of Limpopo foods
19 March 2009
Agro Processors of Limpopo (APOL Ltd) is a company made up of vegetable
farmers in Limpopo, the majority of whom are organised under the Limpopo Tomato
Growers Association (LTGA).LTGA boasts a membership of over 2000 emerging
tomato farmers. The Limpopo Department of Agriculture funded APOL to the tune
of R17 million to acquire 51% shares in Neotech Industries Ltd, which has been
in the tomato processing business for 28 years, to create a Broad Based Black
Economically Empowered agro-processing company called Nojax (Pty) Ltd which
currently trades under the brand name APOL fods.
APOL food is currently producing tomato paste used to produce tomato sauce,
tomato powder used to produce soup powder and canned tomato. The factory has a
capacity to process 3000 tons of tomatoes per month. APOL foods products are
sold in bulk to well known food distribution companies in the country including
Unilever (unbranded and bulk tomato powder for Royco soup and dry mixes), Mars
(unbranded and bulk tomato powder for Knorr soup and dry mixes), Patleyâs (all
canned products) and liberty foods (all canned products).
The company provides an opportunity for APOL Ltd shareholders and
non-shareholders to supply tomatoes to the factory, thereby ensuring market
access for the produce. Farmers who are shareholders of the company will
receive additional income when dividends are declared. The emerging farmers
from Mopani, who are also members of LTGA, currently supply 200 tons of
tomatoes per month which will increase substantially when tomatoes get sourced
from LTGA members in other Districts. Other supplies are sourced from ZZ2 800
tons per month, Montina 1200 tons per month and Sandquest farming 800 tons per
month.
The company generates a turnover ranging between R18 million and R22 million
per annum and currently employs 110 permanent workers.
The MEC for Agriculture Mme Dikeledi Magadzi will launch the new
company.
The Media is invited to attend the event
Details of the launch are as follows:
Unveiling of the plaque
Date: 24 March 2009
Time: 09h00
Venue: Factor site in Politsi outside Tzaneen
Formal launch function
Date: 24 March 2009
Time: 10h00
Venue: Modjadjiskloof Cricket Club in Modjadjiskloof Town
Enquiries:
Mr Thembi Makhuvele
Cell: 082 803 5648
For transport contact:
Mr Samson Mabunda
Cell: 082 889 3791
Issued by: Department of Agriculture, Limpopo Provincial Government
19 March 2009
