Ceres Fruit Growers (CFG) has been named BRCGS Certificated Site of the Year 2026 by the Brand Reputation through Compliance Global Standards (BRCGS). The award was presented in London recently and recognises exceptional commitment to food safety, quality management, and supply chain integrity.
Tru-Cape Fruit Marketing celebrated the achievement of its shareholder, CFG, and said in a statement that it represents more than an industry accolade; it is an independent assurance that the apples and pears stocked by retailers and purchased by consumers meet some of the most stringent global food safety standards.
Francois Malan, managing director of Ceres Fruit Growers, said, “Winning this award confirms the mutual trust we share with our clients and shareholders. We believe that challenging ourselves through continuous improvement and teamwork is a proven recipe for success, embodying our slogan, ‘Leading the way.’ A commitment to a strong food safety and quality culture is an integral part of our DNA.”
Exceeding food safety, quality standards
Joe Hanekom, senior manager of production at Ceres Fruit Growers, emphasised the direct benefit to customers.
“This award is particularly meaningful because it followed nomination by the industry. Over the past five years, we have achieved consecutive AA gradings in unannounced annual audits, with fewer than five deviations each time. That consistency demonstrates that our systems are not only in place but are working effectively at all times.
Related stories
- Tru-Cape cherries target China amid bumper 2025 crop
- Tru-Cape strengthens apple & pear exports in Africa and Asia
- Canegrowers urge intervention amid Tongaat Hulett’s liquidation
- Agri sector warns: Fill US ambassador post or risk trade fallout
“Our food safety and quality culture is something our staff actively live by. From management to the different departmental teams, everyone understands their role in protecting the integrity of our product,” he said.
For retailers and consumers, he added, this means confidence that the apples and pears reaching their shelves have been handled according to rigorous international standards.
“We challenge ourselves every year to improve further. Ultimately, this recognition belongs to the entire team and reinforces the trust placed in us by our customers and shareholders,” Hanekom said.
As the global marketer of Ceres Fruit Growers’ apples and pears, Tru-Cape highlighted the importance of the award in strengthening retailer partnerships and consumer confidence.
Roelf Pienaar, managing director of Tru-Cape, said retailers operate in an environment where traceability, food safety and consistency are non-negotiable.
“This award provides independent verification that the fruit we market worldwide is supported by robust systems and a deeply embedded quality culture. For consumers, it means peace of mind. For retailers, it means reduced risk and a reliable supply partner. For Tru-Cape, it reinforces the trust that underpins our relationships across global markets,” he said.
READ NEXT: Land reform: How the private sector can bridge the funding gap
