Neofresh 2.9

unrestrained passion…

We believe in the importance of sound research and the competitive edge this gives us in the market place. We believe in creating an environment and atmosphere where every team member has the freedom to express his or her views and where our individual and collective dreams can be fulfilled. We share an unrestrained passion for what we do. We believe in a multi-cultural prosperous South Africa where everyone should be given an opportunity regardless of race, culture, language or religion.

Neofresh was established 20 years ago by Tim and Brian Chennels. Since then the company has undergone a few name changes as well as changes in shareholding. From the outset the core business of the company was the production, value-adding and marketing of Papaya.

In 2011 Neofresh merged with one of its competitors, Low’s

Creek, adding 40% to its production area and consolidating retail market share. Before the merger Neofresh hired all its farms but owned the packing facility in Hectorspruit. Its assets were mainly intangible in nature, consisting of Intellectual Property with regards to varieties and trademarks, as well as substantial market share amongst South African retailers. The merger strengthened the balance sheet to enable Neofresh to acquire its flagship farm, Kenworthy Estates. Today Neofresh produces papaya on four farms and litchi on three farms in South Africa. Production of papaya in Mozambique will commence in 2016. Today it is the biggest supplier of Papaya to the Retail market in South Africa.

In March 2014 Neofresh acquired the shares of the non-operational shareholders. This ended a long and very fruitful relationship with Colors Fruit (Pty) Ltd. The Inge & Mia Schmidt Trust is currently the only shareholder.