In October 2017, Tru-Cape Fruit Marketing, the largest exporter of South African apples and pears and a wholly grower-owned business, marked its 20 millionth carton of apples and pears to Freshmark, the fresh produce procurement arm for Shoprite and Checkers stores.Today Freshmark purchases well over 26 million cartons annually and is Tru-Cape’s largest single customer in terms of volume.Three years later Tru-Cape recognises its long-time client, Vanguard International, with gold-status in the Tru-Cape Honours Club to signify more than 2.5 million cartons of fruit sold.
Another newcomer to the Platinum category is GF Marketing, a subsidiary of Tru-Cape. This year they sold over 5 million cartons of apples and pears.
The Honours Club is Tru-Cape’s customer recognition programme, with membership based on the volume of cartons supplied to and purchased by the recipient.
With five levels – bronze (over 1m cartons), silver (over 2m cartons), gold (over 2.5m cartons), platinum (over 5m cartons) and diamond (over 10m cartons) the Honours Club board is proudly displayed in Tru-Cape’s Somerset West head office’s reception area.
The majority of Vanguard International’s transactions with Tru-Cape have been conducted through its South Africa office, which has been in operation for 21 years. The office manages all product procurement from South Africa and Egypt.
Tru-Cape managing director Roelf Pienaar congratulated Vanguard International and GF Marketing on their promoted positions. “Every Tru-Cape customer is important to us but when it comes to recognising the volume contribution we stand in awe of our customers who move millions and millions of cartons of South African apples and pears each year,” Pienaar ends
