Import/export Archives | #1 Dole South Africa | Exporter and Producer of Fruit

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|

Work exposure port visit gives staff on-deck insights

A Dole South Africa head office contingent staff spent an informative – not to say enjoyable – morning of work exposure out at the Port of Cape Town, experiencing the activity that accompanies the loading of a vessel.

Against the majestic backdrop of Table Mountain, normally office-bound staff were given a seagull’s-eye view of the action as the Italia Stream took on its cargo of grapes bound for Europe. Fortunately, Cape Town was on its best behaviour, with an almost cloudless sky and typically mild late summer conditions. All of which made for the kind of work exposure that informed, stimulated and entertained.

Peering wide-eyed into the depths of the cavernous hold far below the upper deck, the visitors watched as pallet after pallet swung through the air and was nudged into position. “It all happens so quickly, from the forklift emerging out of the delivery truck on to the quayside, to being hoisted up and over into the hold. And the storage space is much bigger than it looks from the outside,” one commented.

Tags: Dole South Africa, Import/export|

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