KwaZulu-Natal’s largest commercial berry farm for sale

The largest commercial berry farm in KwaZulu-Natal, in the heart of the Midlands, will be sold on auction on the 11th of July.

The well-developed blueberry and avocado farm, located within the prestigious Mount Verde Estate in Hilton, offers “a rare opportunity for an astute investor looking to sow seeds of prosperity in a thriving agricultural setting,” said Matthew and Timothy Counsell of Broll Auctions and Sales, the brokers selling the 31-hectare property.

South Africa’s blueberry industry has been on a growth trajectory, with production increasing 39% each year since 2008 according to the South African Berry Producers Association. Exports, mainly to the United Kingdom and European Union, are forecast to grow by 10% in the 2024 season. The farm was established by renowned farmer Gary Pedlar and his nephew Warren Haviside in 2019, to meet the demands of the local and export market.

“This exquisite farming opportunity is located in an estate which is not only well-known for its beauty and security, but also enjoys easy access to some of the most renowned educational institutions in the country as well as quality private healthcare facilities, shops and a vibrant pulse of community life. It is truly an opportunity to merge the charms of rural life without foregoing the conveniences of urban living. This could also be an ideal opportunity for families who wish to develop their dream home on the farm as the property allows for the development of two residential homesteads.” The farm boasts 81 000 blueberry bushes on 23 hectares, a mix of closed and open cultivars to ensure a bountiful yield. Further enhancing the farm's allure is a six-hectare orchard with 1 900 Lamb Hass avocado trees with drip irrigation. “Situated near major transport arteries like the N3, fresh and frozen produce has easy access to strategic transport routes,” the brothers said.

A Global Gap Accredited pack house, which is fully functional with quality infrastructure, has allowed access to global markets, with berries currently being exported from the EU to UAE and Singapore and Malaysia. “The current business has successfully exported close to 150 - 200 tons of blueberries over the last three harvest seasons with much more potential still to be unlocked. The farm is on the brink of its next harvest season (Sep – Dec 2024) which promises to yield impressive returns.” This is a special opportunity to acquire and inherit the benefits of a farm which has been well established with sophisticated improvements and moveable assets, which is now primed for a new owner to lead its operation to the next level.

This will go under the hammer on July 11 at The Wanderers Club in Sandton or live on www.brollauctions.com .

For more information ? CONTACT:

Timothy Counsell: 071 247 2338 | [email protected]

Matthew Counsell: 074 618 2222 | [email protected]