Fruit and Vegetables Archives | #1 Dole South Africa

Blueberry Summit comes to SA

The 2025 International Blueberry Organisation (IBO) Summit took place in Cape Town – the first time this global event has been hosted in South Africa! Representing Dole at this event were (above) Adele Grootboom, Nelisa Jonga, Juané (Gubitz) Adriaanse and Juan van Zyl.

The IBO brings together the entire blueberry value chain, driving growth, sustainability, innovation, and collaboration across the sector. Hosting the conference in the Western Cape highlights our region as a leading blueberry producer, and with the season in full swing, delegates have the chance to experience our farms first-hand.
At Dole, we are passionate about blueberries and excited about the opportunities ahead – not only for South Africa’s growth, but also on a global scale. Market prospects are strong, and we see great potential for expanding into new destinations.
One exciting opportunity lies in India, where we already have a solid customer base through our citrus exports. We are confident this market can become a key player for South African blueberries, putting a strong stamp of recognition on the category. Exciting times lie ahead for the future of blueberries from South Africa!

Tags: Blueberries, Dole South Africa, Fruit and Vegetables, Import/export, news|

Fiesta Fresh is born

Fiesta Fresh Board of Directors: Renier Basson, Theo Craven, Servaas van Niekerk, Hannes Nieuwoudt and Shane Hewitt.

It’s official! Dole South Africa (Pty) Ltd has formed a new startup in the local market space.

Fiesta Fresh (Pty) Ltd will trade in both local and imported food produce. It will focus on sales to local retail and other local customers as well as exports into Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands. Dole Africa Holdings has partnered with three other shareholders to form the new company. Joining Dole SA Managing Director Hannes Nieuwoudt and Finance Director Shane Hewitt on the board are Renier Basson, Theo Craven and Servaas van Niekerk. All are specialists in their field and bring with them a wealth of knowledge in the local market arena.

Dole Africa Holdings has a 60 per cent shareholding in Fiesta Fresh. Says Nieuwoudt , “I am happy to be a part of this innovative business venture, which will offer a solution for local specifications to Dole’s own farms and third-party growers. It will also tap into Dole plc’s extensive global network from which to source imported product.”

Tags: Dole Africa Holdings, Fiesta Fresh, Fruit and Vegetables, Import/export, Local market|

Fresh fruit for needy children

On a typical cold and rainy June day in Cape Town, close to 2 000 children will be receiving some welcome midwinter cheer thanks to a serving of fresh fruit each, courtesy of Dole South Africa.

This forms part of our long-standing support for vulnerable communities in our immediate vicinity. On this occasion, oranges from our Western Cape farms will be delivered to 17 organisations under the banner of Brackenfell-based Shiloh Synergy.

Tags: Dole South Africa, Fruit and Vegetables, Nutrition|

First Valencias of the 2023 season

: From left to right: Nikolaas Gubitz, Anton Gouws (Business Manager: Commercial), Juané Gubitz (Commercial Sales Manager), Bridie Alley (Key Account Manager: Commercial), Karen Potgieter (Commercial Sales Manager), DeVilliers Duvenhage (Assistant Business Manager: Citrus).

: Assistant Business Manager: Citrus DeVilliers Duvenhage with the first Valencias of the 2023 season.

: The first Valencias roll down the packhouse line.

Team Dole has been on the road once again, visiting growers in the north of South Africa.

Our citrus team took the opportunity to go hands-on with the first Valencias of the season at the Gubitz Boerdery packhouse, located in Letsitele, in the province of Limpopo.

Tags: Citrus, Dole South Africa, Fruit and Vegetables, Pack house|

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