New Franchise Strengthens Core’s Presence in Limpopo
Core Catering Supplies is proud to announce the opening of its newest franchise in Hoedspruit, Limpopo Province. Building on the success of Core Mbombela, which launched in 2024, franchise owner Michelle Schnepel and her team are extending their expertise and service into another key hospitality hub.
The Hoedspruit store officially opened its doors on Tuesday, 16th September 2025 with an Open Day that showcased the very best of Core’s offering and community spirit.
Guests began arriving before the official 9am start, eager to explore the new store and its extensive stockholding. The shop is bursting with displays from preferred suppliers Tramontina and BCE, alongside a diverse range of Core’s Exclusive Brands —giving the hospitality trade, caterers, and even domestic enthusiasts a clear sense of the quality and variety available daily, or on pre-order.
Throughout the day, refreshments flowed thanks to Slo Jo and CaterMarket, with waffles, coffee frezzo, fruity slushies, and more delighting visitors. Local catering and bar service provider Buntu Kitchen kept the energy high with freshly prepared snacks, while the late afternoon turned into a lively networking session with gin cocktails, wine, soft drinks, and sparkling water flowing. Music carried across Zandspruit Boulevard and into the new three-story building that houses both Core and Michem Hoedspruit in one store.
With its bar, balcony overlooking a wildlife reserve, and an adjoining amphitheatre space, the venue made a strong impression on local industry professionals—many of whom manage or operate some of the region’s most prestigious global lodges and thriving independent businesses. The feedback was unanimous: this new addition to Hoedspruit is a welcome boost for the local hospitality community.
Why Hoedspruit?
Known as the “gateway to the Kruger,” Hoedspruit sits at the heart of Limpopo’s eco-tourism and hospitality sector. With its proximity to private game reserves, luxury lodges, and the Kruger National Park, the town is a vibrant and growing destination for both domestic and international visitors. Hospitality businesses here require reliable, top-quality suppliers—and Core is stepping in to meet that demand.
As Michelle explains:
“With Core Hoedspruit alongside our long-standing Michem business, we can now offer our combined client base even more choice, quality, and consistency. Together with our Mbombela branch, this expansion allows us to serve the region more effectively than ever – providing everything from everyday essentials to world-class hospitality brands.”
Core Exclusive Brands
\Core Hoedspruit showcases the full suite of Exclusive Global Brands, trusted by hospitality professionals nationwide:
- Steelite International – Award-winning ceramic tableware, crafted for durability and sustainability.
- ONIS & Royal Leerdam (Leerdam Crisal Glass) – European glassware leaders with a focus on design, clarity, and eco-conscious production.
- Libbey – Over 200 years of innovation in durable, stylish glassware for hospitality.
- APS Germany – Modular buffetware and display solutions for every dining occasion.
- HEPP Germany – Precision-engineered cutlery, designed for luxury and fine dining.
- FuchsThaler – Core’s in-house cutlery brand, combining affordability with everyday durability.
- Marola – Elegant and versatile crockery for high-volume use.
These brands, along with Core’s preferred suppliers, ensure Hoedspruit’s hospitality operators have access to the best the market has to offer—backed by expertise and personalised service.
A National Footprint, Local Focus
Core Catering Supplies operates a national network of corporate and franchise stores, supported by the Head Office in Cape Town. From Hoedspruit to Hermanus, Randburg to Durban, this footprint ensures fast, efficient service while tailoring solutions to local markets. Our online platform further extends this reach, giving retail and trade customers access to Core’s full catalogue with the option of direct delivery and bulk discounts.
Join the Core Community
The Hoedspruit Open Day set the tone for an exciting new chapter, with strong attendance, sales and quotes generated, and invaluable connections made. Local industry leaders and small business owners alike expressed enthusiasm about the new store and its contribution to the community.
We invite hospitality professionals across Limpopo to visit Core Hoedspruit, meet Michelle and her team, and explore the full range of Core’s products and solutions. Whether you’re outfitting a game lodge, upgrading your restaurant, sourcing for a special project or hosting a dinner party, Core is here to help.
Experience why Core Catering Supplies is the trusted one-stop solution for hospitality nationwide.
Enjoy the Difference.
