Our Founder

Uzair Essack

South African entrepreneur. Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 honoree. Entrepreneur of the Year© winner. Founder of a generational enterprise that began with a single export deal at age 22.

Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 Entrepreneur of the Year©
Essack Enterprise crest
Riyp Exporting to 40+ nations
The Journey

From Mayfair to the world.

The Beginning

Mayfair, Johannesburg

Born in Mayfair, Johannesburg — where the values of family, faith, and hard work were instilled early. From hardship to success, through God.

The Foundation

University of Cape Town

Studied at UCT, where discipline met ambition — and the blueprint for a diversified, generational enterprise took shape.

Age 22

The first export business

Founded his first export business at just 22 years old — the seed of what would become one of South Africa's fastest-growing fresh produce exporters.

Today

Riyp — 40+ nations and counting

Riyp now distributes to over 40 nations, rooted in Southern Africa and expanding across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

The Legacy

Essack Enterprise

A diversified holding company spanning fresh produce exports, franchising, private equity, and luxury goods — built to outlast its founder.

The Philosophy
“Build businesses that last, in industries that matter, with people who share the same standard.
Uzair Essack — Founder
The Standard

Three principles.
Every venture.

No. 01

Businesses that last

Patient capital and disciplined portfolio selection. Every Essack venture is measured in decades, not quarters — a foundation, not a moment.

No. 02

Industries that matter

Food on tables. Homes and hotels. Services communities rely on. The portfolio is anchored in industries with enduring, real-world demand.

No. 03

People with the same standard

Innovation, integrity, and excellence — the values every partner, manager, and team member across the enterprise is held to.

Work With Us

Share the standard?

Partnerships, opportunities, and enquiries — reach out directly.