BEE fruit suppliers get a local break

RAY SMUTS THE THANDI empowerment trademark acquired three years ago by the Capespan Group and already making a name for itself in export markets, is soon to to return home, specifically to the fruit shelves of the huge Pick ‘n Pay retail chain. Pick ‘n Pay has undertaken to buy all the apples, pears and plums available locally under the trade name. While agreements have been struck with several empowered fruit suppliers, the first fruit for sale will come from the Western Cape, specifically from the Lebanon farm near Grabouw. Sales for the Pick ‘n Pay group within the first year are estimated at around R10 million.