MEET THE TEAM
Nathalie Perthel
Co-Founder
Email NathalieBorn in France, my childhood was filled with memories of long lazy family lunches sitting under shaded trees in the Mediterranean midday heat, while savouring the ripest and sweetest seasonal local fruits and freshly harvested bright and colourful vegetables sourced from nearby fresh markets – this was my childhood and where my love and my adventures with food started. In my early twenties, life took me on another adventure and before I knew it, I fell in love with the beautiful heart of South Africa, married my South African husband, was blessed with two beautiful daughters and South Africa is now what is home. With my love of food and a strong drive to provide creative and nutritious meals, I'm grateful to have found the rare opportunity to do what I love, with those that I love and I'm inspired each day with new and inspiring recipes and the amazing feedback and support from our ever growing base of forever friends and fans!
Jason Perthel
Co-Founder
Email JasonMy professional journey has seen me travel the serial entrepreneur path, having launched a number of technology start-ups over the past 25 years. As a solo hiker and adventurer, I've been fortunate to have completed a number of notable local and overseas long distant hikes, including pretty much every hiking long-distance trail in South Africa as well as Europe's toughest hike (the "GR20" in Corsica - 180km | 12,000m elevation gain), the "GR-R2" Grand Raid of Reunion Island (162km | 9,643m elevation gain) and most recently the gruelling 750km - 56 day RIM of Africa Mountain Traverse Thru-hike. In fact, the idea to launch an Outdoor & Adventure food company was born out of a personal necessity for ultra-lightweight, highly nutritious meals. With virtually no local suppliers and imported products simply being too expensive, I combined my need with my passion and harnessed my technical and business experience, not to mention a crash course in understanding food nutrition and various food preservation technologies, to launch Forever Fresh Foods.
Maxine Perthel
Co-Founder
Email MaxineHi! My name is Maxine. I have an undergraduate degree in Psychology and Sociology and an Honours Degree in Sustainable Development from the Sustainability Institute (SI). Attending the SI completely changed my view of the world. I am constantly in awe of the various powers that nature holds and I am fighting very hard to protect it. As a result of this, I manage our sustainability policies and practices. We are constantly adapting, learning and trying to improve our carbon footprint where we can. Protecting the Earth and helping others are two are my biggest passions and goals in my life. Family is one of the most important things in my life and having the opportunity to, not only spend this time with my family, but learn from my parents in this business, is something I am very grateful for.
Juanita Arnolds
Packaging & Production
Hi there! My name is Juanita Arnolds. My role at Forever Fresh Foods involves mainly Packaging all product, labelling, and sealing as well as stocktaking and being responsible for maintaining a clean and food safe packaging environment. My favourite part of the job is the opportunity to grow and learn. I find it challenging and would do anything to make a success of the company. My future goals and plans for myself are to gain experience, learn new stills in my field and to be an independent woman that can provide for my family. Outside of my role at Forever Fresh, I strive to be the best mother I can be and the best daughter to my parents, and to be the best sister to my brothers. What makes me, me? I am loyal, honest and extremely hard working.
Jacques Roodt
Production Manager
At Forever Fresh, I am a jack-of-all-trades. My responsibilities range from Production, Maintenance, Cleaning and Repairs. My overarching responsibility is to run production and ensure we have a functioning factory. My favourite part of the job is everything that I do. Each task is important and I give everything I have to do the best I can. Outside of my role at Forever Fresh, I am a father, a husband, a Pastor and most of all, a God-fearing man. A verse that speaks to my future plans and goals for myself would be Colossians 3:22-24 "and whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for me, knowing that from the Lord, you will receive the inheritance as your reward". As for who I am "whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus" (Colossains 3 VS 17).
Samantha Osche
Production Cook
Hi! My name is Samantha. At Forever Fresh, my responsibility is assisting in the kitchen. I don't have one favourite part of the job because I love what I am doing, I love to be a part of the Forever Fresh family and enjoy every moment. I am a single mom of two children and the breadwinner of my family. A big goal for myself is to one day buy a house and give my children everything they deserve. I want to work hard to achieve that. I want to be a successful mother and be able to help those in need. I can describe myself as shy and silly. I like learning and taking on new challenges; I don't get upset easily but quiet quickly. Laughing is a big part of who I am!
Catherine Baadjies
Head Chef
Hi! My name is Catherine. My role at Forever Fresh Foods is to cook with love. It brings out the best I have and I make sure everything I do is my best. I love everything about my job. I love being everything and doing everything. I love cooking, cleaning and packaging and the experience it gives me. I believe that tomorrow is not promised to anyone, it makes every moment count. I know it is important to live in the moment. My goal is, with time, to grow and develop professionally and personally. My qualities make me, me. I believe that you should be yourself and with everything you do, do it to the best of your abilities.
Sumé van der Westhuyzen
Logistics & Customer Operations Manager
Hi everyone! I’m thrilled to combine my passion for people and food to create a unique and enjoyable experience for our customers. As a proud mother of two adorable fur babies, a loving daughter, and a cherished granddaughter, family means everything to me. Laughter is the best medicine, and I love engaging with people, spreading smiles and joy wherever I go. Leading the sales team here is more than just a job—it’s a passion. I genuinely love working in the food industry and strive to ensure that every customer experience is a delightful experience. In my free time, you can find me enjoying quality time with my family, friends, and my loyal jackapoo, who never fails to bring a smile to my face. Being a part of the Forever Fresh family fills me with pride and excitement, and I can’t wait to share my love for food and people with all of you!
Kobus Roodt
Production Assistant
Hi everyone! I'm Kobus Roodt, Production Assistant at Forever Fresh Foods. My role is all about helping the team in any way I can. At home, my family is my number one priority. On my off days, you will find me in the sun or in the garden! I'm excited to bring my positive energy to work every day and to share every day with my amazing team!
Marcellino Swarts
Reception & Dispatch Manager
Hi, I'm Marcellino Swarts, Reception & Dispatch Manager at Forever Fresh Foods. With a passion for delivering exceptional service and ensuring seamless operations, I thrive on making a positive impact. Holding an HR diploma, I excel in people management and prioritise excellence in every aspect of my work. Outside the office, music is my escape and passion. As a vocalist, songwriter, and co-producer, I've released three original songs and continue to pursue my musical dreams. My guiding philosophy? "Choose Faith over Worry" - a reminder to stay positive and focused. I love working with people, making them laugh, and doing my best, always. I'm grateful to be part of the Forever Fresh Foods team!
Chatall "Nicky" Vass
Reception & Dispatch Manager
Hi, my name is Chatall Vass but I go by Nicky! My job at Forever Fresh is food prepping. I chop, wash and get all our ingredients ready for the cooks. I love what I do and I don't have a favourite part of my job because I like to learn and get more experience. I dont have many hobbies because I just want to work hard and make my son proud, to be able to provide for him. At work, my goal is to have great teamwork and always have a smile on my face because your workplace is your happy place. I always want to make people happy and see a smile on their face.