From 25 – 27 September 2025, the world’s blueberry leaders will gather under one roof at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) for the IBO Summit 2025. Hosted by BerriesZA, this global event marks a defining moment not only for the Southern African industry, but for the worldwide blueberry value chain.
Set against the vibrant and diverse backdrop of South Africa, the Summit promises an immersive experience that blends hard science, global strategy, and grassroots innovation. It offers a powerful platform for growers, exporters, retailers, researchers, and policymakers to engage in meaningful dialogue at a time when sustainability and climate resilience are no longer optional—but essential.
Driving Innovation, Sustainability, and Strategy
The Summit opens with a global perspective: keynote addresses and the launch of the IBO Global Production Report by Cort Brazelton and Colin Fain. The first two days are packed with deep discussions on pivotal issues—from environmental and social governance (ESG) to packaging innovation, carbon-conscious logistics, and the role of genetics in yield and quality optimisation.
Speakers such as Prof. Guy Midgley of Stellenbosch University (on the climate crisis), Ambassador Darci Vetter (on global trade dynamics), and Cindy van Rijswyk from Rabobank (on investment flows) underscore the event’s global calibre. Panel discussions range from global production insights to the consumer demand frontier, and how the African continent can position itself for long-term competitiveness.
Beyond presentations, the Summit proudly embraces green conferencing principles—promoting energy efficiency, waste reduction, water conservation, and responsible sourcing. These align with industry-wide commitments to sustainable development and climate-smart agriculture.
Farming Excellence in the Western Cape: Four Blueberry Leaders
The third day offers an invaluable look into on-the-ground excellence with farm and packhouse visits in the Western Cape, South Africa’s top blueberry-producing region.
Chiltern Farms
A third-generation, family-owned enterprise, Chiltern Farms operates across 230 hectares of apples and pears, and 50 hectares of blueberries. Led by Justin Mudge, the farm has evolved into a vertically integrated operation, packing and independently exporting 2 million cartons annually under the Fruit Flow Concept brand. Chiltern represents a blend of tradition, innovation, and strategic market orientation.
Indigo Berries – United Exports
Home to the world-renowned OZblu® variety, Indigo Berries is part of United Exports, a vertically integrated powerhouse established in 2002. With control over everything from plant genetics to global distribution, United Exports champions premium quality, cold chain integrity, and leading-edge agronomic research—all while setting benchmarks in environmental responsibility.
Six33 Packhouse – Paarl
In the heart of Paarl lies a technologically advanced packhouse operated by Six33. With the capacity to process 28 tons per shift using BBC optical sorting lines, the facility operates year-round, scaling up with up to 100 seasonal workers during peak periods. Certified under BRC, Global G.A.P., SIZA, and Farming for the Future, it embodies excellence in food safety, sustainability, and community employment.
The Packhouse at Eaglevlei
Also run by Six33, this packhouse is strategically located just outside Klapmuts, near key logistics routes to Cape Town’s port and airport. Featuring BBC and Weco systems alongside Curo punnet fillers, it runs double shifts in high season and employs up to 80 people per shift, supporting local livelihoods and export readiness.
A Call to Act
IBO Summit 2025 is not just an event—it’s a blueprint for building a sustainable, technologically advanced, and inclusive future for the blueberry industry. It underscores the power of collaboration across continents, between science and business, and from farm to consumer.
As the pressures of climate change, shifting market demands, and ESG expectations mount, this gathering challenges stakeholders to lead with vision and integrity. The South African setting—with its world-class operations, rich biodiversity, and agricultural resilience—provides the ideal stage for such a critical conversation.
In the spirit of Africa and with eyes on the globe, the Summit invites us not just to grow blueberries—but to grow better.