VBE Spotlight on: Maraq Gourmet Soup Shop, LLC

Maraq Gourmet Soup Shop, LLC

Maraq Gourmet Soup Shop, LLC was founded in 2017 by Leslie Elston.

The Maraq Gourmet Soup Shop is a combination of wholesome vegetables, seasonings, fresh herbs and broth made to bring comfort and fill the greatest of appetites.

After several years of battling with high blood pressure & high cholesterol, Leslie wanted to provide options to medicated treatment and instill healthy lifestyle changes that would be impactful to a person's health!

After time sourcing and preparing holistic ingredients, Maraq Gourmet Soups was born. Maraq Gourmet Soups are not only a great meal with great flavor, but, along with healthy habits, they can accelerate progress towards your health goals!

Learn more by visiting their website: https://maraqgourmetsoupshop.com/

About the Business - Value & Honesty

What services do you provide?

"18 varieties of vegetable broth based frozen vegetable soups."

Who are your primary customers?

"Within our local area there are approximately 15 restaurants that sell soup. Soup is sold in supermarkets and local delis also.

After speaking with many residents I found that Ohio could be considered a “soup state.” Many of the residents make their own soup or just love soup in general. While vending, I learned many Ohioan's are not eating much meat. This leaves a whole market that can be tapped into with Maraq Gourmet soups.

Our secondary research indicates the following: Industry research indicates the global soup market size was valued at USD 16.1 billion in 2018 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.0% from 2019 to 2025. The industry is driven by increasing demand for convenience food and growing awareness regarding the health benefits of soups. Soups are rich in vitamins, minerals, nutrients, and protein. The market is experiencing steady growth given the incredible health benefits such as aiding in weight reduction, providing healthy amounts of proteins and vitamins, etc.

In addition, the product’s affordability is driving the market. The canned or preserved soup segment generated $8,091.80 million in value terms in 2017. This is given the decreasing cooking time and change in lifestyle, especially in the urban areas. The Supermarkets/hypermarkets held the major share of 79.3% in the retail distribution channel of the soup market. Independent restaurants held the largest share of 53% in the on-trade distribution channel.

We want to reach families nationwide with the idea of better and healthier food options.."

When and how did you start your business?

"'Maraq Gourmet Soup Shop was created in 2017 in order to provide a healthier and more affordable alternative. While our goal is strictly to make our consumers healthier, we make our soups delicious and enjoyable. Our soups are GMO and preservative free and low in sodium. Maraq Gourmet Soup Shop has a wide variety of soups. Currently, we have 18 soups to choose from, and it is our vision to expand even further."

Business Growth Challenges - Growing Through Challenge and Change

What were some of the challenges in starting your business?

"Most of the challenges have been reaching a larger market beyond individual sales. This would take expanding the current work force and being able to mass produce the produce to focus on marketing interviews."

What is the key to the success of your business?

"The key to the success of my business has been becoming marketable, integral and consistent. We current are MBE, SBE, VBE, NaVOBA and NMSDC certified"

What lessons learned can you share with people to make their business succeed?

"I have learned to reach out to many services that can contribute to the education of how to build a business. These services include the Urban League and SBA."

What pitfalls should they avoid?

"I would suggest to avoid over committing one self. Realize that help is needed and delegate what one does not know to other sources even if you have to pay for them."

What other information about you and your business would you like to share with the NaVOBA community?

"One of the highlights of my business was a recent news interview with Fox 8.

Here is the link:
https://fox8.com/on-air/new-day-cleveland/maraq-gourmet-soup-shop/"

Service information

Branch:

Air Force

Service Years:

1982-1985

Highest Rank Attained:

A1C

Why did you join the military?

"I joined the military as an option after graduating high school."

Military Occupation:

"I was a maintenance systems analyst. I worked closely with crew chiefs on B-52 and KC-135 aircraft."

Significant Achievements/Experiences:

"I was a marksman and enjoyed the experience of being on the flight line and all the people I had an opportunity to meet from across the nation."

Biography/Fun Facts

"People may be interested to know that I am a Hebrew facilitator of learning and language, I desire to live in the Land of Israel and I am hoping one day to sell my product in Israel. My favorite shows are the court TV shows and in my refrigerator is always a ribeye steak which is my favorite cut of beef."