1983 – 1984
Clover Ermelo
Worked in milk powder production and laboratory operations, gaining valuable technical production experience.
Our story
A simple idea. A lifetime of experience.
Meet Ernest and Andrea Slabber, the people behind Mix ’n’ Eat and its range of convenient food mixes.
Created by Ernest & Andrea Slabber
From a home kitchen to your cupboard.
The idea began with a conversation about making frozen milk lollies. Ernest used his dairy-industry experience to develop the first product, starting production in a home kitchen.
Today, Mix ’n’ Eat brings that same practical idea to desserts, drinks, frostings and savoury mixes.
Explore the rangeCreated by Ernest and Andrea Slabber
About us
Mix ’n’ Eat was born from passion, experience and a lifelong dedication to the dairy and food manufacturing industry. Founded by a proudly South African entrepreneur from Estcourt, KwaZulu-Natal, the journey began on a farm where hard work, discipline and determination became the foundation for future success.
After attending boarding school and actively participating in rugby, cricket and long-distance athletics — including holding a record in the 1500m — the next step was pursuing higher education at the University of the Free State.
Between 1980 and 1982, studies in Dairy Science and Animal Husbandry laid the technical foundation for what would become decades of industry expertise.
Why choose Mix ’n’ Eat?
A simple idea, made useful.
The inspiration behind Mix ’n’ Eat came from a simple conversation with a cheese maker named Clarens Job. He shared how he bought soft serve mix, blended it with milk, and made frozen milk lollies that became extremely popular with local children and families.
Using years of ice cream and dairy expertise, the first product was developed and tested in the market — and the response was overwhelmingly positive.
Production began humbly in a home kitchen before eventually moving into the garage after rapidly outgrowing the available space. What started as a small side venture quickly evolved into a growing business.
With a passion for innovation and product development, the idea was born to create a powdered product that only needed to be mixed with water.
Just add water!
Explore Ernest’s dairy-industry experience
More than 40 years of experience
Decades of dairy industry experience.
Hands-on experience in dairy manufacturing, quality management, product development and food production across leading South African dairy companies.
1985 – 1990
Orangia Creamery
Served as Factory Manager overseeing milk powder production, including baby milk products, Cremora and related dairy products.
1990 – 2013
Dairy Belle
Held senior positions including Laboratory Manager, Quality Manager and Product Development Manager. Worked extensively with milk powder, cheese, butter, processed cheese, yoghurt and ice cream.
2013 – Present
Ladismith Cheese
Specialised in technical management, product development, wastewater systems and staff training. Continued involvement through annual contract work from 2019 onwards.
Our vision and mission
Our vision
To create desirable, convenient and easy-to-use products that customers enjoy and trust.
Our mission
To build a sustainable and growing business that delivers quality products while continuously innovating for the future.