In2Food, a South African-based company, specializes in supplying fresh, ready-to-eat fruits and vegetables to two high-end retailers – Marks & Spencer in the United Kingdom and Woolworths in South Africa. Employing nearly 10,000 people, primarily women, In2Food operates multiple facilities in South Africa, where staff hand-prepare significant quantities of seasonal fruit daily. The company’s facilities prepare over 3,700 tons of pineapple, 7,580 tons of watermelon, and 4,412 tons of mango per year, using both locally-sourced produce and imported items.
Focus on Quality and Seasonal Produce
At In2Food, quality and seasonality are key priorities. Nerina Hopkins, Manager of Produce and Juice, highlights the company’s commitment to selecting top varieties to ensure the best product reaches consumers. During peak seasons, In2Food airfreights over 25 tons of fresh-cut fruit per day to the UK, ensuring rapid turnover from preparation to store shelves. Dedicated growers supply seasonal produce, including seedless watermelons, green melons, and orange melons, while the company has recently introduced yellow watermelon for a diversified offering. Emma Schoeman, category head for produce, emphasizes their focus on seasonal shifts: they source pineapples year-round from KwaZulu-Natal, while winter months bring citrus fruits and papayas. This strategic sourcing enables In2Food to maintain a year-round supply of fresh produce to retailers.
Extensive Network of Growers and Facilities
To maintain a consistent supply of quality fruits and vegetables, In2Food works closely with a network of growers across different regions, with facilities in Gauteng and the Western Cape Province. Their two main vegetable processing sites—Strand in Cape Town and Bonaero Park in Johannesburg – handle over 1,700 tons of butternut annually, a favourite vegetable in South Africa. Beyond fresh-cut produce, In2Food offers a diverse portfolio, including prepared salads, fresh juices, soups, and even grocery and baking items. This wide range of products, tailored to consumer needs, is supported by strong collaborations with dedicated growers, ensuring supply chain reliability.
Challenges and Innovation Amidst Global Supply Chains
While In2Food benefits from its extensive local network, the company also faces challenges, particularly with import delays at South African ports. For example, delays in mango shipments have prompted In2Food to switch to airfreight to minimize loss and maintain product quality. Innovation is a cornerstone of In2Food’s approach, as the company constantly seeks new varieties of fruits and vegetables. Hopkins notes that it can take years to approve new varieties, as the company rigorously tests for flavour, texture, and growth conditions.
Consumer Trends and Expanding Internationally
In2Food is also attuned to evolving consumer preferences, such as the increasing focus on health, reduced sugar content, and gut health. To keep pace, they introduce over 50 new products annually, with innovations like the Florida Pearl white strawberry, developed on their farm in Brits. Expanding their reach, In2Food recently showcased their products at Fruit Attraction 2024 in Madrid, underscoring their commitment to growth and consumer-oriented solutions worldwide.
Through meticulous operations, close grower partnerships, and a dedication to quality, In2Food has become a trusted supplier for top-tier retailers, setting a high standard in the fresh-cut produce market.