Langeberg Foods (Pty) Ltd (Langeberg Foods) today announced it will commence operations at its Ashton-based operations on 1 October 2025 following completion of the sale of the Langeberg & Ashton Foods Business, previously a division of Tiger Consumer Brands Limited (Tiger Brands). This marks a significant milestone along a multi-year journey to secure a sustainable future for the operations and the South African deciduous fruit industry. Tiger Brands first announced its intention to exit the deciduous fruit business in May 2020.
Shareholding Structure
The new ownership model of Langeberg Foods brings together key partners to secure the future of the Ashton factory. Norfund, the Norwegian development finance institution, is one of the principal shareholders, alongside the Ashton Fruit Producers Agricultural Co-Operative (AFPAC), which represents more than 100 fruit producers from across the Western Cape.
In addition, the Langeberg Community Trust, established with funding support of R150 million from Tiger Brands, will hold a 10% stake, ensuring that dividends and benefits flow directly back into the Ashton community to support socio-economic development in the broader Langeberg region. This inclusive model provides a strong foundation, combining financial sustainability with meaningful community upliftment.
“This is a unique opportunity to secure jobs and local ownership in a business that is vital to the community and with big growth potential,” says Pindie Nyandoro, Norfund’s Regional Director for Southern Africa.
Community and Job Impact
The factory remains a cornerstone of the Breede River Valley economy, providing employment for over 3,000 seasonal and permanent workers. With more than 80% of its canned fruit and puree products exported, the factory is both a critical export earner and a vital employer in the region.
The creation of the Langeberg Community Trust ensures that the factory’s success will be shared with local people, driving development initiatives and improving livelihoods in Ashton and surrounding areas.
“The successful conclusion of this transaction marks the end of a five-year journey to find a viable buyer and secure a sustainable future for Langeberg and Ashton Foods. The new owners of the business bring considerable agricultural sector expertise and insights along with a vested interest in the sustainability of this iconic business, which has employed generations of people from the region,” says Tjaart Kruger, CEO, Tiger Brands.
“Tiger Brands has been part of the Langeberg region and its communities for many decades. The Langeberg Community Trust will ensure the company continues to play an active role to support and uplift local communities, long after our exit.”
Looking Ahead
The new management team, led by CEO Edwin Kriel, is committed to a bold vision for the business:
“At Langeberg Foods, our vision is to honour South Africa’s proud fruit heritage by delivering world-class quality, driving sustainable growth, and empowering people through a culture of pride and partnership. Ashton is more than just a factory; it is the heartbeat of a community, and this reopening is about creating jobs, uplifting people, and building a stronger, more sustainable future.”
This bold vision, coupled with the agricultural sector expertise and insights of the Ashton Fruit Producers Co-operative, will contribute to the sustainability of the deciduous fruit industry of South Africa.
“With the sale completed, the producers are looking forward to stability in the industry and the prospects of planting new orchards and sustainable growth to the benefit of all in the value chain,” says Anthony Dicey, Chairman, Ashton Fruit Producers Agricultural Co-Operative.
A Long Road to Reality
The transaction has taken years of collaboration between Tiger Brands, farmers, financial partners, and community stakeholders. With the official handover now complete, Langeberg Foods begins a new era of growth – one firmly rooted in the valley’s people, its farmers, and its community.
