Tiger Brands has made its first investment under the newly launched Hulisani programme, aimed at strengthening local agricultural supply chains and enhancing national food security.
The programme is part of the food giant’s broader strategy to develop sustainable sourcing and increase the resilience of South Africa’s food system.
Maanda Milubi, director of enterprise and supplier development at Tiger Brands, said, “We are actively developing sustainable local agricultural sourcing to ensure a reliable supply of raw materials, reduce dependence on imports, support farmers in building resilient businesses, and contribute to national food security.”
Boosting climate resilience
South Africa’s agricultural sector, which employs over 900 000 people, plays a vital role in job creation and food production. However, the industry faces persistent challenges such as poor infrastructure, limited access to finance, and the ongoing effects of climate change.
In mid-2024, black frost severely affected scores of farms in Musina, Limpopo, adding strain to farming operations already dealing with adverse conditions. The weather event disrupted production and affected the supply chain to companies like Tiger Brands.
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To assist affected tomato farmers in Musina, Tiger Brands has provided a combination of durable and non-durable irrigation systems tailored to each farm’s water quality. These systems will help farmers draw water more efficiently and increase their crop production capacity.
The improved infrastructure is expected to reduce irrigation-related expenses, freeing up resources for other critical areas of farm management.
They also offer continued support to the farmers through technical assistance and business development services. The company will monitor crop progress, assist with record-keeping during planting seasons, and provide coaching in financial and operational management as needed.
The irrigation systems will remain in use beyond the tomato season to help farmers grow alternative crops, further boosting year-round productivity.
A long-term partnership
Tiger Brands collaborates with more than 100 commercial and smallholder farmers in Musina, as well as a smaller group in Lutzville in the Western Cape, sourcing close to 100 000 tonnes of tomatoes annually. Farmers receive cultivar-specific tomato seedlings for products like All Gold Tomato Sauce and other tomato-based goods. Technical support throughout the growing season ensures yields meet the company’s processing standards.
Once harvested, the tomatoes are processed at Tiger Brands’ facilities in Musina and Lutzville before being transported to the All Gold manufacturing plant in Boksburg, east of Johannesburg.
The Hulisani Programme investment marks a significant step toward sustainable food production, with the potential to enhance rural livelihoods and build resilience in critical farming communities.
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