Wholesale Christmas Candles Available Now
It’s never too soon to start thinking about Christmas!
Kapula Candles started as a hobby in Ilse Appelgryn’s kitchen in 1993.
What began as making "a couple-a-candles" quickly grew into a family business and became a thriving enterprise by 1994.
Since 2009, Kapula Candles has been exporting its handmade candles and ceramics to the USA, Germany, Australia, and various countries in the East.
Ilse’s daughter, Anke Nesbitt, and her husband, Darren, have run the business since 2011. Anke’s sister, Inge Appelgryn, is a silent partner.
The team at Kapula Candles remains fiercely loyal to its handmade processes. These practices ensure sustainable employment for as many people as possible in the small farming community where jobs are scarce.
Over 90% of the team are women, with half having been there since the beginning.
Kapula Candles are instantly recognisable, each reflecting Africa's vibrant spirit.
Created in the Bredasdorp factory, Ilse, Anke, and a team of artists hand-paint each candle. This personal approach guarantees a variety of trends and instils a sense of ownership in all team members.
Kapula Candles manufactures ceramic ranges, with a fantastic selection available in the showroom.
Each piece is an artwork that incorporates colours and subject matter unique to South Africa.
Kapula Candles sells a range of lifestyle products in the showroom, including home décor, accessories and gifts for the whole family.
Kapula Candles produces recycled firelighters made entirely from reclaimed materials, including waste wax and wick off-cuts from the candle-making process, sawdust from local cabinetmakers, and wood chips from a nearby sawmill.
Each firelighter burns for approximately 15 minutes, producing flames at least three times larger than typical firelighters. They burn cleanly with minimal black smoke and paraffin smell.
Packaged in a resealable brown paper bag and branded using ink stamps, the instruction leaflet inside each pack is printed on recycled newsprint using the Southern Post’s vintage Heidelberg press.
Kapula firelighters are perfect for merchandising and can be added to gift hampers or used as stocking fillers.
Kapula Candles has a community gallery called Die Korf where local artists and designers showcase their handmade collections.
Interested in becoming a Kapula Candles sales partner?
Join a proudly South African brand known for its vibrant, handcrafted candles and ceramics. A wide selection of products is available, and customised orders can be tailored to suit your clients’ needs. Partner with Kapula Candles and bring a touch of artisan excellence to your store.
Kapula Candles supplies local and international clients that include:
If you are a wholesaler or retailer interested in ordering products, contact Kapula Candles via email for more information.
Kapula Candles invites you to arrange tours of its factory, so that you can see firsthand where all the magic happens.
Factory tours are perfect for:
Contact Kapula Candles for more information and to arrange a factory tour.
Welcome to the Kapula Candles online shop, your gateway to a world of handcrafted beauty.
Here you will find our full range of individually painted candles, ceramics, home décor, and unique gifts, made with care in Bredasdorp, South Africa. Whether you're shopping for yourself or looking for something special, each piece brings the warmth of artisan craftsmanship straight to your door.
“Kapula Candles is a huge candle shop! It is amazing. Highly recommended. I received the best service I’ve had from a company this year. I enquired about custom-made candles for a wedding. Mr John Van Reenen went out of his way to accommodate me. He even called me back to enquire about certain aspects. The team made the candles in the colour I requested. Five days later, my order was couriered 1,200 km to Gauteng.” Roxy Janzen
“Kapula Candles is an incredible community project. They have fascinating stock. Certainly a must-visit destination in Bredasdorp!” Lilias Foster
“It is an amazing experience to walk through the showroom at Kapula Candles. There are beautiful things and they are reasonably priced. I bought stunning coffee mugs. There’s something different and unique.” Anine Oliphant
“If you are in Bredasdorp, do yourself a favour and stop at Kapula Candles. Here you will find a vast array of hand-painted cups, mugs, and plates. You can see some of it displayed at the duty-free shop at Oliver Tambo Airport. If you have a guest house, you can kit it out with extraordinary crockery. Amazing to say the least.” Manie Conradie
“Kapula Candles is a must-see when you are in Bredasdorp. It is situated in the industrial area of town, ask if you don't know. The candles are special and unique and not to be missed. Great gifts! Friendly staff and great service. Your purchase will help the local community!” Ben Van der Linde