Expanding on the company’s commitment to vertical integration, Katopé Citrus, a South African subsidiary of Katopé International and a major exporter of citrus from South Africa to the northern hemisphere, has formed a citrus partnership in Kwazulu Natal, South Africa.

Katopé Citrus, as the controlling partner, has formed a joint venture with a number of citrus producers in the Nkwalini valley. A new company Katopé Nkwalini Packers (KNP) also involves two major partners that are recognised industry leaders, namely, Nefic Estates - owned by Martin van Rooyen - and Mallanjack, which belongs to the Stewart family.

The business will operate from a dedicated regional packhouse, which is being prepared for HACCP accreditation, before the outset of the 2005 season.

The Nkwalini Valley is situated in the Kwazulu Natal province of South Africa. The region produces 5.3 per cent of the entire South African citrus crop, but specialises in some of the more popular grapefruit varieties. As a percentage of the total South African crop The Nkwalini Valley contributes 22 per cent of all grapefruit, four per cent of lemons and two per cent of the country’s Valencia oranges.

In its year of inception, the packhouse is expected to achieve production of half a million cartons. Capacity, when in full production, will reach in excess of 700,000 cartons.

Nino Burelli, Katopé South Africa ceo and chairman of the board of KNP, said: “It is the objective of the Katopé Group to be as vertically integrated as possible in order to have control over the total chain. This will ensure that we flush costs out of the system and also give our customers and our suppliers the best service possible”

Managing Director of Katopé Citrus, Cecilia Landman, added: “This will also ensure a quality product, reliable and consistent supply. We are very excited about the future of this production unit as it fits in perfectly with our medium term marketing strategy, especially to develop a quality reputation in the world’s leading markets.

“We will continue to strive to form joint ventures/partnerships between Katopé and our valued growers.”

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