This podcast is proudly sponsored by Agrarius. Find out more: https://www.agrarius.co.za/?ref=recR9vP8u5CYfEOek&utm_source=lucentlands&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=LucentLandsPromo
Visit our agricultural stock site: https://lucentlands.smugmug.com/
In this episode, hosts Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie sit down with Mario Steta, Chairman of the International Blueberry Organization (IBO) and Vice President of Sustainability, Compliance & Public Affairs at Driscoll’s, for a fascinating discussion on the evolution and future of the global blueberry industry.
Speaking from the IBO Summit 2025 in South Africa, Mario shares deep insights into how genetics, government support, infrastructure, and international collaboration are shaping the global fruit industry. From the rise of Peru to the lessons learned from Argentina and Chile, this episode explores what it takes to build a resilient, innovative, and sustainable blueberry sector.
Discover how public–private partnerships drive trade access, why “country brands” matter, and how consumer awareness and agricultural storytelling can elevate entire industries. Mario also draws thought-provoking parallels between Mexico and South Africa — and even takes the hosts down a fun detour into the world of blueberry-infused tequila.
Key Takeaways
•How global trade and genetics transformed blueberry production
•Why government collaboration is key to industry success
•The role of infrastructure and cold-chain management in competitiveness
•Lessons from Peru, Chile, Mexico, and South Africa
•The importance of storytelling and national branding in agriculture
•Insights on IBO’s future direction and sustainability goals
Connect with us:
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucentlandsmedia/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lucentlandsmedia
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lucentlandsmedia/
Support this podcast by buying us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lucentlands?new=1
This podcast is proudly sponsored by Agrarius. Find out more: https://www.agrarius.co.za/?ref=recR9vP8u5CYfEOek&utm_source=lucentlands&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=LucentLandsPromo
Visit our agricultural stock site: https://lucentlands.smugmug.com/
In this episode, hosts Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie speak with Luis Miguel Vegas, General Manager of Proarándanos – the Peruvian Blueberry Growers and Exporters Association.
From a country once barely present in the blueberry trade, Peru has risen to become the world’s leading blueberry exporter. Luis shares how favorable climate, private-sector leadership, government support, and global trade agreements combined to spark one of agriculture’s most remarkable success stories.
The discussion covers how agriculture is now Peru’s largest job creator, the vital role of foreign investment in rural areas, and the industry’s next challenges – from labor and logistics to driving global blueberry consumption. Luis also reflects on the importance of sustainability and diversified ports and offers a glimpse into Peru’s new mega-port projects linking to Asia through the Belt and Road Initiative.
Key Takeaways:
•How Peru went from zero to #1 in global blueberry exports in a decade
•Why agriculture is transforming Peru’s rural economy and reducing poverty
•The importance of trade agreements and foreign investment in agri growth
•Why industry collaboration and consumer promotion matter for the future of blueberries
•How Peru is preparing for logistics and sustainability challenges ahead
Connect with us:
Website: https://lucentlands.co.za/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucentlandsmedia/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lucentlandsmedia
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lucentlandsmedia/
Support this podcast by buying us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lucentlands?new=1
This podcast is proudly sponsored by Agrarius. Find out more: https://www.agrarius.co.za/?ref=recR9vP8u5CYfEOek&utm_source=lucentlands&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=LucentLandsPromo
Visit our agricultural stock site: https://lucentlands.smugmug.com/
In this episode, hosts Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie sit down with Cort Brazelton, President & CEO of Fall Creek and Founder of the International Blueberry Organization (IBO) — one of the most influential figures in the global blueberry sector.
Cort shares the remarkable story of Fall Creek’s growth from a small family nursery in Oregon to a global leader in blueberry genetics and plant supply, and his optimistic outlook for the Southern African blueberry industry.
From the early days of the antioxidant boom that put blueberries on the map, to today’s premiumization and flavor-driven markets, this episode explores how genetics, collaboration, and a shared vision are shaping the future of fruit production worldwide.
Cort discusses:
•The evolution of the global blueberry industry and Fall Creek’s international journey
•Why Southern Africa is perfectly positioned for the next wave of blueberry growth
•The critical role of flavor, firmness, and genetics in consumer preference
•How investment and professionalism will shape the next decade of farming
•His personal reflections on leadership, learning, and building a purpose-driven company
Packed with insight, optimism, and global perspective, this conversation reminds us that agriculture’s best future lies in collaboration, innovation, and heart.
Key Takeaways:
•The blueberry market is still in its early growth phase, with major opportunities in Africa.
•Genetics, flavor, and consumer experience are central to future competitiveness.
•Institutional investment and professionalization are essential for scaling the industry.
•Education and critical thinking remain vital for future agricultural leaders.
“Our competition isn’t each other — it’s junk food,” says Cort. “We’re all in this boat together.”
Connect with us:
Website: https://lucentlands.co.za/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucentlandsmedia/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lucentlandsmedia
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lucentlandsmedia/
Support this podcast by buying us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lucentlands?new=1
This podcast is proudly sponsored by Agrarius. Find out more: https://www.agrarius.co.za/?ref=recR9vP8u5CYfEOek&utm_source=lucentlands&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=LucentLandsPromoVisit our agricultural stock site: https://lucentlands.smugmug.com/
In this episode, hosts Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie sit down with Reni le Roux, Sales and Marketing Manager at AMANTECO and founder of The Almond Girl, to explore the rise of almonds in South Africa and what it means for farmers, consumers, and the broader agri-sector.
Reni shares her family’s pioneering story as South Africa’s first commercial almond producers, the challenges and opportunities of developing a new industry, and how she’s educating consumers through her brand, The Almond Girl. From varieties and flavor differences, to exports, mechanization, and the growing demand for plant protein, this is a fascinating inside look at one of agriculture’s fastest-growing nut crops.
Key Takeaways:
•How South Africa’s almond industry started and where it’s heading
•Why not all almonds are the same: varieties, flavors, and best uses
•The role of The Almond Girl in consumer education and direct-to-market sales
•Export opportunities and global demand for South African almonds
•Lessons in innovation, resilience, and pioneering a niche crop
Connect with Reni on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reni-le-roux-3a8a325b/
Connect with us:
Website: https://lucentlands.co.za/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucentlandsmedia/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lucentlandsmedia
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lucentlandsmedia/
Support this podcast by buying us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lucentlands?new=1
This podcast is proudly sponsored by Agrarius. Find out more: https://www.agrarius.co.za/?ref=recR9vP8u5CYfEOek&utm_source=lucentlands&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=LucentLandsPromo
Visit our agricultural stock site: https://lucentlands.smugmug.com/
In this milestone 100th episode of the Lucentlands Podcast, hosts Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie sit down with two of the most influential figures in global fruit branding — Abs van Rooyen, the visionary behind Clemengold, and Peter Dahl, founding chairman of the Pink Lady International Alliance.
Together, they unpack the fascinating journeys of how these two fruit brands became household names — Pink Lady redefining the apple category globally, and Clemengold transforming South Africa’s citrus landscape.
Peter shares the origins of Pink Lady in Western Australia in the 1970s, how government breeders accidentally created a global icon, and the lessons learned in reclaiming control of a brand that had been sold across the world. Abs traces the evolution of Clemengold from a nursery venture to a fully fledged brand — built through innovation, quality control, and an exclusive retail partnership with Woolworths.
This episode offers an inside look at what it takes to turn fruit into a brand: from strict licensing and marketing discipline to decades-long investments in consumer trust. It’s a conversation about vision, persistence, and the art of transforming agriculture into global storytelling.
Key Takeaways:
•Brand control is everything: A brand succeeds when quality, supply, and marketing are tightly managed across the value chain.
•Consistency builds trust: Taste, color, packaging, and presentation must stay uniform to create recognition.
•Long-term investment pays off: Clemengold and Pink Lady both took more than a decade to reach retail success.
•Partnerships matter: Exclusive collaborations (like Clemengold’s with Woolworths) and disciplined marketing (like Pink Lady’s in Europe) are crucial.
•Producer ownership: Both guests stress that successful fruit brands must remain farmer-led — not retailer-owned.
•Lessons for the next generation: Focus, discipline, and passion are essential if you want to turn an agricultural product into a global icon.
As Abs notes: “Be an inch wide and a mile deep — not the other way around.”
And Peter adds: “If you want to build a brand, you’d better be passionate about it.”
Connect with us:
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucentlandsmedia/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lucentlandsmedia
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lucentlandsmedia/
Support this podcast by buying us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lucentlands?new=1
Support this podcast by buying us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lucentlands?new=1
Visit our agricultural stock site: https://lucentlands.smugmug.com/
In this episode, hosts Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie sit down with Elmé Coertzer-Boersma, CEO of Agriya (formerly FoodPLUS, the company behind the GlobalG.A.P. standards).
Elmé shares her journey from South Africa to leading a global organization, explaining why GlobalG.A.P. remains the world’s benchmark in Good Agricultural Practices, and what the transition to Agriya means for the industry.
From the pressures farmers face during audits to the role of sustainability, risk management, and consumer trust, this conversation unpacks the realities of modern agriculture, food safety, and certification. We also touch on technology, AI, and how collaboration can build resilience for both commercial and smallholder farmers worldwide.
Key Takeaways:
•The difference between GlobalG.A.P. (standards) and Agriya (company)
•Why audits matter: ensuring trust, safety, and market access
•The balance between food safety, sustainability, and farmer realities
•How global standards adapt to local conditions and regulations
•The future of certification: AI, collaboration, and consumer transparency
Connect with Elmé on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elmecoetzer/
Connect with us:
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucentlandsmedia/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lucentlandsmedia
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lucentlandsmedia/
Support this podcast by buying us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lucentlands?new=1
Visit our agricultural stock site: https://lucentlands.smugmug.com/
In this episode, hosts Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie sit down with Darci Vetter, internationally renowned Food & Agriculture Policy Expert and former U.S. Chief Agricultural Negotiator, to unpack the realities behind trade tariffs, global food security, and the shifting role of agriculture in U.S. and global policy.
Darci shares insights from her career in the U.S. Senate, USDA, and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, where she led agricultural negotiations for the Trans-Pacific Partnership. She explains in plain language how tariffs really work, who pays for them, and what this means for producers, exporters, and consumers around the world.
From South Africa’s citrus and blueberry industries to U.S. consumers’ grocery bills, Darci highlights how interconnected global food systems are — and what might come next as court cases, political negotiations, and shifting consumer pressures reshape trade policy.
The conversation also touches on:
•The impact of broad U.S. tariffs on farmers, exporters, and consumers
•Why tariffs are essentially “taxes on food” and hit low-income families hardest
•The future of U.S. agricultural research and its global role
•How bilateral deals affect countries like South Africa•The tension between trade policy and public health goals
•Opportunities for regenerative agriculture and supply chain transformation
Key Takeaways:
•Tariffs are not paid by foreign governments — they raise costs for importers and consumers.
•U.S. trade policy is shaping not just economics, but also access to healthy food worldwide.
•South Africa’s citrus and fruit industries are deeply exposed to U.S. tariff shifts.
•Reduced U.S. investment in agricultural research could have global ripple effects.
•Trade negotiations are increasingly linked to health, environment, and investment agendas.
Connect with Darci on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darci-vetter/
Connect with us:
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucentlandsmedia/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lucentlandsmedia
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lucentlandsmedia/
Support this podcast by buying us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lucentlands?new=1
Visit our agricultural stock site: https://lucentlands.smugmug.com/
In this episode, hosts Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie speak with Ilse Trautmann, Deputy Director-General of Agricultural Research and Regulatory Services at the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, as she reflects on her extraordinary career and the challenges and opportunities facing agriculture today.
From her beginnings in plant physiology to leading diverse teams in research, veterinary services, and agricultural economics, Ilse shares insights into the transformation of South African agriculture, the state of the ARC, and why building capacity and partnerships are crucial for the future. As she prepares for retirement, she discusses her legacy, leadership lessons, and hopes for the next generation entering agriculture.
Key Takeaways:
•Why research funding and capacity building are essential for South Africa’s farmers
•Lessons from Ilse’s leadership journey and management philosophy
•The role of soil reform, agritourism, and youth programs in securing the future of food
•Behind-the-scenes challenges in government and the importance of partnerships
•Ilse’s vision for agriculture beyond her official career
Connect with Ilse on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilse-trautmann-14250b17/
Connect with us:
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucentlandsmedia/
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lucentlandsmedia/
Support this podcast by buying us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lucentlands?new=1
Visit our agricultural stock site: https://lucentlands.smugmug.com/In this episode, hosts Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie sit down with Hugh Campbell, former Hortgro Science General Manager, to reflect on his remarkable career and the evolution of South Africa’s deciduous fruit industry.
Hugh shares his journey from farming and international experience in the U.S. and U.K. to decades of leadership in Hortgro, where he played a pivotal role in shaping research, grower support, and technical innovation. He discusses the importance of building research capacity, the role of statutory levies, how science underpins market access, and why mentorship and bursaries are vital for the next generation of agricultural leaders.
From cherries in Michigan to managing Vergelegen Estate, to guiding Hortgro Science through transformation and strategy, Hugh’s story is one of vision, collaboration, and commitment to growers.
Key Takeaways:
•Why research funding is the foundation of a sustainable fruit industry
•How Hortgro Science built world-class systems linking growers, researchers, and markets
•The importance of bursaries and mentorship in developing future agricultural talent
•Challenges of balancing commercial vs. grower interests in industry structures
•How science and innovation continue to transform fruit quality, yields, and market access
Connect with us:
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucentlandsmedia/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lucentlandsmedia
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lucentlandsmedia/
Support this podcast by buying us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lucentlands?new=1
Visit our agricultural stock site: https://lucentlands.smugmug.com/
In this episode, hosts Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie speak with Nitasha Baijnath-Pillay, Resource & Sustainability Manager at Hortgro, about the complex challenges and opportunities facing South Africa’s deciduous fruit sector.
Nitasha shares insights from her 20+ years in environmental and resource management, now applied directly in agriculture. She discusses how climate change, plastic alternatives, carbon credits, ESG compliance, and smart agriculture are shaping the future of fruit farming.
From soil health to packaging innovations, and from EU regulations to carbon tax, this conversation dives deep into what it means to build a resilient, sustainable industry.
Key Takeaways:
•Why plastics aren’t the enemy—but poor management is
•How global regulations like the EU’s Farm-to-Fork strategy impact South African farmers
•The role of carbon footprinting, credits, and taxes in agriculture’s future
•Smart agriculture tools: climate apps, soil health practices, and precision farming
•ESG compliance as the gateway to market access in 86 countries
Whether you’re a grower, exporter, policymaker, or consumer, this episode reveals the realities and innovations shaping fruit farming in a climate-conscious world.
Connect with Nitasha on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nitasha-baijnath-pillay-a17690154/
Connect with us:
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucentlandsmedia/
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Support this podcast by buying us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lucentlands?new=1
Visit our agricultural stock site: https://lucentlands.smugmug.com/
In this episode, hosts Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie speak with Brent Walsh, CEO of Berries ZA, about the rapid rise of the blueberry industry, shifting consumer demands, and South Africa’s growing role in global berry supply.
Brent shares insights on:
•How the South African blueberry industry has matured in just a decade.
•The importance of genetics, quality, and consistency in staying competitive.
•Market access negotiations with India, China, and Thailand.
•The role of neighbouring countries like Zimbabwe and Namibia in regional production.
•Why hosting the International Blueberry Organization (IBO) Summit in Cape Town is a milestone moment.
•Opportunities for raspberries and blackberries alongside blueberries.
•Lessons from Peru and Morocco’s massive berry industries – and what’s possible for Africa.
This is a must-listen for anyone interested in fresh produce, exports, trade access, and the future of berries in South Africa and beyond.
Key Takeaways:
•Blueberry production is expanding rapidly across Southern Africa, with microclimates driving variety choices.
•Export logistics are shifting between air freight and sea freight depending on global demand.
•New markets like India and China could double opportunities for South African producers.
•The berry sector is diversifying, but blueberries remain the cornerstone.
•Global collaboration and trade negotiations will shape the next decade of berry farming.
Connect with Brent on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brent-walsh-642a7513/
More on Berries South Africa: https://www.berriesza.co.za/
Connect with us:
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Support this podcast by buying us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lucentlands?new=1
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In this episode, hosts Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie sit down with Zander Ernst, Director of Marketing and Production at Allesbeste Boerdery in Tzaneen, Limpopo. From pioneering avocado varieties like Maluma to experimenting with trellising, planting densities, and even speciality coffee production, Zander shares an unfiltered look into how Allesbeste is pushing the boundaries of South African agriculture.
We explore the family farm’s fascinating history, its unique “triangle” integration of breeding, nursery, and marketing, and why experimentation—despite costly failures—is essential for long-term industry growth. Zander also explains how Maluma has become South Africa’s most planted avocado variety, its advantages for farmers and consumers, and how cold chain discipline can make or break quality.
The conversation then pivots to coffee—how a chance discovery in the garden led to a thriving speciality coffee brand, and why microclimates, altitude, and patience are as critical for coffee as they are for avocados.
Key Takeaways:
•How Allesbeste’s integrated business model gives it a unique edge in avocado innovation
•The real story behind the Maluma avocado and why it thrives in warm climates
•Why experimentation and knowledge-sharing are vital for industry progress
•Lessons on cold chain management for maintaining fruit quality
•How South Africa can produce high-altitude–quality coffee outside the “coffee belt”
Connect with Zander on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zander-ernst-116905135/
Connect with us:
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucentlandsmedia/
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lucentlandsmedia/
Support this podcast by buying us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lucentlands?new=1
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In this episode, hosts Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie sit down with Hendri Truter, Group CEO of Deli Co Meat Wholesalers, to uncover the real story behind South Africa’s meat industry—from supply shortages and pricing to exports, offal, salami sticks, and rural job creation.
From its humble beginnings on a kitchen table in Riebeek-Kasteel to one of SA’s top meat facilities, Delico’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and community empowerment.
Key Takeaways:
•Why South Africa ran out of lamb in December—and what it means for food security
•How a side hustle making salami sticks paid for a house and built a national product
•What "fifth quarter" products like skins and offal mean for meat prices and farmers
•Why rural business matters—and how Delico supports 700+ jobs in a small town
•The truth about foot-and-mouth disease and its impact on the meat supply chain
•Why Hendri believes meat is still a “happy sell” despite the vegan backlash
•How full traceability from farm to fork is changing the meat industry
Connect with Hendri on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hendri-truter-03b42b232/
More on Delico: https://delico.co.za/
Connect with us:
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lucentlandsmedia/
Support this podcast by buying us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lucentlands?new=1
Visit our agricultural stock site: https://lucentlands.smugmug.com/
In this episode, hosts Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie speak with Stephanie Midgley, Specialist Scientist: Climate Change at the Department of Agriculture in the Western Cape, about what climate change really means for agriculture in South Africa.
Stephanie draws on over 30 years of experience in plant physiology, policy, and climate adaptation to explain the science behind shifting rainfall patterns, extreme weather, and long-term temperature rise. From sunburn on fruit to the politics of dam-building, she breaks down how farmers – and the rest of us – can adapt to what’s coming.
This conversation goes far beyond theory, offering a grounded, systems-level view of climate risks and resilience, especially in the uniquely Mediterranean climate of the Western Cape.
Key Takeaways:
•Climate change isn’t just about weather – it’s about long-term shifts in entire climate systems
•Western Cape is already experiencing a hotter, drier trend – with real impacts on fruit, livestock, and water supply
•The SmartAgri plan is a world-leading example of a science-based, farmer-driven adaptation strategy
•Practical on-farm adaptations like netting and breed choices can build resilience – but affordability remains a key challenge
•International collaboration with Mediterranean regions (via MCAP) is enabling shared learning on drought, fire, and heat
•Climate adaptation must happen across all sectors – from government policy to everyday water use
Find Stephanie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-midgley-6a01a732/
Connect with us:
Website: https://lucentlands.co.za/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucentlandsmedia/
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lucentlandsmedia/
Support this podcast by buying us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lucentlands?new=1
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In this episode, hosts Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie sit down with Uzair Essack, entrepreneur, Managing Director of Riyp Exports, and 2020 Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 inductee.
Uzair shares his remarkable journey from a financially struggling university student to founding one of South Africa’s most dynamic fruit export businesses. With zero agricultural background but an unstoppable entrepreneurial spirit, Uzair built Riyp from scratch — bootstrapping his way into global markets, navigating 50-degree heat in Dubai on a broken leg, and even closing a million-dollar deal with a Qatari sheikh in a hotel lobby.
This episode is packed with lessons on:
•Seizing opportunities and turning hardship into hustle
•How Africa is emerging as a major player in global fruit demand
•The power of lean operations and building strong personal relationships in agribusiness
•Why breaking with tradition is sometimes the best thing a farmer can do
Key Takeaways:
•“Chance favors the bold” — Uzair’s story is a masterclass in calculated risk-taking
•Africa offers massive untapped buying power in fresh produce markets
•Relationships matter more than ever in an increasingly tech-driven world
•Keeping overheads low can lead to better margins and returns for farmers
Connect with Uzair on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/uzairessack/
Visit the Riyp website: https://www.riyp.co/
Connect with us:Website: https://lucentlands.co.za/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucentlandsmedia/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lucentlandsmedia
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lucentlandsmedia/
Support this podcast by buying us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lucentlands?new=1
Visit our agricultural stock site: https://lucentlands.smugmug.com/
In this episode, hosts Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie speak with Bake Huang, fruit trade specialist from China and representative of Riverking, about the evolving dynamics of China’s fresh produce market.
From the collapse of a cherry shipment worth millions to the rising popularity of avocados and lemons in bubble tea shops, Bake offers fascinating insights into what Chinese consumers want—and what South African growers need to know to succeed in this critical export market.
With years of experience sourcing fruit for major Chinese retailers, Bake breaks down the biggest opportunities for South African exporters, key quality issues, market access protocols, and the quirks of fruit preferences in China.
Key Takeaways:
•Why South African citrus and avocados are gaining ground in China
•The cherry shipping disaster that rocked the market—and what it reveals about postharvest challenges
•How bubble tea culture is shaping demand for lemons and avocados•Why variety, ripeness, and shipping time matter more than ever in Chinese imports
•The importance of dry matter and fumigation in avocado success
•What China’s durian and pear preferences can teach us about premium fruit marketing
Connect with Bake on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bake-huang-a7813297/
Connect with us:
Website: https://lucentlands.co.za/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucentlandsmedia/
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In this episode, hosts Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie sit down with Riël Mallan, a trailblazer in South Africa’s agricultural transformation and now founder of Nurture Brands, to discuss the bold decisions, upheavals, and innovations that shaped the modern fruit export industry.
From his days as a young table grape farmer during South Africa’s post-apartheid deregulation era to building Fruits Unlimited and investing in genetic IP, Riël shares an unfiltered and reflective view of the industry’s evolution—and its future.
•What happens when a farmer goes rogue to take on a powerful board?
•Why did South Africa’s fruit brand legacy fall apart?
•And what can today’s agri-leaders learn from private equity and preemptive health?
Key Takeaways:
•The story behind fruit industry deregulation and how it reshaped exports•Why brands—not just products—are the key to long-term farming success
•Lessons from a private equity investor: why food, health, and purpose are inseparable
•The birth of SATI and efforts to bring order to a deregulated “Wild West”
•Why future agri-success lies in sustainability, transparency, and storytelling
Find Riël on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rielmalan/
Connect with us:
Website: https://lucentlands.co.za/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucentlandsmedia/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lucentlandsmedia
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lucentlandsmedia/
In this episode of the Lucentlands Podcast, hosts Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie speak with Christine van Zyl, attorney at TGB Attorneys and specialist in intellectual property law, about one of the most misunderstood and fast-evolving areas in agriculture: plant breeders' rights and IP protection.
Christine unpacks South Africa’s new Plant Breeders’ Rights Act of 2018, the implications of "farmers' privilege", how local and foreign breeders can protect (or lose) their IP, and what exporters, smallholder farmers, and marketers should know about using and sharing protected plant material.
The discussion dives deep into how the law intersects with science, innovation, and the future of agriculture in South Africa—raising key points on investment, legislation, enforcement, and public participation in regulatory processes.
Key Takeaways:
•The new Plant Breeders’ Rights Act is now in effect (as of June), aligning South Africa with international IP standards.
•"Farmers’ privilege" allows small-scale farmers to reuse protected seed under certain conditions—but this remains controversial and narrowly defined.
•IP protection attracts foreign investment, supports local innovation, and ensures royalties reach the rightful breeders.
•Penalties for infringement are steep—up to 10 years—emphasizing the need for awareness and compliance.
•Trademarks and plant breeders’ rights are distinct forms of protection—understanding both is critical for growers and marketers.
Christine on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-van-zyl-b2a17652/
Connect with us:
Website: https://lucentlands.co.za/
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In this episode, hosts Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie sit down with Marco Bertolazzi, Director of Research & Development at global fresh produce brand SanLucar, for a deep and inspiring conversation about fruit innovation, global agriculture, and building a premium brand that’s reshaping how consumers experience fruit.
From his humble roots in Italy and a life-changing international horticulture degree, to managing cutting-edge varietal development across multiple continents, Marco shares his unique journey into agriculture and his passion for creating more sustainable and flavorful produce. He opens up about how SanLucar works across the globe—from breeding strategies and master grower partnerships, to the ambitious branding vision of “premium across all fruits.”
They also explore why SanLucar is investing in South Africa’s strawberry and kiwi potential, and how the company is aligning sustainability with commercial success.
🎧 Whether you're in farming, retail, branding or just love good fruit—this is a masterclass in fresh produce innovation.
Key Takeaways:
•How Marco’s international education and passion for agriculture shaped his career
•The inner workings of SanLucar’s global varietal strategy and grower partnerships
•Why strawberries are one of the most technical and versatile crops in the world
•How SanLucar plans to expand its premium fresh produce brand into retail corners globally
•The role of sustainability—economic, environmental, and social—in modern fruit production
•What brought SanLucar to explore South Africa’s production opportunities
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Website: https://lucentlands.co.za/
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In this episode, hosts Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie sit down with Faith Brown, General Manager of the Waitrose Foundation Southern Africa, to reflect on the Foundation’s 20-year journey of transformation, community empowerment, and sustainable development across Southern Africa’s fruit farms.
Faith shares her personal story—starting as the very first person appointed to the Waitrose Foundation’s South African office in 2006, taking a break to raise her family, and returning to lead the organization once more. Together, they explore how this pioneering supply chain initiative has grown from 6 farms to over 360, with a mission to invest directly in the people who grow and pack the produce that ends up on UK shelves.
From early childhood education centres and youth development programs to water security, healthcare access, and bursaries, the Waitrose Foundation has created grassroots change in farm communities. Faith opens up about the structure of the Foundation, its governance, how funds are allocated, and the real-life stories of individuals who’ve flourished thanks to these investments—including a bursary recipient now pursuing a PhD in climate resilience.
This episode provides an inspiring, behind-the-scenes look at what makes the Waitrose Foundation unique in the global retail landscape—and why it matters now more than ever.
Key Takeaways:
•The Waitrose Foundation is a UK retail-led initiative supporting farming communities across Southern Africa.
•Faith Brown was the Foundation’s first appointment in South Africa and now leads it as General Manager.
•Over 20 years, the Foundation has expanded to over 360 farms and returns around £1 million annually to support community-driven projects.
•Projects include early childhood centres, youth skills development, health clinics, water security, internet access, bursaries, and more.
•Governance includes growers, importers, exporters, and Waitrose representatives, ensuring transparency and accountability.
•Empowerment is central: farm workers help decide how funds are used, creating ownership and long-term impact.
•The Foundation operates in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Namibia, with similar models now replicated in 9 countries globally.
•The initiative is distinct from Fairtrade—consumers do not pay extra; instead, supply chain stakeholders reinvest profits.
Connect with Faith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/faith-brown-831b0246/?originalSubdomain=za
More about The Waitrose Foundation: https://www.waitrosefoundation.org.za/
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Website: https://lucentlands.co.za/
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