Our story
Homesickness and a yearning for the foods of Zimbabwe initiated the farming journey. Through trial and error as well as a scientific approach, David developed specific techniques to sustainably grow white maize for human consumption and all the other exotic crops he grows in the UK.
Mwanaka Fresh Farm Foods was founded in 2002 by David and Brenda Mwanaka in Enfield. We retail exotic groceries online as well as in three physical locations, Enfield, Walsall and soon to be in Cambridge. The farm produce we grow are usually imported mainly from Africa and Asia. David Mwanaka, originally from Zimbabwe, settled here in the UK in 1991.
He grew up farming in Zimbabwe and has over 30 years of farming experience. He started farming in the UK on an allotment and today farms approximately 560 +acres in Cambridge.
After six years of experimentation, David Mwanaka successfully cultivated white maize in the UK, becoming the country's first white maize farmer.
Featured articles on the BBC and The Guardian
Opened the first Mwanaka Fresh Farm Foods shop in Enfield, London, offering white maize, pumpkin leaves, and other exotic vegetables grown on their farm.
Expanded the business by introducing a butchery and groceries section, enhancing the product range to include grass-fed beef and other meat products.
Became the first farmer in the UK to grow white sweetcorn, supplying major retailers such as Sainsbury's and Harrods. David Mwanaka was recognised for contributing to the rural farming industry with an invite
to Buckingham Palace for dinner.
Relocated the Enfield shop to 744 Hertford Road to accommodate growing demand.
Secured a larger farm after 20 years of perseverance, marking a significant expansion for the business.