Katopé is the only company to have a BRC certified facility in this region of South Africa and by mid 2005 it is aiming to have three additional packhouses certified.
This achievement follows on closely from the EurepGAP certification achieved for all of Katopé’s avocado production sites prior to the start of the 2004 season.
Katopé’s global businesses are well versed in operating to the highest of quality standards. Spanning a broad product portfolio, from grapes to mangetout, operations hold, where appropriate, a mixture of EurepGAP, HACCP, Natures Choice to Gold Standard, ISO and now BRC.
Jaco Marais, managing director of Katopé sub-tropical RSA and responsible for sub-tropical product development in Mupumulanga, said: “The achievement of BRC certification is testimony to the hard work and commitment of Victor van Wyk, our packhouse manager at Katopé Bassan, and his management team.
“Katopé sees the delivery of quality based production and packing infrastructure as fundamental in ensuring future growth.
“The challenge going forward is to now complete the BRC process in our other packhouses. This will be achieved by the start of the 2005 avocado season,” he added.
Katopé has also recently embarked on a number of black empowerment programmes. Previously disadvantaged groups, including members of the community and employees, are being offered training and development programmes.
The ethical standard of Katopé’s operations in South Africa is considered to be industry leading. Programmes to support workers, as well as their families, in health care and educational development are now well established.
As part of this project Katopé has appointed Dr Burger Olivier to spearhead the development of Katopé’s ethical stance. Olivier has introduced a series of initiatives covering family healthcare counselling, under “Choice”, with fully trained medical support. Also on offer are “Learnerships” under ABET, Adult Basic Educational Training, covering all aspects of farming operations.
All Katopé farms now have registered “Learners”. This project will ultimately ensure the opportunity for all the farm workers to achieve a recognised educational qualification.
Respect for the environment is also seen as a fundamental facet of Katopé’s farming operations.
Olivier said: “It is Katopé’s intention to be a leader in environmental support, as well as black advancement.
“We are working pro-actively with the Department of Nature Conservancy with a view to be considered the leading environmentalist and ethical company in the region, as well as nationally.”
No comments yet