Western Cape Premier Alan Winde has welcomed the agreement that will protect the jobs of thousands of employees at Langeberg & Ashton Foods.
This development follows Tiger Brands’ recent announcement that it is selling its deciduous canned fruit and purée manufacturing business, Langeberg & Ashton Foods, to a consortium led by local fruit growers for a nominal price of R1.
“Tiger Brands recently informed the Premier that it has concluded a business agreement to facilitate the company’s exit from its deciduous canned fruit business, Langeberg & Ashton Foods.
“The business will be sold as a going concern to a capable consortium comprising partners with a vested interest in Langeberg & Ashton Foods, its employees, and the region,” a statement from the provincial government read.
Located in Ashton, Western Cape, Tiger Brands employs over 3 000 permanent and seasonal workers, significantly contributing to the region’s economy.
Langeberg & Ashton Foods Division produces canned fruit, including peaches, pears, apricots, apples, and guavas, and fruit purees, largely for the export market.
It supplies Tiger Brands’ Culinary division with canned fruit for KOO, pulps for All Gold, Hugo, and KOO, and purees for Purity.
The sale of Langeberg & Ashton Foods follows a strategic decision taken by Tiger Brands 2020 to exit the business to better align its portfolio with the stated vision.
“This positive development will bring much-needed relief to Langeberg & Ashton Foods employees, their families, and the community of Ashton, as well as the broader Langeberg region.
“Our priority throughout this process has been to protect jobs. Apart from the thousands of jobs that have been saved at Langeberg & Ashton Foods, this agreement also safeguards many more jobs on farms across the Langeberg area," said Winde.
The Premier has thanked Tiger Brands and other stakeholders who have been involved in finding an outcome that protects much-needed jobs.
“Your dedication to seeing that this agreement reaches a positive conclusion is commendable. There is no doubt that all stakeholders share the Western Cape Government’s top priority to secure strong and stable economic growth for our province, which will see many more jobs being created.”
Winde believes a job is so much more than just a pay cheque. “It offers dignity, purpose, and the power to change not only one life, but the future of entire families and future generations.”
The Western Cape MEC for Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, has also welcomed the news for the Langeberg community and the local deciduous industry.
“Our commitment to working with all role players in the sector is informed by the Western Cape Government’s Growth for Jobs strategy, which seeks to safeguard and expand exports. Protecting and growing the agri-processing sub-sector is, therefore, crucial.” – SAnews.gov.za
