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Western Cape Agriculture Powers Economic Growth With 14% Year-on-Year Surge in Q2 2025

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Western Cape Agriculture Powers Economic Growth With 14% Year-on-Year Surge in Q2 2025

Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, has welcomed the positive performance of the province’s agricultural sector as reflected in the Agricultural Economic Quarterly Report for the second quarter of 2025.

The report provides an overview of the economic performance in the Western Cape, with a focus on the agricultural sector, and is informed by the national and sub-national economic performance statistics for the second quarter of 2025 (Q2 2025) released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) last week.

Agriculture Drives Economic Growth

According to the report, the Western Cape economy expanded by 0.7% quarter-on-quarter and 1.3% year-on-year, with agriculture making a significant contribution to this growth. The agricultural sector accounted for 4.7% of the provincial economy and recorded a robust 2.5% growth quarter-on-quarter and an impressive 14% year-on-year increase.

Minister Meyer stated, “Agriculture remains a cornerstone of the Western Cape’s economy. The sector’s resilience and growth are a testament to the hard work of our farmers, agri-workers, and agri-processors. This performance supports our Growth for Jobs Strategy, which aims to achieve 4–6% economic growth per annum and create 6,000 new jobs by 2035.”

Horticulture Leads the Way

The report highlights that the Western Cape consistently contributes 20% to South Africa’s national agricultural gross value added (GVA), driven primarily by the horticultural sector. In Q2 2025, horticulture generated R44 billion in gross farm income nationally, with citrus, vegetables, and deciduous fruits leading the way.

Jobs and Rural Development

Employment figures also reflect the sector’s importance. Agriculture and agri-processing combined supported 302,604 jobs in the province, representing 11% of total employment. Of these, 202,120 jobs were in primary agriculture, with crop production accounting for 81% of agricultural employment. The agri-processing sector added 100,484 jobs, with food manufacturing and beverage production being the largest contributors.

Commitment to Future Growth

Minister Meyer added, “The agricultural sector not only drives economic growth but also plays a vital role in job creation, especially in rural communities. We remain committed to supporting this sector through innovation, infrastructure investment, and market access initiatives.”

CapeWine 2025 Highlights Wine Industry’s Role in Jobs, Trade, and Rural Growth

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CapeWine 2025 Highlights Wine Industry’s Role in Jobs, Trade, and Rural Growth

CapeWine 2025 has wrapped up after three days of vibrant engagement, celebration, and connection, firmly cementing its reputation as the premier showcase for South African wine. Under the theme “Our Warmest Welcome”, the event drew 1,605 delegates, a powerful indication of the global interest in the country’s wine industry.

Global Reach and Strong International Participation

Delegates and trade visitors hailed from more than 60 international markets, including Belgium, Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, the Netherlands, Russia, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania, the UAE, the UK, the USA, South Africa, and Zambia.

Opening Ceremony

The show was officially opened by Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, whose powerful keynote address celebrated the economic and social contributions of the South African wine industry. His remarks set an optimistic tone for the event, underscoring the sector’s vital role in creating jobs, driving tourism, and positioning South Africa as a force in global wine.

Three Days of Connection, Learning and Collaboration

Over the course of three successful days, CapeWine 2025 offered buyers, importers, and media a unique opportunity to meet hundreds of local producers under one roof. The bustling show floor saw important discussions, fruitful meetings, and a positive spirit of collaboration, with many attendees expressing confidence that a number of exciting business deals will follow. This tenth edition of the show was once again supported by key sponsorship partners, DHL and Hillebrand Gori, for a fourth time.

CapeWine

In addition to the exhibitor showcases, six formal seminars took place in the John Deere Formal Seminar area, providing deep dives into important industry-related topics. The ten lighter sessions in the Amorim Speaker’s Corner proved hugely popular, offering more informal knowledge-sharing opportunities. Meanwhile, the Johnsson Workwear Theme Tasting area was exceptionally well attended, allowing delegates to taste their way through ten themed tastings and 120 wines during the course of the show.

A New Era for South African Wine

On the final day, Wines of South Africa unveiled their new branding, signalling an exciting new chapter for the industry. The fresh strapline “There’s Sunshine Inside” and new logo highlight South Africa’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and excellence as it continues to strengthen its global presence.

Looking Ahead to 2028

Commenting on the event’s success, WoSA CEO, Siobhan Thompson, said:

“CapeWine 2025 truly lived up to its theme, offering our warmest welcome to the world. The engagement we’ve seen from international buyers, distributors, and media demonstrates the strength of South African wine globally. This event was about forging connections and inspiring future growth and from the feedback we have received this was the best CapeWine yet!”

The next CapeWine is set to take place in 2028, and Wines of South Africa looks forward to once again welcoming trade and media from across the globe as the local wine industry continues to go from strength to strength.

Port of Cape Town Upgrades Bring Relief for Agricultural Exporters

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Port of Cape Town Upgrades Bring Relief for Agricultural Exporters

The Port of Cape Town has long been a lifeline for South Africa’s agricultural exports, particularly fruit and wine. This week, that lifeline was strengthened with the launch of nine new Rubber-tyred Gantry (RTG) cranes at the Cape Town Container Terminal (CTCT). These are the first of 28 cranes acquired through Transnet Port Terminals’ R3,4 billion investment, with the remaining 19 currently being assembled.

Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis welcomed the development, emphasising the urgency of bringing private sector management into port operations. “An efficient port is essential for job-creating growth,” he said, adding that agricultural exporters in particular stand to benefit from smoother, more reliable logistics.

New Technology, Fewer Delays

The RTGs come fitted with anti-sway systems that allow them to operate safely at wind speeds of up to 90 km/h — a significant leap from the 72 km/h limit of the old cranes. For agricultural producers, this change is critical. High winds have frequently crippled Cape Town’s port, forcing exporters of fresh fruit to reroute shipments to Durban or Gqeberha at great cost.

The new machines also feature diesel-electric hybrid engines that are cleaner and more fuel-efficient, and 3D camera systems to assist operators with precision handling. Together, these upgrades promise not only resilience against weather disruptions but also faster and safer cargo movement.

Signs of Real Progress

Unlike many infrastructure announcements that take years to bear fruit, Transnet reports that these investments are already delivering results:

  • 32% increase in refrigerated container volumes between January and August 2025 compared with the same period last year.
  • 24% rise in overall export volumes during the same period.
  • No vessel backlogs at the terminal as of September.

These improvements directly benefit the Western Cape’s deciduous fruit industry, which sends 80% of its products through Cape Town’s port. With improved efficiency, farmers face fewer risks of spoilage and can compete more effectively in international markets where timing is everything.

Supporting Cold-Chain Logistics

Transnet has complemented the new cranes with changes to workforce and operations. A fourth shift has been added to allow true 24-hour functionality, while a performance-based incentive scheme and real-time monitoring systems have been introduced to boost productivity. For exporters of perishable produce, these reforms provide stronger assurance that cold-chain standards will be upheld.

The planned development of the Culemborg Intermodal Logistics Precinct further promises to enhance back-of-port capacity, streamlining the link between farms, cold storage, and shipping.

Shared Commitment to Growth

While the City continues to push for private sector participation to lock in long-term gains, Transnet’s Group COO, Solly Letsoalo, highlighted the progress already achieved. “There are no vessel backlogs and performance has improved considerably, not just in Cape Town, but across our terminals,” he said.

For the agricultural community, this marks a pivotal moment. After years of frustration with delays and inefficiencies, Cape Town’s port is showing signs of becoming the world-class hub that South Africa’s farmers and exporters urgently need. With new technology, expanded capacity, and better management, the sector can look forward to faster, more reliable routes to market — safeguarding livelihoods and strengthening the province’s agricultural economy.

RPO Wes-Kaap Jaarvergadering: Wat is Volgende?

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RPO Wes-Kaap Jaarvergadering: Wat is Volgende?

Die Rooivleisprodusente-organisasie (RPO) Wes-Kaap se jaarvergadering by Nampo Kaap het gefokus op die naspeurbaarheid van rooivleis as die sleutel tot die bedryf se toekoms. Ander kwessies soos veediefstal, stygende insetkoste en swak infrastruktuur is ook bespreek, maar die deurlopende tema was dat naspeurbaarheid nie net ’n tegniese vereiste is nie, maar ’n noodsaaklike besigheidspraktyk om markaandeel en winsgewendheid te beskerm. Volgens voorsitter Jaco van den Berg kan biosekuriteit en naspeurbaarheid produsente help om koste te bespaar en insette spaarsamig te benut deur presisieboerdery.

Die Belangrikheid van Naspeurbaarheid

Die kritiese punt wat na vore gekom het, is dat produsente nie meer moet vra of naspeurbaarheid ’n premie sal lewer nie, maar eerder wat hulle sonder dit sal verloor. Van den Berg het benadruk dat naspeurbaarheid ’n kommoditeit in ’n produk kan omskep wat beter markposisie geniet. Hy het ook gewaarsku dat die gebrek aan vinnige implementering konflik tussen produsente kan verhoog.

Dian Gilliomee van Overberg Meat het verduidelik dat markte naspeurbaarheid vereis, eerder as net inentings. Hy het Katar as voorbeeld genoem: die land het in 2023 90,000 lammers se vleis van Suid-Afrika ingevoer, maar in 2024 die grens gesluit. Tot dusver in 2025 is geen lamsvleis uitgevoer nie, wat ’n groot finansiële verlies beteken. Terwyl die plaaslike skaapvleismark met 1% per jaar krimp, het uitvoere met 6% per jaar gegroei—’n groei wat nou in gevaar is weens ’n gebrek aan naspeurbaarheid.

Samewerking en Markuitbreiding

Die vergadering het ook die regering se perspektief ingesluit. Dr. Ivan Meyer, Wes-Kaapse Minister van Landbou, Ekonomiese Ontwikkeling en Toerisme, het sy frustrasie met die nasionale regering se traagheid uitgespreek en belowe om onafhanklik op te tree. Hy het die komende vergadering met G20-landbouministers in die Wes-Kaap as ’n geleentheid beskryf om internasionale handelsbande te versterk. Hy het verder die belangrikheid van Afrika- en Europese markte beklemtoon, aangesien 66% van alle Wes-Kaap landbou-uitvoere na Afrika gaan, terwyl 96% van Suid-Afrikaanse produkte na Europa tariefvry uitgevoer word.

Wat is Volgende?

Die dringendste taak vir die RPO en sy lede is om ’n nasionale, funksionele naspeurbaarheidstelsel te implementeer. Die vergadering het beklemtoon dat versuim nie net uitvoermarkte in gevaar stel nie, maar ook plaaslike verbruikersvertroue en die stabiliteit van die bedryf. Samewerking tussen die regering en produsente is noodsaaklik om hierdie stelsel spoedig in werking te stel.

Erkennings

Twee rolspelers is vereer vir hul bydraes:

  • Nico Uys, vir sy werk om rooivleisbelange te bevorder as provinsiale voorsitter en visevoorsitter van die Nasionale RPO.
  • John Durr, koördineerder van slaglamkompetisies, vir sy bydrae tot die vestiging van nuwe produsente in die provinsie.

Slotboodskap

Die jaarvergadering se boodskap is onmiskenbaar: naspeurbaarheid is nie meer ’n opsionele toevoeging nie, maar die grondslag van die bedryf se toekoms. Die tyd vir debat is verby; aksie is dringend nodig. Sonder ’n naspeurbaarheidstelsel is die rooivleisbedryf kwesbaar en in gevaar om sy internasionale mededingendheid te verloor. Die pad vorentoe vereis ’n gedeelde verbintenis om ’n veilige, volhoubare en sterk bedryf te bou.

Rekordbywoning en ’n Fees van Landbou-Innovasie by NAMPO Kaap 2025

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Rekordbywoning en ’n Fees van Landbou-Innovasie by NAMPO Kaap 2025

Die sesde NAMPO Kaap-ekspo het op ’n hoogtepunt afgesluit en ’n rekordgetal van 49 326 besoekers van 10 tot 13 September by Bredasdorp Park gelok. Die geleentheid het homself gevestig as ’n toonaangewende platform vir landbou in die Wes-Kaap en het produsente, landboubesighede, beleidmakers en die breër gemeenskap bymekaar gebring in ’n atmosfeer wat sowel innovasie as tradisie gevier het.

Sedert sy ontstaan in 2018, toe 16 000 mense die eerste ekspo bygewoon het, toon NAMPO Kaap bestendige groei. Vanjaar se bywoning het die 45 894 van verlede jaar ver oortref. Uitstallers het hul tevredenheid uitgespreek oor die gehalte van gesprekke en terugvoer gegee dat daar sterk besigheid gedurende die vier dae van die skou gedoen is.

“Gesprekke het vinnig in besigheid verander – dit is presies die waarde wat NAMPO Kaap bied,” het een uitsteller gesê en beklemtoon dat die ekspo beide ’n ontmoetingsplek en ’n mark vir landbou in die streek is.

Slim Tegnologie vir Doeltreffende Hulpbronbestuur

Getrou aan die 2025-tema, “Slim Tegnologie vir Doeltreffende Hulpbronbestuur”, het NAMPO Kaap ’n groot verskeidenheid innovasies vertoon wat produsente help om meer te produseer met minder hulpbronne. Van outonome trekkers en drones tot presisie-besproeiing, hernubare energie-oplossings en vee-sensors, het die demonstrasies en uitstallings praktiese insig in die toekoms van boerdery gebied. Produsente het positief gereageer en beklemtoon dat slim tegnologie nie meer ’n luukse is nie, maar ’n voorvereiste vir volhoubaarheid in ’n omgewing wat gekenmerk word deur klimaatsverandering, stygende insetkoste en toenemende druk op natuurlike hulpbronne.

NAMPO Kaap 2025 was ook ‘n trekpleister vir Adjunkpresident Paul Mashatile wat die ekspo op Vrydag 12 September besoek het. Sy program het begin met ’n inligtingsessie waaraan Wes-Kaapse Landbou-MPL dr Ivan Meyer en Graan SA se Landbou-ontwikkeling divisie, Phahama Grain Phakama (PGP) se Voorsitter, Jeremia Mathebula deelgeneem het, gevolg deur ’n interaktiewe sessie met rolspelers uit die sektor, insluitend Graan SA, Agri SA, Absa, Land Bank, die Landbounavorsingsraad, SA Wyn, SA Olyf, Syngenta en SABI. Die Adjunkpresident het die gehoor toegespreek voordat hy ’n wandeling deur die uitstallings geneem het, waar hy direk met produsente, landboubesighede en uitstallers in gesprek getree het. In sy opmerkings het hy die belangrikheid van samewerking en vennootskappe binne die waardeketting beklemtoon en die beoefte aan volgehoue samewerking om voedselsekerheid te versterk.

Fokus op die Garsbedryf

Die ekspo het ook ’n platform gebied vir belangrike sektor-spesifieke gesprekke, onder meer ’n gefokusde paneelbespreking oor die toekoms van die garsbedryf in Suid-Afrika wat deur Graan SA aangebied is. Die gesprek het die huidige ekonomiese uitdagings vir produsente belig, maar het ook op nuwe geleenthede vir groei gewys. Soufflet het sy R2 miljard-belegging in ’n nuwe moutery in Sedibeng bevestig, wat vanaf 2027 jaarliks 100 000 ton sal produseer. SABBI het die aanstelling van Willem Botes as nuwe hoofbestuurder aangekondig om plaaslike teelprojekte te versterk, en produsente en opbergingsverteenwoordigers het standaarde, risiko’s en geleenthede vir groter stabiliteit in die garsbedryf bespreek.

“Hierdie gesprek wys dat gars werklike geleenthede vir diversifikasie en volhoubare groei bied,” het Graan SA se HUB dr Tobias Doyer gesê.

NAMPO Kaap 2025 het ook ’n besondere rol gespeel as ’n platform van hoop tydens ’n tyd van ongunstige weertoestande in die winterreënval produksiestreke. Baie produsente gaan tans deur ’n moeilike tyd en wag dringend op reën, maar NAMPO Kaap het hulle die geleentheid gegee om weer inspirasie en moed te kry. Vir baie het die skou ’n plek geword waar hulle met mede-produsente kon gesels, weer kon glimlag en kon onthou dat landbou deel van ’n groter gemeenskap en toekoms is.

Rol van NAMPO Kaap

Volgens dr Dirk Strydom, NAMPO se Besturende Direkteur, het die week weereens getoon watter belangrike rol NAMPO Kaap speel om ’n ruimte te skep waar produsente toegang tot die nuutste kennis en tegnologie kan kry sonder om ver van hul plase af te reis. “Die groei van NAMPO Kaap wys net hoe relevant en noodsaaklik hierdie platform vir produsente in die wintergraangebiede is. Dit is ’n plek waar idees uitgeruil word, uitdagings aangespreek word en oplossings uitgestal word wat werklik verandering op plase kan dryf,” het Strydom gesê.

Buite die landboufokus het NAMPO Kaap weereens sy impak op die plaaslike ekonomie en gemeenskap bevestig. Bredasdorp en omliggende dorpe het vol bespreekte gastehuise, besige restaurante en die skepping van seisoenale werksgeleenthede gedurende die week van die ekspo gerapporteer. Die geleentheid het gesinne en gemeenskapslede gelok, met hoogtepunte soos die Boerboel-kampioenskappe, die Merino Classic en pensteek wat kulturele kleur by die tegnologie-vertoning gevoeg het. “NAMPO Kaap is nie net ’n platform vir boere nie, maar ook ’n gemeenskapsfees,” het Henk Aggenbach, Voorsitter van Bredasdorp Park NPC gesê, wat die ekspo saam met Graan SA aanbied.

’n Gevestigde Instelling vir die Toekoms

By die terugblik op die sukses van NAMPO Kaap 2025 het Doyer, die week in een woord opgesom: inspirerend. “NAMPO Kaap het ’n gevestigde instelling geword. Die sukses daarvan is die gevolg van sterk vennootskappe, toegewyde uitstallers, lojale produsente en die trotse ondersteuning van die Overberg-gemeenskap. Hierdie jaar se geleentheid het landbou se veerkragtigheid, vindingrykheid en vasberadenheid om te floreer, getoon.”

Wie word Suid-Afrika se Lamb Champ 2025?

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Wie word Suid-Afrika se Lamb Champ 2025?

Die Lamb Champs, ’n nasionale viering van Suid-Afrikaanse familielamprodusente, bou momentum met sy finale kwalifiserende rondes voor die groot eindronde in Oktober 2025. Hierdie unieke kompetisie vier die trots, vaardigheid en gehalte van plaaslike lammers, en bring boere, verwerkers en verbruikers bymekaar rondom Suid-Afrika se geliefde lamkultuur. Dit bied nie net ’n platform om die beste produsente uit te lig nie, maar ook ’n geleentheid om die hele waardeketting van plaas tot bord te vier.

Die kompetisie, wat deur die Suider-Afrikaanse Agri Inisiatief (Saai) en Pick n Pay aangebied word, het reeds sy eerste 2025-finaliste gekroon.

Die eerste wenners

  • Kimberley (Junie): Lize Mans van Kakamas het geseëvier.
  • Pretoria (Julie): JP Nel van Noordwes het die Pretoria-been gewen.

Hierdie oorwinnings bevestig reeds die hoë vlak van die 2025-kompetisie.

Parys vier sy eie kampioen

Die Afridome in Parys was op 6 September die trotse gasheer van die derde kwalifiserende rondte van Lamb Champs 2025, ’n dag gevul met topklas-lam, musiek en ware landelike gemeenskapsgees.

Baie geluk aan Hennie Jonker van Kroonstad, wat met sy uitstekende Hampshire Down die eerste plek behaal het. Hy wen R40 000 kontant, ’n unieke trofee deur kunstenaar Nic van Rensburg en ’n Weber-braai.

  • Tweede plek: Ancois Potgieter van Tweeling (Merino).
  • Derde plek: Niekie en Christo van Steynsrus (Dormer-Suffolk kruising).
  • Vierde en vyfde plekke: Barnie Venter en Francois Venter van Reddersburg (Dormers).

’n Groot hoogtepunt van die dag was toe Hennie se wenlam vir R30 000 opgeveil is aan Henning Pretorius van Losberg Lodge.

Wat wag nog?

Die fokus verskuif nou na die hoogs verwagte oorblywende kwalifiserende rondes:

Kaapse been: 24 September by die Boland Landbouskool in die Paarl.

Hierdie byeenkomste sal, soos in vorige jare, duisende besoekers lok met spitgebraaide lam, lewendige musiek en die berugte skaapkop-eetkompetisie.

Die groot finale

Die hoogtepunt wag op 17 Oktober 2025 by die Nampo-gronde in Bothaville, waar die streekwenners van regoor die land meeding om die titel van nasionale Lamb Champ 2025. Hierdie finale viering beklemtoon nie net die uitnemendheid van Suid-Afrika se lamprodusente nie, maar versterk ook hul onmisbare rol in die landbou-waardeketting.

Swartland Olive Festival 2025: Celebrating Heritage, Flavor and Community

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Swartland Olive Festival 2025: Celebrating Heritage, Flavor and Community

The Swartland Olive Festival, taking place on September 27th and 28th, 2025, in the heart of Riebeek Kasteel, represents a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich agricultural heritage of the Western Cape. This festival is more than just a tasting event; it’s a chance to connect with the land, the people, and the process behind one of South Africa’s most cherished products.

For visitors, the festival offers the opportunity to go beyond a simple meal and delve into the world of olive cultivation. Through guided tastings, you can learn to distinguish the diverse flavours and aromas of different olive oils and table olives. The event provides a platform to engage directly with local producers, hearing their stories and understanding the passion and resilience that go into every bottle of extra virgin olive oil.

The marketplace is a creative hub where you have the opportunity to discover artisanal treasures, from tapenades and preserves to olive-infused beauty products. The festival also provides a sensory journey, with the chance to sample regional wines, listen to local live music, and enjoy food trucks that showcase the best of the Swartland’s culinary offerings.

Whether you opt for a general access ticket or the exclusive VIP experience, the Swartland Olive Festival is an opportunity to celebrate community, innovation, and the authentic spirit of the region.

FPEF Appoints Piet de Jager as CEO, Succeeding Long-Serving Leader Anton Kruger

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FPEF Appoints Piet de Jager as CEO, Succeeding Long-Serving Leader Anton Kruger

The Fresh Produce Exporters’ Forum (FPEF) has appointed Piet de Jager as CEO, effective 15 September 2025. He takes over the reins from Anton Kruger.

Kruger’s Tenure and Retirement

Following a request from the FPEF board – when his contract ended in 2022 – to postpone his retirement by three years, Kruger is stepping down at 68. He has served as FPEF CEO for nearly 14 years during which time the organisation negotiated various ebbs and flows.

“I thank the FPEF board members for their consistent support during my tenure. I also appreciate both the victories and the challenges that I’ve navigated alongside my team, as well as the human connections made,” reflects Kruger.

De Jager’s Career Background

De Jager is a qualified Chartered Accountant (SA). He held CEO roles at Agrimall Africa (Pty) Ltd and AgriSA Enterprises and served as MD at Ecofarma Southern Africa and director at Into Africa Solution Services (Pty) Ltd T/A Afrilogic.

He kicked off his career as an accountant and manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers Inc, after which he joined his family’s farming business in KwaZulu-Natal, producing Queen pineapples for local and international markets, running a Brangus stud farm, and managing a tourism and game venture for international tourists. There, De Jager also held various positions where he immersed himself in organised agriculture. He then moved to Deloitte Consulting where he was exposed to various clients in the agriculture sector, across the African continent.

Collectively, De Jager’s illustrious career across the agriculture value chain has equipped him with vital skills in strategic relationship building, and development and implementation of targeted strategies for large commercial impact. Over the past 20 years he has built a deep understanding of how policy, trade, market development, transformation and innovation intersect in the sector.

Vision for the FPEF

“I am excited to join the FPEF as an enabler of global competitiveness at this critical stage, and to build on the legacy of integrity and impact. It is an honour to be part of shaping the FPEF’s next chapter – in service of our members, our industry and our country,” says De Jager.

To ensure a smooth transition, Kruger has committed to work closely with De Jager until the end of 2025.

The FPEF board thanks Kruger for his focused leadership and commitment and looks forward to working with De Jager to glean from his skills.

Tru-Cape Joins Search for Most Valuable Braaier

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Tru-Cape Joins Search for Most Valuable Braaier

Nothing says South African culture quite like a crackling fire, the scent of wood smoke, and proudly local flavours sizzling on the braai. This September, Tru-Cape Fruit Marketing joins the flame-fuelled fun as a key partner of Ultimate Braai Master Season 9. Their mission: to put South Africa’s apples and pears in the spotlight while contestants battle it out for the coveted title of the nation’s Most Valuable Braaier (MVB).

The new season kicks off on Sunday, September 21 at 17:00 on e.tv, promising eight teams, fierce competition, and plenty of creativity as contestants light the coals in pursuit of braai glory.

Scenic Setting with Local Roots

Filmed in the breathtaking valleys of the Overberg district in the Western Cape – home to Tru-Cape’s own Elgin orchards – this season is about more than food. It’s a celebration of resilience, shared heritage, and the timeless joy of gathering around the flames with family and friends.

Fresh Flavour Takes Centre Stage

“As South Africa’s largest exporter of apples and pears, Tru-Cape is thrilled to join the ninth season of Ultimate Braai Master,” says Conrad Fick, Marketing Director at Tru-Cape Fruit Marketing. “This is the perfect stage to celebrate fresh, homegrown flavour and the spirit of sharing great food around the fire.”

Managing Director Roelf Pienaar adds: “At Tru-Cape, we believe that fresh, wholesome fruit belongs at the heart of every South African table – and what better stage to showcase that than around the braai? Ultimate Braai Master is more than a competition; it’s a celebration of our shared heritage, creativity, and love of food. We look forward to seeing how our apples and pears inspire contestants to bring something truly fresh to the fire.”

Culinary Icons at the Helm

Returning to the judging panel are South Africa’s culinary heavyweights: Chef Pete Goffe-Wood and Chef Bennie Masekwameng. Host Tapfuma Makina will once again guide viewers through the fiery highs, tense eliminations, and unforgettable plates of proudly South African cuisine.

With Tru-Cape ensuring freshness remains a key ingredient, viewers can expect more than just great cooking – this season promises a true feast of flavours.

For more information visit www.tru-cape.com

SA Sauvignon Blanc Impresses with Style and Innovation

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SA Sauvignon Blanc Impresses with Style and Innovation

South African Sauvignon Blanc continues to impress with its stylistic range and ageing ability, showcased by the 20 finalists from four vintages in this year’s FNB Sauvignon Blanc SA Top 10 competition and the launch of the country’s first-ever Sauvignon Blanc Aroma Wheel.

From 167 entries by 98 producers, an expert panel led by seasoned Sauvignon Blanc judge Dr Carien Coetzee selected the top 20 contenders. Now in its 19th year, the competition, presented by Sauvignon Blanc South Africa along with Top 10 title partner FNB and platinum partner Ever Solutions, saw strong performances across vintages 2021 to 2025, with 11 wines from 2025 making the finals. Older vintages also impressed for their ageing potential, outperforming younger wines, including five from 2024, three from 2023, and one from 2021.

Coetzee says the line-up was a strong representation of South Africa’s potential, with producers entering their very best wines, which lends credibility to the competition. “The panel praised the careful use of oak, balance of green, pyrazine-driven styles with fruit complexity, palate weight, and the rounded, concentrated character of the 2025 entries,” Coetzee says. “Judges also commended the 2024 wooded wines as well as winemakers’ techniques in producing fuller-bodied styles alongside fresher, lighter expressions.”

The finalists represent a broad spectrum of South Africa’s wine regions, with cooler as well as warmer climate areas contributing multiple entries to the list. Notably, Groote Post Vineyards stands out with three top contenders, a unique achievement, including two different vintages of one wine.

The 20 finalists (in alphabetical order) are:

  • Ataraxia Sauvignon Blanc 2025 (Cape South Coast)
  • Cederberg Wines Ghost Corner Wild Ferment Sauvignon Blanc 2024 (wooded) (Elim, Cape Agulhas)
  • Delaire Graff Coastal Cuvée Sauvignon Blanc 2025 (Coastal Region)
  • Diemersdal Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2025 (Durbanville, Cape Town)
  • Durbanville Hills Collectors Reserve The Cape Mist Sauvignon Blanc 2024 (wooded) (Durbanville, Cape Town)
  • Eikendal Sauvignon Blanc 2025 (Stellenbosch)
  • Groote Post Sauvignon Blanc 2025 (Western Cape)                     
  • Groote Post Seasalter 2024 (wooded) (Western Cape)
  • Groote Post Seasalter 2025 (wooded) (Western Cape)
  • Groot Phesantekraal Sauvignon Blanc 2025 (Durbanville, Cape Town)
  • Kleine Zalze Family Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2023 (wooded) (Western Cape)               
  • KWV Cathedral Cellar Sauvignon Blanc 2023 (Western Cape)
  • Langverwacht Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2025 (Robertson)
  • Maastricht Sauvignon Blanc 2025 (Durbanville, Cape Town)
  • Merwida Sauvignon Blanc 2025 (Western Cape)
  • Paardenkloof Springtide Sauvignon Blanc 2024 (Bot River, Walker Bay)
  • Rietvallei John B Sauvignon Blanc 2025 (Robertson)
  • Steenberg Barrel Fermented Sauvignon Blanc 2023 (wooded) (Constantia, Cape Town)
  • Tokara Reserve Collection Elgin Sauvignon Blanc 2024 (Elgin)
  • Vrede en Lust Artisan Range Blanc Fumé 2021 (wooded) (Elgin)

Joining Coetzee on the judging panel were Dr Winifred Bowman, Cape Wine Master and international judge, Praisy Dlamini, winemaker and CEO of Adama Wines and HER Wine Collection, winemaker Morgan Steyn of De Grendel Wines, winemaker Juandré Bruwer of Diemersdal Wine Estate, as well as two guest judges, Liezl Richards, Cape Wine Master and national sales and export manager of Gabriëlskloof, and Lauren Segers-Jewell of Wine Cellar.

This year, Sauvignon Blanc SA partnered with French company Winespace to introduce its pioneering TASTEE judging platform. The system streamlined scoring in real time and, for a select set of wines, used AI to generate professional sensory profiles for producers. Supported by bronze partner Tonnellerie Sylvain, this innovation adds efficiency, transparency and valuable insights, reinforcing the competition’s focus on credibility, innovation and premiumisation.

AROMA WHEEL CAPTURES THE COMPLEXITY OF SOUTH AFRICAN SAUVIGNON BLANC

The country’s first-ever Sauvignon Blanc Aroma Wheel has been unveiled, developed by researchers from Stellenbosch University’s South African Grape and Wine Research Institute (SAGWRI) and Sauvignon Blanc SA, in collaboration with South Africa Wine and several local and international industry experts.

The wheel is the result of a concerted effort to better understand and visually capture the aromatic complexity of South African Sauvignon Blanc. Based on the sensory evaluation of 60 wines by 54 local professionals, enriched with input from international judges from Concours Mondial de Bruxelles (CMB), the wheel distils more than 200 descriptors into 72 key attributes. Alongside global benchmarks, it highlights uniquely South African notes such as naartjie, fynbos and buchu.

Coetzee says the wheel proved invaluable during the competition and profiling of the top wines: “It provided a clear framework for describing very diverse wines and helped judges build sensory profiles, which can now be further refined by Winespace.”

“The aroma wheel is an innovative tool that defines the cultivar’s aromatic identity,” says Elunda Basson, Chairperson of Sauvignon Blanc SA. “It offers winemakers, marketers, educators and enthusiasts a valuable reference to explore and celebrate South Africa’s vibrant Sauvignon Blanc styles. Anyone can download this aroma wheel at no cost from our website sauvignonblanc.com.”

DON’T MISS THE TOP 10 ANNOUNCEMENT

The Top 10 winners will be revealed on Wednesday 15 October 2025, at the FNB Sauvignon Blanc SA Top 10 awards event. The results will also be available on https://sauvignonblanc.com/ and across social media platforms. The annual Sauvignon Blanc SA Seminar and Annual General Meeting will take place on Wednesday 12 November 2025 at Hazendal Wine Estate.

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