Fruits is a South African fruit producer and exporter who specializes in the export of top quality South African Fruit to global markets.

The Unlimited Group and Fruits actively supports Black Economic Empowerment in agriculture. Through its sister company, Vutsela Iglobhu Investment, Fruits is involved in extensive enterprise development, mentoring and skills transfer.

Ryton Estates is a prime example of what can be achieved through sound co-operation and upcoming agri entrepreneurs.

In October 2008, Ryton Estates, a 250 hectare citrus and avocado farm recently acquired by the Department Rural Development (DRD) and Land Reform, was on the verge of becoming another agri-bee statistic. The farm’s electricity was about to be cut off, fertilizer and sprays were not applied and only a skeleton staff was employed.

Vutsela Investments, a group of black agri-entrepreneurs came to the rescue and acquired a long term lease from the DRD for Ryton. They then proceeded to enter into a joint venture with the Unlimited Group, a diversified and established player in the fresh produce sector. Management of the farm was transferred to the newly established joint venture on 1 October 2008, and a recovery plan was immediately implemented to turn operations around. The workforce was re-appointed and the farm currently employs 90 people permanently and 300 seasonal workers during harvest.

In a landscape littered by unsuccessful agri-empowerment project, the Vutsela-Unlimited Group joint venture serves as a model of what can be achieved if a structured approach to land reform and agri-bee empowerment is taken. It is also an example of how timeous and decisive partnering between the DRD and commercial BEE partners can ensure transfer of farms without jeopardizing farm infrastructure and food security.



The Vutsela Iglobhu Board from left to right: Gerrit de Vries, Nic Elliot (Chairman), Riël Malan, Gay Makoena, Hans Muylaert, Mpho Maepa, Johan Burnett.