AGRICULTURE PORTFOLIO

Planting the Seeds of a Sustainable Legacy

”Our journey in agriculture began with a vision and a humble lemon tree. The first clearing of our inaugural farm took place on 12 August 1998, marking the inception of what would become a thriving agricultural legacy.

A Legacy Nurtured: Growing Citrus Excellence

In May 2000, the first orange tree was planted by the founder of our business, Andrew Mentis Snr. This act symbolised not only the birth of a tree but also the roots of a family tradition that would thrive for generations. In 2004, the orchards were expanded to include grapefruit and lemon trees, complemented by the construction of a state-of-the-art packhouse in 2007. Our commitment to innovation was evident when, in 2011, we became the first farm in South Africa to plant lemon trees under shaded netting, ushering in new possibilities for fruit cultivation.

Blueberries: A Sweet Challenge

In 2017, we ventured into uncharted territory by introducing blueberries to our portfolio. This daring leap into the unknown is testament to our spirit of innovation and adaptability. By 2020, we had not only cultivated thriving blueberry fields but had also constructed a dedicated blueberry packhouse, showcasing our commitment to excellence in this new endeavour.

Sustainability at Heart: Balancing Nature and Progress

As stewards of the land, we hold a deep respect for our natural resources — soil, water, and climate. We tirelessly strive to find the delicate equilibrium between these resources, the wildlife that shares our farms, and the high-quality products we cultivate. Our commitment extends to economic sustainability, ensuring that our agricultural pursuits are not only environmentally responsible but also economically viable.

Global Partnerships: From Farm to Table

We’ve forged strong partnerships to bring our products to the world. As an invested player in Alliance Fruit, we are recognised as a preferred supplier to clients spanning from the UK to the Far East. Our collaboration with Driscoll’s in marketing our blueberries continues to delight customers worldwide.

Pioneering Agricultural Technology

At the heart of our agricultural success lies a dedication to staying on the cutting edge of technology and innovation. Our practices are recognised and celebrated as industry-leading, a testament to our commitment to progress.

The People Behind Our Success

Central to our achievements are the remarkable individuals who make up our team. With unwavering dedication, they support and drive our mission forward. During peak picking season, we provide more than 1 500 jobs to local communities, thereby providing much-needed livelihoods. As you explore our Agriculture Portfolio, you will be stepping into a world where tradition meets innovation, where the fruits of our labour are shared with the world, and where sustainability is at the heart of everything we do.

Join us in sowing the seeds of a sustainable legacy.

 

Leadership

WELCOME TO OUR WORLD, LED BY OUR EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP TEAM

BOELA BRUWER

Non-Executive Director and Chairperson

CLIVE MENTIS

Non-Executive Director 

ANDREW MENTIS

Executive Director – Chief Executive Officer

GERT BEZUIDENHOUT

Executive Director