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OUR GROWING TIMELINE

The father and son team have a focus on perfection, producing the best fruit and vegetables possible

1945

When Howard Gibson returned from World War II with only £83 in his pocket, he had a dream to farm the fertile soils around the picturesque Ceres Valley in the Western Cape. He realised his dream through hard work and determination and left his three sons with several farms in the area.

1990 / 2001

His son George Gibson inherited Doornkraal and Hartebeestvallei farms in the Witzenberg valley in 1990 and continued his father’s work by building these farms into a world-class Agri Enterprise. By reinvesting the fruits of his labour he bought another farm, Kleinbegin, in 2001 and also added export class packing and cold storage facilities that ensures that all fruit packed at Doornkraal Agri reach the consumer as fresh as the moment it was picked.

2009

George’s son Alexander Gibson joined the business in 2009 and together, through a relentless focus on technology, people and sustainable development the enterprise today plays a leading role in the development of the region’s fruit production capabilities.

2012

In 2012 another farm, Visgat, was bought. This farm is nestled in a remote corner in the Witzenberg Valley which is about 250m lower in altitude than Doornkraal. This created the ideal opportunity to increase the pear production of the company.

2021

In 2008 a Joint Venture agreement was signed, which created Driefontein Boerdery Joint Venture, in which Doornkraal Agri held 50%. In 2021 Doornkraal acquired the remaining 50%. This farm in the Koue Bokkeveld region added nectarines to our product range which are produced and packed on-site for the local market. This acquisition completed the holdings that today make up Doornkraal Agri.

2023

After accessing the international market and realising that the consumer wants to move closer to the producer, we started a grower/exporter company called Zonnehaven. We are extremely proud of this new venture and we will strive to cultivate the perfect fruit for customers internationally and locally.

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