Business

Tiger Brands Sells Langeberg and Ashton Foods to Local Consortium, Protecting Over 3,000 Jobs

Published

4 months ago

May 16, 2025

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In a major move for South Africa’s agricultural sector, Tiger Brands has announced the sale of its Langeberg and Ashton Foods business to a local grower-led consortium. This strategic decision aims to preserve over 3,000 permanent and seasonal jobs and supports the sustainability of the Western Cape’s deciduous fruit industry.

Langeberg and Ashton Foods, based in Ashton, has been a vital part of the local economy since 1940. The business, which employs thousands, will transition to NewCo, a newly formed company created by a consortium that includes the Ashton Fruit Producers Co-operative and a development finance institution. This partnership is committed to supporting local fruit producers and fostering sustainable farming practices.

The sale is symbolic, with Tiger Brands transferring ownership for the nominal price of R1. Beyond this, Tiger Brands has pledged R150 million to establish a Community Trust, aimed at driving socio-economic growth in the Langeberg region. The Trust will hold a 10% stake in NewCo, ensuring that community members continue to benefit from the business’s future success.

“Today’s announcement proves the company’s commitment to securing an outcome that is in the best interest of all stakeholders,” said Tjaart Kruger, CEO of Tiger Brands. “This sale will help sustain the deciduous fruit industry and improve livelihoods across the Langeberg and Ashton Foods community.”

This deal reflects a broader strategy by Tiger Brands to focus on its core operations while enabling Langeberg and Ashton Foods to thrive under new, community-focused leadership.

The consortium’s chairman, Anthony Dicey, welcomed the transition, emphasizing how NewCo represents a pivotal moment in maintaining the region’s rich agricultural heritage.

In addition to the sale, Tiger Brands is investing R31 million in upgrading an effluent treatment plant to meet strict environmental standards, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable operations even as it exits this sector.

The sale remains subject to approval by competition authorities, with completion expected later this year. As the transition unfolds, the community and industry look forward to a new chapter that honors Langeberg and Ashton Foods’ legacy while securing its future.