To be sustainable in an ever competitive fruit export industry, it is crucial to focus on the marketing principle of “Field to Fork”. Integration of the supply chain forms an essential part of it and relationships with fruit receivers in the diverse international markets, must be developed at grass root level. It is necessary to access new markets; therefore, South Africa and the USA are currently busy with negotiations to allow farmers in black spot affected areas to export citrus to the USA. When they have come to an agreement, Blydevallei will be allowed to export to the USA markets as well.
As part of our integration in the supply chain, we have developed our own brand, Canyon Gold, over the last 20 years to such an extent that in 2018 more than 80% of our fruit was marketed directly to receivers and Supermarkets all over the world. Direct exports have many advantages, including the fact that you know who your customer is and what their needs are. You also have more control over all the phases of transactions.
Blydevallei takes pride in its equipment; therefore, we are constantly searching for the best technology to upgrade our pack houses and improve our systems.