How it Works
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Sign up for a farm visit of your choice (4 options available – see below) during the registration process
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Places are limited to 40 delegates per location
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There is a nominal fee to confirm your place
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Confirmed Farm visit delegates to meet in front of the CTICC (Walter Sisulu Avenue) at 08:00
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Buses will return by 15:00 latest
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Barista coffee, light lunch, refreshments and local wines for tasting included
Farm and Packhouse Visits
CHILTERN FARMS AND PACKHOUSE
SOLD OUT (updated 1 Sept 2025)
The company gets its name from the Chiltern Hills in the UK where founder Johnny Mudge, grandfather of MD Justin Mudge, hailed from. Johnny’s two sons, Nigel and Desmond, are still involved with the running of the farm as members of the board of directors.
The Mudge’s have been farming, packing and exporting since Chilterns inception in 1954. Now under the 3rd generation of family leadership of Justin Mudge, who heads up a professional team that manages an innovative agri-business striving to create an extraordinary future.
Owning 230 hectares of pome (apple and pears) and 50 hectares of blueberry, Chiltern also welcomes additional fruit from 350 hectares of apples and pears from a diversity of growers over a wide geographical area in the Western Cape.
Over the years Chiltern Farms has evolved as a specialist grower, packer and now independent exporter, whose 2 million cartons will be marketed by Fruit Flow Concept to strategic key customers, retailers and wholesalers around the globe.
Proudly Sponsored by
UNITED EXPORTS
SOLD OUT (updated 28 Aug 2025)
Established in 2002, United Exports is a global agricultural company, specialising in blueberries and committed to exceeding expectations in product quality and customer experience. United Exports is vertically integrated: they grow, pack, ship, purchase, market and sell produce. The company sub-licenses the production of and markets the renowned and market-leading OZblu blueberries.
OZblu blueberries are famously juicier, crunchier and tastier than old-school varieties. With a record-breaking shelf life, this exciting new series of blueberry genetics originate from a unique breeding programme. OZblu’s innovative and sustainable production processes leverage the different climates and rainfall seasons across the globe to ensure a year-round supply of consistent, high-quality OZblu blueberries to delight consumers.
Watch the video (right) for more information about United Exports and OZblu.
Proudly Sponsored by
United Exports Packhouse
Paarl, Western Cape
Located in Paarl, this state-of-the-art packhouse operates year-round with advanced technology, including three optical sorting lines using BBC systems and bulk packing capabilities that enable a capacity of ±28 tons per shift. Staffed by 19 permanent employees and around 100 seasonal workers during peak season, the facility efficiently handles sorting, packing, force cooling, and containerising on-site to ensure premium quality produce ready for global markets. Certified by BRC, Global G.A.P., TMPS, SIZA, Farming for the Future, and Field to Fork, the packhouse exemplifies excellence in sustainable farming and food production.
Indigo Berries
Wellington, Western Cape
Once a grapevine improvement and rootstock nursery, Indigo Berries in South Africa was transformed after its acquisition by United Exports in June 2017. The farm shifted focus to blueberry production, with the first 42 hectares planted in May 2018, followed by another 20.87 hectares later that year. As part of their development strategy, green net structures were installed to better blend with the natural surroundings – a reflection of their strong commitment to sustainability. The farm actively participates in initiatives such as “Confronting Climate Change” and the SIZA CARES program, and has implemented erosion control measures, biodiversity support, and restoration of riparian zones to protect the local ecosystem.
SIX33 PRODUCE
SOLD OUT (updated 28 Aug 2025)
Six33 is an agricultural business focused on primary production of high-value commodities. Specializing in the growth and export of top-tier blueberries, table grapes, and kiwis.
Our foundation is built on four core values: Relationships, Integrity, Stewardship and Excellence. These guiding principles inspire us to produce the finest quality goods, cultivate lasting partnerships, and uphold ethical practices in every part of our business.
Proudly Sponsored by
The Packhouse
Eaglevlei
The packhouse is located at Eaglevlei, a former wine farm just outside of Klapmuts. Its central location near the N1 makes it ideal for timely delivery of our products to Cape Town’s airport and port.
Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, the packhouse features two BBC (Tomra-owned) and one Weco system with Curo punnet fillers.
During peak season, we run double shifts, employing up to 80 people per shift, supporting local communities and sustaining families.
Blueberry Operation
3 Farms in 3 distinct geographic locations in Western Cape:
- Kapteinskloof (15ha) – Early Season
- Le Arc (35ha) – Mid Season
- Berrybase (34ha) – Late Season
Kapteinskloof (15ha) – Early
Kapteinskloof is nestled in a kloof behind the Piketberg mountain range, named Kapteinskloof.
It’s ideal microclimate makes it an ideal early site for cultivating premium varieties.
- MBO: Eureka Sunrise, Eureka, Dazzle, First Blush
- SHB: Snowchaser
- Sekoya: Sekoya Pop
- Open: Various trial varieties
Le Arc (35ha) – Mid
Le Arc d’Orleans is located in the Franschhoek Valley. With the mountain range to the east, it serves as a mid-to-late harvesting site with excellent yield potential. Le Arc employs 700–750 seasonal staff to harvest blueberries ready for market.
Varieties:
- MBO: Eureka Sunrise, Eureka, Dazzle, Masena, First Blush, Twilight
- Sekoya: Sekoya Pop, Sekoya Beauty
- Open: Azra & various trial varieties
Berrybase (34ha) – Late
Berrybase is located just off the Bainskloof Pass near Wolseley. This is a colder area making it suitable as a later site for low to mid-chill varieties.
- MBO: Eureka, First Blush
- SHB: Snowchaser, Emerald, Suziblue, Ventura
- Sekoya: Sekoya Pop
- Open: Blue Ribbon & various trial varieties
Abackus Farm & C Fruit Packhouse Tour
SOLD OUT (updated 12 Sept 2025)
We warmly invite you to visit our family-owned blueberry farm and packhouse in South Africa’s picturesque Cape Winelands.
My father, Michael Back, was one of the pioneers of the South African blueberry industry. In the early 2000s, he partnered with Trevor McKenzie of Eurafruit, now BerryWorld SA, to establish blueberry cultivation in the Western Cape.
With a rich farming heritage spanning over a century, our farming business has grown to encompass 25 hectares of premium blueberries.
In 2023, we invested in C Fruit, a dynamic fruit trading and packhouse company founded by Chirene Jelbert. C Fruit specializes in the soft-fruit category, supplying major South African retailers and exporting to markets across the Middle and Far East.
In 2024, we expanded our packhouse facilities, relocating C Fruit operations to our Greendale blueberry farm.
This year, we’ve partnered with Maf Roda to install a state-of-the-art Berryway Blueberry Sizer and Automatic Punnet Filler, ensuring we’re prepared for future growth and excellence.
During your visit, you’ll:
- Tour our blueberry fields.
- Explore our state-of-the-art packhouse.
- Engage with our expert team.
- Taste freshly harvested, premium blueberries.
We’ll conclude our tour with a choice of a wine tasting of Backsberg Family Wines or a range of blueberry cold-pressed juices.
Join us for an authentic behind-the-scenes glimpse into South Africa’s thriving blueberry industry and discover the passion and innovation driving our family’s legacy forward.
Simon Back
Fourth-Generation Proprietor
Proudly Sponsored by
