Tru-Cape Fruit Marketing has congratulated its shareholder, Ceres Fruit Growers, on being named BRCGS Certificated Site of the Year 2026 by BRCGS.
The award was presented in London and recognises exceptional commitment to food safety, quality management and supply chain integrity. It represents more than an industry accolade, serving as independent assurance that the apples and pears produced and packed by Ceres Fruit Growers meet some of the most stringent global food safety standards.
BRCGS certification sets international benchmark
BRCGS certification is recognised worldwide as a benchmark for product safety, legality, authenticity and quality. Being named Certificated Site of the Year signifies consistent excellence in maintaining these standards, demonstrating a deeply embedded food safety culture and the effective use of certification to strengthen operations.
Leadership highlights commitment to continuous improvement
Francois Malan, Managing Director of Ceres Fruit Growers, said the award reflects the company’s long-term commitment to continuous improvement.
“Ceres Fruit Growers (Pty) Ltd is honoured to be recognised as BRCGS Certificated Site of the Year for 2026. Winning this award confirms the mutual trust we share with our clients and shareholders. We believe that challenging ourselves through continuous improvement and teamwork is a proven recipe for success, embodying our slogan, ‘Leading the way.’ A commitment to a strong food safety and quality culture is an integral part of our DNA,” said Malan.
Five consecutive AA audit results highlight consistency
Joe Hanekom, Senior Manager of Production at Ceres Fruit Growers, highlighted the consistency behind the achievement.
“This award is particularly meaningful because it followed nomination by the industry. Over the past five years, we have achieved consecutive AA gradings in unannounced annual audits, with fewer than five deviations each time. That consistency demonstrates that our systems are not only in place, but are working effectively at all times,” Hanekom said.
He added that food safety and quality are actively lived throughout the organisation. “From management to the different departmental teams, everyone understands their role in protecting the integrity of our product.”
For retailers and consumers, the recognition translates into confidence that apples and pears reaching store shelves have been handled according to rigorous international standards.
Tru-Cape highlights value for global markets
As the global marketer of Ceres Fruit Growers’ apples and pears, Tru-Cape Fruit Marketing emphasised the importance of the award in strengthening retailer partnerships and consumer confidence.
Managing Director Roelf Pienaar said retailers operate in an environment where traceability, food safety and consistency are non-negotiable.
“This award provides independent verification that the fruit we market worldwide is supported by robust systems and a deeply embedded quality culture. For consumers, it means peace of mind. For retailers, it means reduced risk and a reliable supply partner. For Tru-Cape, it reinforces the trust that underpins our relationships across global markets,” said Pienaar.
At Ceres Fruit Growers, safeguarding product integrity extends beyond compliance. The company invests in continuous staff training aligned with international standards, including BRCGS and FSMA requirements, and measures performance through clear safety and quality indicators. Its Food Safety and Quality Culture Plan ensures that safety, authenticity and quality are embedded in daily operations.
World-class standards from orchard to table
Being named BRCGS Certificated Site of the Year 2026 signals to retailers and consumers alike that apples and pears sourced by Tru-Cape from Ceres Fruit Growers are produced and packed according to world-class standards — delivering not only quality fruit, but confidence from orchard to table.