A Global Team with a Shared Vision
About Us
The Team
At FortiFit Global, our success is driven by a team of dedicated professionals committed to advancing fortified nutrition worldwide. From food scientists and nutritionists to supply chain experts and business strategists, each team member plays a vital role in ensuring that our products meet the highest quality standards, innovation, and accessibility.
MINAL SONI
Global CEO
Minal Soni is a visionary entrepreneur dedicated to addressing global malnutrition and hidden hunger. As the founder of FortiFit Foods SA, he developed a fortified food product in 2022 to support HIV patients in South Africa, which quickly expanded into a global initiative. Today, FortiFit operates across North America, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, delivering sustainable nutrition solutions. Minal also co-founded the Global Nutrition Initiative (GNI), a North American-based non-profit tackling food insecurity, and is leading its expansion into Europe through operations in The Hague. Beyond FortiFit and GNI, he has extensive expertise in health-tech and health finance, playing a key role in developing advanced medical facilities. With strategic acumen and a passion for global well-being, Minal continues to drive impactful initiatives that promote healthier, more equitable communities worldwide.
HEETESH BHOOLA
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT - Middle East
Heetesh Bhoola is a seasoned R&D and business leader with nearly 30 years of experience in the FMCG industry. In 2025, he joined Fortifit and the Global Nutrition Initiative to advance fortified foods and combat malnutrition globally. As a former R&D Director for Africa and the Middle East, he led impactful initiatives blending innovative science with cultural insights to deliver sustainable solutions. Heetesh is also a real estate and FMCG business owner, mentoring startups and fostering entrepreneurship. With a focus on technology, sustainability, and nutrition, he is dedicated to empowering communities and building a healthier future worldwide.
Maria Van Der Merwe
Global Nutrition Advisor
Maria, a seasoned dietitian and nutritionist with over 28 years of experience, consults for Fortifit Global, leveraging her expertise in public health to promote optimal nutrition and implement evidence-based interventions for vulnerable populations globally.
MUHAMMUD PARUK
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT - North America
AKASH MAHARAJ
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT - Europe
Akash is an ex-banker of over 20 years experience in Africa who has relocated to the Netherlands but is focused on making an impact on the continent he calls home through initiatives like Fortifit Global. Our Europe team is focused on driving innovation and expanding FortiFit’s presence in the region’s highly competitive health and nutrition market. The team actively works on building strategic partnerships with major retailers and exploring private-label opportunities to ensure our products reach a wider audience. By aligning with consumer demand for fortified and functional foods, FortiFit Europe tailors its offerings to suit the preferences and dietary needs of European consumers. Additionally, the team collaborates with regional distributors and nutrition-focused organizations to penetrate new markets and enhance bra