SOUTH AFRICA – The largest commercial berry farm in KwaZulu-Natal, BerryGrow, located in the picturesque Midlands, will be auctioned next month.
The property will be managed by Broll Auctions and Sales, with the auction scheduled for Thursday, August 1.
BerryGrow was established in 2019 by well-known farmer Gary Pedlar and his nephew, Warren Haviside. The farm was designed to meet the needs of both local and export markets.
The property features 81,000 blueberry bushes spread across 23 hectares. It includes both closed and open cultivars to optimize productivity. Additionally, the farm has a six-hectare orchard with 1,900 Lamb Hass avocado trees, all equipped with drip irrigation systems.
The farm has received GlobalG.A.P accreditation, which signifies adherence to good agricultural practices. This certification opens doors to international markets, a crucial factor for potential buyers.
A fully operational pack house with state-of-the-art infrastructure further enhances the farm’s appeal.
Currently, BerryGrow exports its blueberries to the EU, which then distributes them to destinations such as the UAE, Singapore, and Malaysia. Over the past three harvest seasons, the farm has successfully exported nearly 200 tons of blueberries.
“The current business has successfully exported close to 200 tons of blueberries over the last three harvest seasons with much more potential still to be unlocked,” says Broll representative Counsell. The farm’s harvest season, starting in September 2024, is anticipated to yield impressive returns for the new owner.
BerryGrow represents a rare chance for an investor to enter a thriving sector. “This is a well-developed blueberry and avocado farm, presenting a rare opportunity for an astute investor looking to sow seeds of prosperity in a thriving agricultural setting,”
Counsell emphasized. The growth potential, combined with the farm’s established infrastructure and market access, makes it an attractive investment.
With the auction date approaching, potential buyers are encouraged to consider the opportunities that BerryGrow offers.
The combination of high-quality produce, a robust export market, and advanced farming practices positions this property as a valuable asset in the agricultural industry.
The blueberry industry in South Africa has seen remarkable growth in recent years. According to Broll, blueberry production has increased by 39% annually since 2008, as reported by the South African Berry Producers Association, now rebranded as BerriesZA.
“Exports, primarily to the United Kingdom and European Union, are expected to rise by 10% in the 2024 season,” Broll noted. This growth is largely due to the increasing demand for berries both locally and internationally.
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