Hikkibiskus - The Power of the Flower!!

When Annick Elfström talks about the hibiscus flower, her eyes light up—as if each petal holds a story of hope, courage, and entrepreneurship. Together with her mother in Burkina Faso, she has built Hikkibiskus, a company that sprouted from a single plant but took root in something much larger: a vision to transform both the beverage industry and the lives of women in one of Africa’s most challenging environments. With one foot in Sweden and the other in West Africa, Annick has created a fully transparent ecosystem of sustainability and community. From cultivation to production, Hikkibiskus controls every step—from seed to bottle cap. There are no shortcuts, no artificial additives—only pure ingredients, female empowerment, and a deep passion for creating something truly good, in every sense of the word. In this interview with Delivery Rank, Annick shares how a shared dream between mother and daughter grew into a movement. We talk about the power of the hibiscus flower, the challenges of building a sustainable value chain across continents, and why she believes the future of beverages must be as kind to the body as it is to the planet.

Hikkibiskus AB was born from both a flower and a vision. What was the moment or inspiration that sparked your decision to turn the hibiscus plant into a sustainable business with a social mission?

The idea for Hikkibiskus was born from a realization that something as simple as a flower could carry the power to regenerate both land and lives. When I first visited hibiscus fields in Burkina Faso, I saw more than a crop — I saw resilience, color, and potential. The women cultivating these flowers were not just growing hibiscus; they were nurturing their communities. I wanted to create a bridge between that strength and the growing demand for clean, functional beverages in the Nordic region. Hikkibiskus became the vehicle — transforming a traditional African ingredient into a global symbol of health, sustainability, and empowerment.

The Hibiscus Sabdariffa flower is central to your brand. Beyond its health benefits, what does this flower symbolize to you personally and in the context of Hikkibiskus’ values?

To me, the hibiscus flower symbolizes regeneration — of soil, of opportunity, and of mindset. It’s a plant that thrives in harsh conditions, giving back nutrients to the land rather than depleting it. That resilience reflects exactly what Hikkibiskus stands for: purity, balance, and the power to restore. Our motto " The power of the flower" stands for the literal power of the hibiscus flower - it's incredible health benefits and natural vitality, but also stands for the strength and resilience of women. It's both a statement about nature and about empowerment. 

Personally, the flower also represents connection — between cultures, generations, and ways of living. In every bottle of Hikkibiskus, there’s a story of harmony between nature, people, and purpose.

Your production model bridges Burkina Faso and Sweden, connecting two very different worlds. How do you ensure that this collaboration remains ethical, sustainable, and empowering for everyone involved?

We’ve built our model on transparency and long-term partnership. In Burkina Faso, we collaborate directly with women’s cooperatives, ensuring fair pay and reinvestment into their communities. The agricultural model we use is regenerative — it restores soil fertility and preserves biodiversity rather than exhausting it. In Sweden, we produce and distribute with the same integrity, prioritizing clean ingredients and minimal environmental impact. It’s not charity; it’s collaboration. Every part of the value chain is designed to uplift — from the farmers to the final consumer — creating a circle of shared value and empowerment.

You and your co-founder are mother and daughter, which adds a deeply personal layer to your entrepreneurship. How does this dynamic influence the way you lead, make decisions, and grow the company?

Our partnership is built on trust, intuition, and shared purpose. As mother and daughter, we bring two generations of perspective — one grounded in experience, the other driven by innovation. It allows us to challenge each other while staying deeply aligned on values. There’s also an emotional authenticity in everything we do; we’re not building a brand just for profit, but a legacy that reflects who we are as people. That connection keeps our leadership human, empathetic, and purpose-focused — and I believe people feel that when they encounter Hikkibiskus.

Finally, what message would you like to share with other women — especially those who dream of starting a purpose-driven business that creates real change in the world?

Start where you are, with what you have — but start. Purpose-driven entrepreneurship isn’t about waiting for perfect conditions; it’s about creating momentum around something that matters. Build from authenticity, stay connected to your “why,” and surround yourself with people who believe in your mission. For me, building Hikkibiskus has been about turning challenges into catalysts — transforming something small and local into something that can heal and inspire on a global scale. Women have an incredible ability to lead with both heart and strategy — and the world needs more of that energy right now.

To read more about Hikkibiskus, please visit https://www.hikkibiskus.com/