Bloom Sanitary Pads, a homegrown sanitary pad manufacturer, has come a long way since its humble beginnings. What started as a small-scale operation selling products at bus and taxi ranks has now evolved into a thriving business with a presence in major retail chains across Botswana. From servicing tuck-shops and general dealers to securing listings with retail giants like Sefalana Group, Choppies, and Pick N Pay, Bloom has cemented its place as a trusted local brand in the feminine hygiene market.
Since its inception, Bloom has not only expanded its market reach but also earned recognition for its commitment to quality and innovation. The company has been awarded the Northern Trade Fair Best Manufacturing Company in 2023 and 2024, as well as the #PushaBW Award for Manufacturing at the Global Expo in 2023. These accolades reflect Bloom’s dedication to excellence and its ability to compete with international brands.
Looking ahead, Bloom is setting its sights on foreign markets. With a production capacity of 2.2 million sanitary pads per month, the company is well-positioned to explore export opportunities. Additionally, Bloom plans to diversify its product line by introducing new offerings aligned with its core business by the end of 2025.
Despite its success, Bloom faces challenges, including high utility costs due to its large-scale production. To address this, the company is considering a shift to solar power as its primary energy source. Another hurdle has been overcoming the perception that local brands cannot match the quality of international products. Bloom has tackled this by maintaining rigorous quality standards and educating consumers about its products.
“When we initially started, there was a constant reservation about a local sanitary pads brand,” said Gogontle Basiami, Managing Director of Bloom Sanitary Pads. “The reservation stemmed from whether we could match the quality of international brands. We addressed this challenge by ensuring that we produce quality products, educate our end-users, and continually improve our quality management processes in-house. This has helped us stand on the same footing as international brands.”
With the support of organizations like LEA and government initiatives such as CEDA funding, Bloom continues to grow and contribute to the local economy. The company is prepared to supply sanitary pads to students under the proposed government initiative in the fight against period poverty.
