Westfalia Fruit

This month, we celebrate the 75th anniversary of Westfalia Fruit. We have come a long way and grown from one farm in South Africa to a leading, innovative, and global avocado company. Since innovation is deeply rooted in our culture, we lead the way across our entire supply chain. Today, we reveal our brand-new website. This is an exciting new chapter for our company. Our website reflects who we are - a company with a rich heritage, a strong commitment to quality, and a dedication to sustainability. Click on the link to explore our website: https://lnkd.in/d9QdQvq #leadership #innovation #technology

Reflecting on Our South African Avocado Adventure 🥑✨ You may have seen a few weeks ago, our team visited our esteemed avocado supplier, Westfalia Fruit, in the Politsi Valley of Tzaneen, South Africa. That journey left a lasting impression and today, we want to spotlight some more highlights from this enriching experience. Our visit wasn't just about exploring the verdant landscapes but delving deep into the innovative processes behind Westfalia's avocado production. From fascinating varietal development to meticulous harvesting and processing techniques, we gained invaluable insights into what makes their avocados exceptional. Moreover, witnessing Westfalia’s commitment to community well-being—through their wellness centre and nursery—was truly inspiring. Their holistic approach to business, blending agricultural excellence with community support, resonated deeply with us. Our representatives, Hardeep Rait, Kerry McLuckie, Richard Walker, joined by Westfalia's Dave Gilbert and Alastair Smith, returned not only with a profound appreciation for avocado farming but also with heartfelt admiration for the community initiatives spearheaded by Westfalia. Join us in celebrating this incredible partnership with Westfalia. Together, we're dedicated to delivering not just the finest avocados, but also supporting sustainable practices and community development. #FreshDirect #Westfalia #AvocadoExcellence #CommunitySupport #SustainableAgriculture

1, 2, 3, say... Avocados! This photo marks the beginning of a new chapter for Westfalia Fruit in the Netherlands. The new office in Poeldijk has opened, bringing together teams from different locations under one roof. They will now harness their expertise and increased collaboration to further enhance customer service. “This step enables us to further strengthen our position as the leading avocado company. More importantly, with a fantastic and larger team, the company can now offer an even broader portfolio and more sophisticated service to our valued customers,” said Danny van Onselen, Head of Procurement Netherlands, during the opening. Westfalia Fruit Netherlands looks forward to welcoming everyone to the new office in Poeldijk. #teamwork #business #leadership

Laser-sharp tattoos on avocados. Yes, you read that correctly.   The first completed trials of our new laser etching technology have been finalised. The trial of this technology can already remove nearly a million individual Price Look-Up (PLU) plastic stickers from the supply chain every year.   In a third of a second, the laser essentially leaves a tattoo that displays information for customers. This could include the size or variety of the fruit, or other important information for the consumer.   Click here to read our full story: https://lnkd.in/ezfQUY6Z   #technology #leadership #innovation

The journey of bringing avocados from our orchards to consumers' plates sustainably requires a lot of thought and commitment. Check out the post below where our colleague, Hans Boyum, discusses a part of our supply chain with A.P. Moller - Maersk. #AvoExperts #innovation #supplychain

Happy Labour Day to all our colleagues across the globe! #Labourday2024 #culture #future

Today we celebrate World Water Day, a day in the year when we focus on the importance of freshwater availability across the globe. Since 1993, the United Nations has marked March 22 as World Water Day. This year’s theme is leveraging water for peace and uniting communities. At Westfalia Fruit, we support many local projects to provide access to fresh water. Together with our partners, we have supplied fresh water devices to local schools in the Til Til community, in rural Chile. The devices capture the natural ambient humidity in the atmosphere and transform it into fresh drinking water. In Tzaneen, South Africa, we have recently donated a water tank to the local community. Previously, many people in the area would have to walk significant distances to have fresh water. Now it is accessible to all at the local community centre. In areas that do not have easy access to fresh water, supplying the technology and means can be life-changing. As well as key community projects, Westfalia Fruit continues to invest significantly in responsible water usage across our orchards and operations. As part of our global water plan, we continue to introduce targeted water applications such as low-flow drip irrigation and industry best practices. This year, we are also focusing on developing enhanced weather forecasting capabilities to further develop our proactive approach to managing weather extremes. An estimated 2.2 billion people are living without access to safe water. With advances in technology and working together, we can make a significant positive impact. #sustainability #chile #southafrica

Westfalia Fruit showcases its legacy of championing the environment, sustainability, and ‘Giving Back’. Through pioneering research, development, and innovation, premised on the guiding principles of our founder, Dr. Hans Merensky.    ITN Business programme 'Food & Drink: Powers Our Nation' launching at IFE next Monday 25th March - https://lnkd.in/e-pQkjb8   #sustainability #leadership #innovation

We are looking forward to seeing many colleagues and partners at Fresh Produce India this week in Mumbai. Zac Bard, Westfalia Fruit Global Business Development Executive, together with Ajay T G, General Manager Westfalia Fruit India, will be sharing some of their first hand experience of the Indian avocado market over the last few years. From developing the avocado category working with local partners and customers to this year introducing imported Australian fruit to the category, ensuring consistent quality supply.  To learn more how Westfalia Fruit is the market leader in the exciting Indian market, visit: https://lnkd.in/gjWMFuvE #markets #india #leadership #AvoExperts

Today, we commemorate the life of our founder, Dr. Hans Merensky. He was a world-renowned prospector, geologist, humanitarian, devotee of nature and agriculture – a true visionary of his time and the founder of Westfalia Fruit. Hans was born in Botshabelo, South Africa, on the 16th of March, 1871. In addition to his immense impact on restoring nature in South Africa, he made substantial donations to universities, schools, libraries, hospitals, charities, and cultural organisations, creating opportunities for underprivileged students and communities. With the creation of the foundation in his name, Dr. Merensky’s ambition to do good continues across the world today, with many benefiting from his unique foresight and generosity. His philosophy of giving back to the environment and local communities continues to be our focus today, and we encapsulate his way of living in our purpose to do good. His story is truly inspiring, and one that we are delighted to be able to tell and share with the next generations. Swipe through the timeline to see some key moments of his life. #HansMerensky #sustainability #leadership