Being a Wine Entrepreneur and Giving Back with Giles Thomas
Episode description
Interview with Giles Thomas.
Thriving in start-up business ventures, Giles Thomas has demonstrated his commercial acumen and strategic management expertise in the 20+ years he has spent in management roles. Having worked within multi-functional roles across North America, Europe and Africa. In 2015, he founded Baobab Wines as an importer of South African wines offering the American consumer wines of both exceptional quality and value.
The baobab tree is an icon of the African continent and lies at the heart of many traditional African remedies and folklore.
The baobab is a prehistoric species which predates both mankind and the splitting of the continents over 200 million years ago. Native to the African savannah where the climate is extremely dry and arid, it is a symbol of life and positivity in a landscape where little else can thrive. Every part of the baobab tree is valuable - the bark can be turned into rope and clothing, the seeds can be used to make cosmetic oils, the leaves are edible, the trunks can store water and the fruit is extraordinarily rich in nutrients and antioxidants. This is how it became known as "The Tree of Life".
Baobab trees grow in 32 African countries. They can live for up to 5,000 years, reach up to 30 meters high and up to an enormous 50 meters in circumference. Baobab trees provide shelter, food and water for animals and humans, which is why many communities across Africa have made their homes near Baobab trees.