley and Safari Wines, Ultra Liquors and Moriah Foods – keeping the Lowveld stocked, one delivery truck at a time.

What is your business name and what does your business do?

Safari Wines/Ultra Liquors and Moriah Foods. We are wholesalers and distributors of wine, liquor, beverages, food, Coca-Cola products, cleaning products, consumables and just about everything else our clients need, servicing Hoedspruit and the greater Kruger area.

How long have you been operating in the Lowveld, and what brought you here originally?

I’ve lived in Hoedspruit for three years, but I’ve been doing business in the area for around 10 years. Purchasing Safari Wines is ultimately what brought me here permanently.

What’s the hardest part of operating here that businesses in larger centers don’t face?

Logistics. We cover huge distances, suppliers don’t deliver here as frequently as they do in the bigger centers, and keeping the right stock available can be challenging.

What does the Lowveld economy get right that the rest of South Africa could learn from?

There’s a real sense of community here. People tend to support businesses where they know the owners and the people behind them. There’s also an understanding that supporting local businesses ultimately supports the whole community.

What are you watching closely in your sector right now – locally or continentally?

Diesel prices are always important when you’re covering the distances we do. On the wine side, we’re watching how climate change is influencing what gets planted and produced in South Africa. We also keep an eye on new trends in wine, liquor and beverages. We’re always looking for what’s next.

What’s the one thing you wish your customers understood better about what you do?

That we have some of the best wines in South Africa sitting right here in Hoedspruit. We know the products we sell, particularly wine, and we’re always willing to help our clients find what works for them and make their lives a little easier.

What does your business contribute to the Lowveld beyond the transaction?

We try to be part of the community rather than just do business in it. We contribute to conservation initiatives, support Farm Watch where we can, help local schools with donations and try to get involved wherever we can make a difference.

How far and wide do you offer your services?

We deliver throughout the greater Kruger area, including Phalaborwa, Hazyview, the Sabi Sands and surrounding reserves, as well as Tzaneen and Haenertsburg.

New enquiries must be directed to:

Luca Tooley, 015 004 0579, warehouse@safariwines.co.za, luca@safariwines.co.za, Moriah foods mfp@rawifi.co.za