Where It All Began
From Humble Beginnings to Global Excellence
From a modest beginning to a trusted name in fruit marketing, UniFruit symbolizes growth, innovation, and trust. Spearheaded by Danie Jacobs, our journey is a testament to vision and resilience, marketing the finest fruit on a global scale.
A Journey Rooted in Passion and Expertise
Nestled in the heart of Villiersdorp, against the picturesque backdrop of the Eastern slopes of the Franschhoek Mountains, our story begins. It’s a tale of dedication, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of quality that has propelled us from local origins to a globally recognized name in the fruit packing and exporting industry.
The Foundation of Excellence
Our journey was first marked by the establishment of Arbeidsvreugd Fruit Packers, a name that embodies our ethos: “the joy of our labour.” Here, in the fertile valleys of the Western Cape, South Africa, we discovered the perfect climate for cultivating apples and pears of unmatched quality. With long, cold, and wet winters followed by hot, sunny, and dry summers, we found our Eden.
Arbeidsvreugd Fruit Packers became the cornerstone of our operations, offering all-encompassing services that include meticulous packing, state-of-the-art cold storage, strategic marketing, and efficient transporting of our produce to national and international markets. Our packhouse, equipped with the latest technology and a capacity of approximately 45,000 bulk bins a year, ensures that each fruit is a testament to our commitment to excellence.
A Visionary's Dream
The inception of UniFruit in 1998 marked a pivotal chapter in our history. Founded by Danie Jacobs, a visionary whose profound experience and entrepreneurial spirit set the stage for a new era in fruit marketing, UniFruit was born out of a desire to share the bounty of our orchards with the world. Starting from a modest office with just two employees, UniFruit quickly blossomed into our in-house marketing division, renowned for its quality products and exceptional service.
Under the guidance of Danie Jacobs and the expertise of partner Pieter Nel in Johannesburg, UniFruit evolved into a trusted brand, leveraging established business associations and a deep understanding of the market to guarantee the delivery of our premium apples and pears to national and international clients.
Bridging the Gap
Recognizing the need for a seamless supply chain, D&L Transport was introduced in 2005 to ensure the efficient and safe delivery of our produce. This division further solidified our promise of an all-in-one service, offering reliable and effective transport solutions that connect the richness of our orchards to the tables of customers around the globe.
A Legacy of Trust and Quality
Today, our integrated operations through Arbeidsvreugd Fruit Packers, UniFruit, and D&L Transport exemplify a legacy built on trust, quality, and the joy of our labour. From the sun-kissed orchards of Villiersdorp to the far reaches of the international market, our journey continues to be fueled by the passion for providing the world with the finest apples and pears.
As we look to the future, we remain committed to our roots, embracing innovation while honouring the traditions that have made us who we are.