2025 HORTGRO TRANSFORMATION AWARD | La Vouere Stone Fruit Pty Ltd

The Hortgro Transformation Award gives recognition to any person(s)/group(s) that made an impact in the transformation sphere of the deciduous fruit industry value chain and showed exceptional performance and commitment.

The primary purpose of this reward is to:

• Motivate people/groups that work in the transformation sphere of the deciduous fruit industry to commit themselves to performing above expectations continuously.
• To recognise people/groups in the deciduous (pome/stone) value chain as examples for their peers.
• To promote the interests of and work together with other deciduous fruit stakeholders and value chain players.
• To enhance the image, profile, and products of the deciduous fruit industry in general.

The 2025 Hortgro Transformation Award goes to La Vouere Stone Fruit (Pty) Ltd and its shareholders – a partnership formed in 2015. La Vouere as the majority shareholder (60%) – Raymond Koopstad and his wife, Mary, and Verdun Estates (40%) – Georgie Hewit and Peter Wolfaardt.

A true reflection of what is possible with Public-Private Partnerships, with Government and industry creating an enabling environment and the shareholders making the magic happen at the grassroots level with a much broader impact beyond the farm gate.

Several critical elements stand out and have contributed to the success. Willing, able and passionate partners that flourished because of their differences with mutual respect, trust, accountability and responsibility as the cornerstones of the partnership.

Structure follows strategy – it all started with a strategic decision, supported by the proper structures to support the business across all disciplines, from planning to implementation. Shared decision-making at both operational and strategic levels, which also implies sharing in the risks and rewards.  It’s a business decision based on commercial principles.

Stick with what you know – there is no replacement for getting the basics right, including suitability, adaptability, product and cultivar choices, coupled with strong market demand and sound marketing options.

This year marks the 10^th anniversary of the partnership, and what a becoming way to celebrate this achievement – hard work, sleepless nights, dedication, transparency and Trust = Respect!