Mark built Billy Tong from a simple belief: South Africans in the UK deserved a real taste of home. He poured his heart into every part of the business, from the biltong on the shelves to the people who walked through the shop door. He is deeply missed by his family, by our team, and by the many customers who became friends along the way.
Billy Tong's Journey Began In 2019
Born and raised in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, Mark Pollak, founder of Billy Tong – grew up with biltong and droewors as everyday staples. These traditional snacks weren’t just food; they were part of his culture and upbringing.
After moving to the UK in 1992, Mark was disappointed to find that most of the biltong available in supermarkets and pubs lacked the authentic taste and texture he remembered. “It was dry, flavourless – more like cardboard than biltong,” he recalls. “Over-cured and stripped of all moisture.”
Determined to bring a better product to market, Mark partnered with suppliers to recreate biltong that stayed true to its roots – using high-quality beef and traditional methods to retain the rich, moist texture and bold flavours he grew up with. The result? Biltong, your way. Choose from dry, medium, wet, or fatty. High in protein or with a touch more indulgence. A variety of cuts and flavours, tailored to your taste – just like it should be.
Mark Pollak’s journey didn’t stop with perfecting biltong. Driven by a deep connection to South African cuisine, he travelled back to the Karoo – a place rich with memories and flavours that define the country’s culinary heritage. There, he was reminded of the dishes people truly missed: the comforting taste of bobotie, the hearty delight of vetkoek and mince, the bold spices of Durban curry, and the street food classic – bunny chow.
Inspired to bring these authentic tastes to South Africans living abroad, Mark expanded the Billy Tong offering to include one of the UK’s most extensive ranges of frozen South African meals. Carefully prepared and frozen to lock in flavour, this range offers an authentic taste of home – from savoury stews to traditional favourites.
CARRYING ON MARK’S LEGACY
Today, even though Mark has departed us, Billy Tong remains one of the UK’s leading providers of high-quality South African food, and the business Mark loved so much carries on. Mark’s wife Emoke and the team who worked alongside him, Michelle and Craig Vintcent, who are both from the Cape in South Africa, make up the Billy Tong family and continue to run Billy Tong just as he would have wanted: the same award-winning biltong and droewors, the same range of South African groceries, frozen meals and wines, and the same warm welcome in our Cobham shop.
Every order we pack and every customer we welcome is a way of keeping Mark’s vision alive, making it easier than ever to enjoy the flavours you grew up with, wherever you are.
To everyone who has sent kind words and continued to support us, thank you. It means more than we can say.
