The purpose of the trip was clear: "To gain a better understanding of the production and origin of our products. Additionally, we wanted to strengthen our relationship with our colleagues there and our growers, and gain insight into the challenges they face. Ultimately, this experience helps me to better inform our customers and give them even better advice.”
One of the highlights of the trip was seeing the avocados in their country of origin. “It was my very first visit to an avocado farm, and it was impressive. You really gain more respect for our growers and their products when you see what goes into."
During the trip, he visited our joint venture partner Allesbeste: a pioneer in varietal development. “Allesbeste is a leading organization when it comes to cultivar development. They are very innovative and work closely with growers in the Tzaneen region and in the Cape to ensure product quality.”
What did an average day look like? “A typical day often started with a farm visit, where we had conversations with the growers and tours of farms and packing stations. One of the highlights was the growers’ day in the Cape, where local growers came together to discuss the past season and share experiences.”
The whole trip was full of impressive moments, but some really stood out. “The ‘nursery’ of Allesbeste was very beautiful to see. It’s amazing to witness how much work is being done there to develop the best avocado variety. The growers' day in the Cape was also a real highlight. It was very valuable to hear what’s on the growers' minds and what challenges they face. These open conversations provide a lot of insight and make it clear how important cooperation and knowledge sharing are.”
