Nutmeg is a spice derived from the seed of the Myristica fragrans tree, which is native to the Banda Islands in Maluku, Indonesia. Nutmeg is one of the top five commodities transported out of the region. The market value of nutmeg is determined by its quality, and as of now, one kilogram of nutmeg seeds is priced between Rp 92.000 to Rp 95.000. This price range reflects the variations in quality, with higher-quality nutmeg fetching a slightly higher price.
Despite its potential, nutmeg produced organic waste, which could hinder the growth of nutmeg trees. Syarif and team saw this opportunity to turn this challenge into a sustainable solution by transforming nutmeg into an innovative ice cream product. “Recognizing the absence of young changemakers in Maluku, particularly in Ambon, focusing on social, health, and environmental issues affecting community empowerment, motivates us. This inspiration drives our commitment to make a positive impact through Nutmegic Ice Cream, an inventive product using local nutmeg turned into ice cream,” said Syarif.
They observed that by creating a market for nutmeg ice cream, they could empower local farmers economically. These farmers, primarily engaged in producing local snacks like candied nutmeg, faced limitations in expanding their reach. Nutmegic Ice Cream became a new avenue for both economic empowerment and waste management.
The Nutmegic team encountered numerous challenges such as to acquire production equipment and suitable packaging. There were moments when the team took a step back. However, supports from nutmeg farmers and communities restored their enthusiasm to keep moving forward.
Before joining the Youth Co:Lab National Bootcamp 2023, Syarif and team joined a sub-national Youth Co:Lab program through an Instagram advertisement from the Department of Youth and Sports in Ambon, Maluku Province. They decided to join the program, Ambon Creativepreneur X Youth Co:Lab, a collaborative program between UNDP Indonesia and Department of Youth and Sports in Ambon. This program was a part of National Strategy on Youth Entrepreneurship initiative with Ministry of National Development Planning. From 21 social businesses competed in Ambon, Nutmegic Ice Cream came out as the winner to represent the province at the Youth Co:Lab National Bootcamp 2023. As a result, the Nutmegic team the top 10 nationally and was invited to Jakarta for Final Pitching and Business Matchmaking to scale up their business.
