The evocative crocodile logo and stylishly retro product design make Kroko an instantly recognisable footcare brand in South African pharmacies. With the first Kroko product being on the market since 1936, the company’s Managing Director (MD) has shared some insights into what has kept Kroko a popular South African brand for almost 90 years.
Taking the reins from her father, Frank Richardson, Lynsey Hammond has ensured the Kroko brand remains true to its customer-first roots, extending the range of foot care products from focusing on corns and calluses to everything to do with caring for your feet. The flagship product, Kroko Corn and Callus Remover (or Krokodil Salf as it is affectionately known) remains a pharmaceutical favourite, with the original formulation as effective as ever.
Hammond recalls how her father – a pharmacist, entrepreneur, and road runner – acquired the product and established the company: “Kroko Corn and Callus Remover was formulated by two female pharmacists in the 1930s. My father, always on the lookout for good products he could buy, develop and market, bought it from these ladies 40 years ago. At that stage he also owned the well-known Prep shaving range for sensitive skin, and only ever sold well-formulated, effective problem-solving products he used and believed in. He continued to manufacture Kroko locally, retaining the original, retro, metal ointment tin. We have remained true to this ethos, and all products manufactured under the Kroko brand help solve a particular skincare problem.”
Richardson was an avid runner, competing in 10 Comrades Marathons and earning his Green Number. This meant, in addition to his knowledge of corns, calluses and other skincare issues as a pharmacist, he personally understood foot discomfort, the need for quick effective treatments and the importance of caring for one’s feet.
For years, the company focused on corn and callus removal, adding a corn plaster and corn protector to the range. In recent years, the range has expanded to eleven products which help treat foot and skin care problems – wart removal, eradication of foot odours, fixing cracked skin, and even attending to minor cuts and scratches. Among Kroko’s latest additions are the liquid SkinFix, HeelFix, FingerFix and SkinFilm – the latter an innovative liquid plaster that is a game-changer for hygienically covering minor wounds.
Committed to quality healthcare, Kroko products are approved by The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) – an entity of the National Department of Health that ensures consumer health and well-being. From its humble beginnings, Kroko is now available in DisChem, Clicks and more than two thousand independent pharmacies in South Africa as well as Namibia and Botswana, with plans to extend to East and Southern Africa.
“Kroko is an interesting brand in that if you suffer from corns, calluses, or other foot-related health issues, you will know the brand well. It is the go-to product for most pharmacists. But if you don’t have any foot health issues, it’s likely you will still recognise the logo, even if you haven’t used it personally,” explained Hammond. “We are entrenched in the industry and even though others have emulated our products (the highest form of flattery!), we remain the brand leader for treating corns and calluses.”
The Kroko family journey spans nine decades, supporting the creation of South African jobs while providing long-term relief for common foot and skin health challenges. And there is still more to come.
“We are always gathering feedback from our customers and partners, researching trends and international markets to formulate products that meet the customer’s needs,” says Hammond. “We have plans in place for an exciting new product that we’re set to launch later in the year. Watch this space!”
For more information, visit www.kroko.co.za or email info@kroko.co.za. Keep updated on all Kroko news by following Krokofootcare on Facebook or kroko_footcare on Instagram.
