“It wasn’t just a move; it was a choice for our family and a challenge I’m excited about.” For Donovan Lewis, relocating to the Netherlands is about future, focus, and feeling at home, personally and professionally. After years at joint-venture partner Allesbeste, he’s now part of Avor BV as Account Manager.
“I’m a patriotic Afrikaner,” Donovan says. “Europe wasn’t on my list, until our kids set their sights on studying in the Netherlands or Germany. As a parent, you do what you can for their future.” The decision brings him closer to his children’s opportunities, and to a role that stretches him in the right ways.
At Allesbeste, Donovan’s path led to Managing Director of Allesbeste Bemarking (export & marketing). His experience spans the full chain: nursery and branding to avocado marketing, logistics, and technical protocols. He worked closely with pioneers in cultivation and knows cultivars like Maluma inside out. “That mix, commercial and technical, helps you translate orchard realities into market results,” he says.
The family dove right in. “New Year’s Eve felt like the sky was alive,” Donovan laughs. “We also swapped ‘bikes for fun’ for bikes with purpose.” Exploring local villages, new flavors, and weekend trips is already part of the routine, and being centrally located in Europe makes it easier.
This move also says a lot about Farmhouse culture. Before Donovan arrived, colleagues shared housing leads; on arrival, they helped move and even arranged furniture. “Everyone was welcoming, practical, and present. It felt like family,” Donovan says. That’s how Connecting Smiles starts, with each other, and then extends to growers and customers.
With Donovan on board, Avor strengthens its ability to deliver reliable programs and technical expertise, ensuring growers and customers can count on a partner who connects origin and market seamlessly.
“In our world, a smile can mean trust, agreement, or simply a good outcome,” Donovan says. “My goal is to keep connecting smiles so growers and customers both win.”
Welcome to the Farmhouse family, Donovan!
