Calla du Toit | Rooted in Growth

After 22 years as Hortgro Pome Chairman, Nicholas Dicey handed over the baton to Calla du Toit, who brings with him vast experience in the pome fruit sector.

By Elise-Marie Steenkamp

Calla du Toit’s frenetic energy is tangible. It cannot be boxed or labelled. He is always on the go. Whether taking calls on the roadside, “attending meetings” in an orchard or a packhouse. It’s this same energy combined with an ultra-sharp mind that helps him wear several hats in the pome fruit industry at the same time. Effortlessly.

His affinity for agriculture began at an early age. Raised in a farming environment (he still runs Ouplaas Farm in the Witzenberg Valley alongside his wife, Orla, and father, Josua), he quickly learned to respect the rhythms of nature and the business of providing food for people. That early exposure evolved into a career that has seen him rise through the ranks in one of the country’s most competitive sectors.

Calla completed a master’s degree in agricultural economics at Stellenbosch University, whereafter he honed his skills working for a fruit importer in the UK and developed a keen interest in commercial agrarian marketing. He is currently the Procurement Director at Tru-Cape and serves as the chairman of Pink Lady SA, chairman of the Bigbucks Grower Association, and the financial director of IPLA (International PLD Alliance).

He also founded the Forelle Producer Association and served as the first chairman. He also serves on the boards of Ceres Group, Ceres Fruit Growers, Ceres Fruit Processors, Tru-Cape, and is the chairman of New Stuff (a varietal innovation company), and has served as a trustee on the SAPO Trust and Hortfin Board in the past.

With a background steeped in agriculture, Calla brings a grounded understanding of what it takes to produce top-tier fruit. He has deep respect for the growers — the backbone of the industry. “Our growers are committed to delivering the best fruit possible. My role is to support that commitment by ensuring they have a growing market for their fruit, with excellent logistics and infrastructure to support inclusive growth and create new jobs.

“I see my new role as a wonderful opportunity to facilitate growth and enhance cohesion among all stakeholders in our amazing industry. This industry is changing lives every day as we all strive for growth, development and new career opportunities for the generations to come.”

Anton Rabe, Hortgro’s Executive Director, says Calla is the ideal candidate to take over from Nic, who is a legend in his own right. “Calla has been serving on the South African Apple and Pear Association since 2003 and on the Hortgro Pome Board since 2016. In addition to his in-depth knowledge of the industry, he has consistently demonstrated over time that he understands complex issues and can handle them with sensitivity, insight, and good judgment in the best interest of his fellow producers. There can be no doubt about his ability to lead the pome fruit industry with passion and distinction over the coming years. Hortgro is in a transition period at the senior management and board level. Calla will certainly lead the way with his unique approach; help stabilise the wider industry and lead it to new heights.”

Calla will be assisted in his new role by Danell du Toit, as Horgro Pome Vice Chairperson, and Stephen Rabe and Paul Cluver as the other Hortgro Pome Directors.