As the new year begins, the energy on Betko’s farms and in our packhouses is palpable. The Western Cape’s apple and pear harvest season is just around the corner, and although this year’s start is slightly delayed, we are more than ready to hit the ground running.
January marks the culmination of months of preparation on our farms. Our farm managers and their teams have worked tirelessly through winter and spring to nurture the orchards, ensuring the highest-quality fruit. The early summer pears were the first to arrive, followed closely by the apples, and this transition from farm to packhouse is a moment we eagerly anticipate every year.
This year, we are adding an important tradition to kick off the harvest season: a farm visit for our packhouse teams. These visits are more than just a walk through the orchards; they are a bridge between two critical parts of our operation.
Walking alongside our experienced farm managers, our packhouse teams gain first-hand insights into the farming practices that produce Betko’s apples and pears. They observe the soon-to-be-harvested fruit, discuss the challenges the industry is facing, and collaborate on planning for the busy months ahead. It is a unique opportunity for cross-departmental learning and a chance to appreciate the hard work that starts long before the fruit reaches the packhouse.
The farm visits also help us identify ways to streamline processes as the first fruit arrives. Understanding the nuances of each orchard’s crop allows our packhouse teams to anticipate challenges, from grading and sorting to packing and distribution. These insights are invaluable for maintaining the efficiency and quality Betko is known for across the globe.
Harvest season is not just a critical time for Betko but for the entire Western Cape region. South Africa’s fruit industry continues to navigate global challenges, from shifting market demands to the impact of climate change. Yet, as always, we remain committed to delivering the highest-quality produce to our customers.
As we welcome the new year, our focus is on collaboration, innovation, and excellence. From the orchards to the packhouses, our team’s dedication is unwavering, and we are excited to bring the fruits of their labour to markets around the world.
Here is to a successful harvest season and a year filled with growth and opportunity!