Hortgro Transformation Award 2026 | Peter Dall

The Hortgro Transformation Award recognises any person(s) or group(s) that made an impact in the transformation sphere of the deciduous fruit industry value chain and demonstrated exceptional performance and commitment.

Motivation: Peter Dall

Tonight, we honour Peter Dall for his unwavering commitment to the pome and stone fruit industry and his longstanding, meaningful contribution to transformation and economic development.

Peter’s contribution to transformation dates back almost three decades to a pivotal period in the history of both South Africa and the fruit industry.

In 1998, shortly after deregulation, Peter Dall, then Chairperson of the Deciduous Fruit Producers’ Trust, and Anton Rabe developed a Declaration of Intent for Transformation for the industry.

Looking back almost 30 years later, it is difficult to overstate the significance of this initiative. South Africa was a very young democracy, and the fruit industry was entering a new era following deregulation. It was recognised that, to build a strong and resilient future, the industry needed to become more inclusive — creating equal opportunities through economic development and ownership, training and other support, enabling disadvantaged people and groups to participate meaningfully in the industry’s value chain.

The Declaration also recognised the need for dedicated capacity and advisory structures to help the industry develop plans with specific goals and timelines for transformation.

Although our approaches, structures and plans have evolved considerably over the past three decades, the fundamental principle remains the same: if we want a strong and resilient pome and stone fruit industry, we need an industry that creates meaningful opportunities for participation, ownership and economic development. Peter has remained committed to that principle throughout his involvement.

Since its inception in 2011, Peter has served on the Commodity Project Allocation Committee (CPAC) — a collaborative platform between industry and the Western Cape Department of Agriculture that evaluates applications for investment and development support. CPAC plays an important role in institutionalising the commodity approach, bringing government and industry together in a structured process to identify, assess and support investment and development opportunities in the agricultural sector. Through his longstanding involvement, Peter has contributed his industry experience, knowledge and perspective to this collaborative process, informing decisions that help shape development opportunities within the pome and stone fruit industry.

But Peter’s contribution extends well beyond his formal roles.

He has mentored several businesses in the economic development sphere and continues to do so, sharing not only his knowledge and experience but also his industry networks and relationships. By opening doors, making connections and providing access to people and opportunities within the industry, Peter has helped businesses navigate the challenges of establishing and growing sustainable enterprises.

His willingness to share his knowledge and networks reflects an important aspect of meaningful transformation: creating opportunities for others to participate, connect, and build sustainable businesses in the industry.

Importantly, Peter’s commitment to transformation has never been a one-off initiative or a recent addition to his industry service. It has been a consistent thread throughout his involvement in the pome and stone fruit industry.

Peter has demonstrated commitment over many years.

From helping to shape the industry’s thinking on transformation in 1998, to contributing to collaborative investment decisions through CPAC since 2011, to mentoring businesses, sharing his networks, and contributing to horticultural reviews and feasibility studies, Peter has consistently demonstrated that transformation requires more than good intentions.

It requires commitment, collaboration, experience, generosity and a willingness to contribute over the long term.

Peter Dall has consistently demonstrated all these qualities.

For his vision, commitment, willingness to serve, and enduring contribution to transformation and economic development in the pome and stone fruit industry, Peter Dall is a worthy recipient of the Hortgro Transformation Award.

Peter, on behalf of the industry, we thank you for your many years of service, for sharing your knowledge and experience, for opening your networks to others, and for your continued commitment to building a more inclusive, sustainable and resilient pome and stone fruit industry.

Congratulations, Peter.