Karsten Farms, one of South Africa’s leading table grape suppliers, has confirmed that it has terminated its exisiting marketing arrangements with the Capespan Group, bringing to an end a long-term, exclusive supply agreement. The effective date is September 30, 2004, which is prior to the start of the next South African grape export season.
This development follows the earlier resignation of Karsten Farms chairman, Piet Karsten, from directorships of Capespan Group Holdings Ltd and Capespan Grapes.
It does not, however, necessarily signal a complete halt to Karsten Farms relationship with Capespan. Karsten said that while Karsten Farms will in future concentrate on strengthening relationships with leading retail customers, the company will continue to work with Capespan where it is of mutual benefit.
He added that Karsten Farms is continuing to develop partnerships that will enable it to supply customers with the best quality seedless grapes on a 12-month basis. “We are excited about progress in Egypt and South America and, along with our South African supplies, we are confident that we will grow our volumes substantially over next few years,” said Karsten.
Karsten Farms has over the past 20 years developed into a financially sustainable organisation through sound management and comprehensive training and development, he said, adding: “Our empowerment and land transformation philosophy, our partnership in Keboes Farms, which grants co-ownership to our workers, and our certification in terms of GAP, BRC, Nature’s Choice and HACCP, enable us to not only trade fairly, but to also meet the requirements of our customers from our supply base around the world.”
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