Our Story

Our story began in 1927, when Jan Meintjes purchased the farm that would become the foundation of generations of family stewardship. Although the original purchase price has been lost to time, the values established then — commitment, hard work, integrity, and trust — continue to define who we are today. The farm was later inherited by Floris van der Walt, who expanded and strengthened its operations. His son, Gert van der Walt, followed, focusing primarily on tobacco farming. One of his most treasured memories is building the first house on the farm for just R1,400.00 — a testament to humble beginnings and the strength of a united family. In 1991, Pieter du Preez, Gert van der Walt’s son-in-law, joined the family business, reinforcing both the operational structure and the family relationships that sustain it. Equally instrumental in shaping the business was our mother – Betsie du Preez, whose contribution extended far beyond support. She invested significantly in the farm and dedicated many years to overseeing the company’s financial management.

Through disciplined budgeting, careful cash flow oversight, strategic planning, and unwavering accountability, she helped establish the financial stability that allowed the business to grow sustainably. Her steady leadership behind the scenes ensured that the farm remained resilient during both prosperous years and challenging transitions. A defining moment came in 1994 with the collapse of the tobacco industry. Faced with uncertainty, the farm transitioned fully to vegetable production. This strategic shift was made possible not only through operational resilience but also through strong financial stewardship and trusted relationships — with family members, loyal employees, and long-standing partners who have walked this journey with us for decades.

Following Gert van der Walt’s retirement in 2015, Pieter du Preez stepped into the role of CEO, leading the business with a people-first philosophy rooted in sustainability and long-term growth. Today, the next generation — Martin Greyling, Herman du Preez, and Janita Greyling — are actively involved in the family business, continuing a legacy built on trust, collaboration, financial responsibility, and mutual respect.

At the heart of everything we do are relationships. We believe that lasting success is cultivated through meaningful connections — with our people, our customers, our suppliers, and our community. These relationships remain our most valuable asset and the reason our family business continues to grow, generation after generation.