OUR COMPANY
Zest Fruit has grown considerably since originally being founded in 2006. Four years later, the business was consolidated and rebranded as Zest Fruit with the head office now in Stellenbosch, Western Cape and a regional office in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga. We also have access to inland cold storage and export facilities in the ports of Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Durban and Maputo.
To optimise fruit movement from source to market, we provide marketing, risk management and supply chain solutions. Our key markets are in Russia, Europe, Japan, Canada, the UK, Far East and Middle East. Zest Fruit’s strength lies in tailoring supply to meet individual buyer requirements – from packaging formats to specific quality standards. Thus we apply out-of-the-box thinking to match our customers’ needs with those of our producers and vice versa.
Throughout, we place a strong emphasis on personal service and building long-term sustainable relationships.
Committed to delivering fruit conforming to the strictest international safety regulations, Zest Fruit ensures that growers are aware of their environmental responsibility and production safety aspects.
Because our supply chain management is fully integrated with sourcing and marketing functions, favourable shipping, delivery and payment methods are assured. Included in our strategic supply chain management activities is building relationships with service providers, as well as integrating information technology within the supply chain.
In partnership with our suppliers, we take pride in our customers, which include not only the leading retail organisations in the UK, Europe, Russia, Japan, Middle and Far East, but also prominent importers and wholesalers.
As a preferred supplier of fresh produce worldwide, we have firm client relationships because of our service ethic.
Not only do we consider our clients’ needs, we also offer shortest-route supply chain management and provide timeous delivery of nature’s best.
VISION
Becoming an integral part of our growers’ business through provision of key services that are innovative, that influence the supply chain and markets and ultimately enable Zest Fruit to deliver on its promise with passion and commitment.
MISSION
Zest Fruit is a provider of specialized export services to leading growers, through partnerships with leading buyers and efficient supply chain management, whereby maximum benefits can be returned to our customers. The continued success of our partners will ensure growth and reinvestment in the Zest Fruit organisation.
OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS
Freek Dreyer
Managing director and marketing Russia/Middle East/Far East
BSc Agriculture
Zest Fruit co-founder, Freek is a veteran in the fruit industry, having worked at well-known companies for many years prior to establishing the company. A family man, he enjoys fishing and is a big sport fan.
Maarten Venter
Executive director and marketing Europe/Japan/Canada
B Comm (Hons) Fin Management, MBA
Zest Fruit co-founder, Maarten has been in the fruit industry since 1994. His hobby is the fruit industry.
Simon Holdcroft
CFO
B Comm, ACMA
At Zest Fruit since its foundation, Simon’s sport is mountain biking and he enjoys family time, the outdoors and travelling.