The Western Cape government’s discussions with Tiger Brands to explore ways to keep its canning factory open were continuing, with hopes high for a new buyer to come forward, said Mireille Wenger, MEC for Finance and Economic Development.
This comes after Tiger Brands, Africa’s largest listed food maker, announced last week that it would shut down its Langeberg & Ashton Foods fruit and canning operation, impacting some 4 000 jobs in the province.
“The facility plays a critical role in terms of job creation and the closing of this operation will have an impact along the entire supply chain,” said Wenger. “The provincial government, along with Wesgro, has been actively engaging with different parties facilitating talks with stakeholders as part of an effort to come up with the best solution.”
She said she and Premier Alan Winde had met with Tiger Brands, and a process to sell the business was under way, which, if successful, would see operations continue.
“We have been advised that the process to secure potential buyers is ongoing and that Tiger Brands is engaging with several interested parties. The Western Cape Agriculture department is also involved, trying to preserve as many jobs as possible in talks with stakeholders across the agri-processing subsector.”
The Langeberg & Ashton factory, the biggest of its kind in the country, is one of only two fruit-canning facilities in South Africa.
