South African blueberry grower plans expansion with Sekoya genetics
Wasi Berries, an arm of the ANB Group of businesses, is building its blueberry operation around premium genetics, a competitive Southern African supply window and access to an increasingly diversified international customer base.
The South African operation currently grows Fall Creek genetics in the Letsitele and Hoedspruit areas, with a strong focus on Sekoya Pop. According to Managing Director Zylon McGaffin, the business is particularly encouraged by the quality attributes coming through in the fruit.
“We are very excited about the blueberry genetics that we have in production. The Jumbo and Super Jumbo berry sizes, excellent eating quality, flavour and crunch are attributes we believe can really help convert more consumers into blueberry lovers,” says McGaffin. “Our production window provides an important competitive advantage with harvest starting a few weeks after Zimbabwe’s season gets underway and concluding before the large Peruvian volumes enter the market from around week 42. This allows us to supply quality fruit during a period when international buyers are looking for good availability, before the market shifts into the much larger Peruvian supply period.”
The berries are marketed through Core Fruit, which is licensed by the Sekoya platform managed by Fall Creek. Wasi Berries’ export programme is diversified across the Middle East, Far East, Europe, the UK and Africa.
The operation’s recent performance has provided a strong foundation for further expansion. During the past 2 seasons, the production has exceeded expectations, with harvesting starting in week 20, with exports continuing through to week 44.
“Our ambition is to expand and grow the business in line with the international consumer demand. Genetics, superior eating quality, and having the right fruit available at the right time will continue to be central to that approach.”
For more information:
Zylon McGaffin
Wasi Berries
Tel: +27 15 345 1650
Email: info@anbinvestments.co.za
www.anbinvestments.co.za
