Free State
South Africa
Sector
Food & Beverages
Agriculture and agricultural produce are huge employers in South Africa, and with the recent spike in food prices, the sector has become increasingly more important.
In the Free State agriculture is a dominant force, with cultivated land covering around 32,000 square kilometres, while natural veld and grazing is spread over a further 87,000 square kilometres.
The province already boasts a wide variety of fresh produce, including both white and green asparagus, soya, sunflowers and wheat. In addition, around 90% of South Africa’s total cherry crop is cultivated in the Free State.
While the agricultural sector in the Free State is becoming increasingly export-orientated, most produce leaves the province unprocessed. It is here that a gap in the market has been identified.
The Free State Investment Promotion Agency (FIPA) is concentrating on establishing a Fresh Produce Market as a means of beneficiating produce in the province, as well as providing a one-stop service for the fresh food industry.
There are a vast number of opportunities available and FIPA is keen to work with investors to see these fulfilled, as well as working with new entrants on new opportunities.
Opportunities currently available:
- Packaging and production of stir fry vegetables
- Production of already cut vegetables
- Canning fruit and vegetables
- Processing of baby food
- Production of fruit juice extracts and puree
- Support services on the same premises in order to create a one-stop service: Butchery, Fish Market
- Dairy component to purchase fresh milk, cheese, yogurt and bakery
This is just a small selection of the many investment opportunities currently available as part of the Fresh Produce Market in the Free State.
FIPA is keen to hear from businesses with new ideas about how they can get involved and contribute to developing the fresh produce sector in the Free State.
For more information about any of these opportunities or to find out how your business can get involved in the Free State’s new Fresh Produce Market contact FIPA directly:
Name: Lesley-Anne Welman
Tel: +27 51 410 0885
Email: lesley@fipa-sa.co.za
Free State Investment Promotion Agency
