Chunmi Technology (Shanghai) Co. Ltd – a leading global internet home appliance company – has made its first African foray by entering the South African marketplace.
The Chinese based company has signed an exclusive distribution partnership with the Swiss Diversitas Group. Together they will bring cutting-edge, world-class smart kitchen technology to South Africa and the SADC region, starting with the launch of the TOKIT Omni Cook C2 — a sleek, all-in-one smart cooking device, often referred to as a ‘Chef Robot’ and designed for modern homes, offered at a very competitive price point.
Established in 2013, Chunmi is a high-tech company that develops intelligent IoT (Internet of Things) kitchen products. In April 2014, Chunmi became part of Xiaomi’s ecological chain; a network of independent companies, each of whom focuses on developing specific products.
The Xiaomi Corporation is a Chinese multinational corporation and technology company headquartered in Beijing. It is best known for its consumer electronics, software and electric vehicles. It is the second-largest manufacturer of smartphones in the world. The company is ranked 338th and is the youngest company on the Fortune Global 500. Xiaomi invests in companies such as Chunmi and provides them with resources but Chunmi operates largely autonomously, focusing on its own product development.
By 2020, Chunmi had successfully applied for more than 800 patents and 500 authorisations globally. In the same year it had more than five million users connected to its internet services via its smart cooking appliances. It has collected 48 global awards since 2013.
Says co-founder and vice-president of Chunmi Technology Diego Kuo: “We are delighted to be launching our product into South Africa, our first venture on the African continent and incredibly proud of our partnership with Swiss Diversitas South Africa. Our products are currently sold in over 50 countries and regions, with millions of users worldwide.
“To date, Chunmi has served more than 20 million households in China and has brought its amazing products to each corner of the world. The TOKIT Omni Cook C2 is a testament to our mission to revolutionise the kitchen with smart, innovative and user-friendly appliances. Designed with cutting edge and knowledge and the deep understanding of our users’ needs, the TOKIT Omni Cook C2 is here to make cooking simpler, healthier and more enjoyable for everyone. We are not just launching a product: We are empowering families to create delicious meals and unforgettable moments.”
Adds Johannesburg based Swiss Diversitas Group founder and director Nicolas Thoenen: “Chunmi is the ideal partner to expand our footprint in the smart kitchen and household appliances category on the Sub-Saharan African continent. At Swiss Diversitas Group, we bring Swiss precision and passion to South African kitchens.
“Founded on a vision to transform culinary experiences, our Swiss-owned South African company has pioneered access to elite kitchenware for discerning home cooks and professionals alike. We don’t just supply premium products — we curate culinary possibilities, connecting South Africans with exceptional tools that inspire creativity and excellence in every meal prepared.”
