Dutoit Group advances with agri-tech investments

SOUTH AFRICA – Dutoit Group, a leading player in the fresh produce sector, has embraced technological innovations to boost efficiency and sustainability in its agricultural operations.

The company has made significant strides in reducing food waste and improving fruit quality through continuous investments in advanced technology.

Willie Kotze, Dutoit’s technical manager, highlighted that layering various technologies over time has given the company an edge in proactive farming.

“This commitment to innovation and access to more advanced and real-time data is keeping Dutoit at the forefront of modern agriculture, ensuring they continue to lead the industry with precision and excellence,” Kotze stated.

For over five years, Dutoit has researched and collaborated with cutting-edge companies to enhance its pome and stone fruit production.

One of the key innovations the company has embraced is satellite and drone technology, which allows for more efficient orchard management. By using drone imagery and satellite data, Dutoit can quickly identify inconsistencies in canopy growth and fruit uniformity.

This data-driven approach enables more precise interventions, resulting in better-quality produce and improved storage outcomes.

Water management is another area where Dutoit has made strides. Kotze noted that water is a precious resource, and the company has prioritized its efficient use.

By integrating advanced irrigation systems with real-time weather station data, Dutoit ensures that each drop of water is used efficiently.

“We monitor water use closely and align irrigation with the specific needs of each orchard zone,” Kotze explained. This approach allows the company to optimize its water usage, minimizing waste.

Dutoit has also tackled post-harvest challenges, partnering with Hortgro to trial innovative solutions like Fruitguard bin liners, which reduce bruising during transport.

Additionally, the company has invested in specialised structures for cherry orchards to protect against adverse weather conditions.

These structures help maintain fruit quality by shielding the orchards from rain, hail, and suboptimal winter conditions.

The company’s data-driven methods also extend to cultivar selection. By capturing vital data on tree growth and post-harvest storability, Dutoit ensures that only the best varieties are chosen for each microclimate, enhancing their chances of delivering top-quality produce.

Global market trends

On a global scale, the fresh fruit market is projected to grow from USD 570.9 billion in 2022 to USD 757.7 billion by 2030, while the vegetable market is expected to reach USD 895.2 billion by 2032.

Investments in agricultural technology could contribute an additional USD 500 billion to the global GDP by the end of the decade, according to recent estimates.

Agricultural technology, such as GPS and IoT devices, has been growing rapidly, with a 12% adoption rate in the Middle East. These advancements are key to optimizing resource use and increasing crop yields.

Kotze summed up Dutoit’s commitment: “With ongoing investments in tech and sustainable practices, we are well-positioned to keep pace with global trends while delivering fresh, high-quality produce.”