About Blue Mountain Berries

BMB has been producing blueberries in the shadow of the Outeniqua Mountains near George in the Western Cape, South Africa, since 2006. The mild climate is excellent for Southern Highbush varieties and production takes place on the farms Sinksa (60ha) and Hiltop (75ha). There are 20ha of tunnels, 100ha of shade-net and 15ha of open field production.

The business has grown from 25 employees to its present permanent contingent of 148 permanent employees and between 900 - 1000 seasonal workers. Production volumes of 1200 tons had been harvested and total production at maturity is estimated to be 2200 tons per year. Our harvest season is from August to December with the peak volumes in October and November.

BMB is owned by the Bessieplaas Werkerstrust (35%) and Chrisleo and Maureen Botha - 65%. The BMB Board consists of four members, representing the demography and gender composition of the business, which meets every three months to direct the matters of the business. Our chairman, Mr Pieter Esterhuysen is independent, while the others represent the various shareholders.

Our worker involvement reaches further and through various programs workers training and education has been expanded, staff facilities were built, contribution were made to crèches and other worthy causes and a 100kW solar system were installed for the BMB Social Development Trust that sells its electricity to the farm.

Our fresh blueberries are exported to the United Kingdom, Europe, Russia, The Middle East and South East Asia to multiple customers in various packaging. Increased production and the planting of exciting new varieties is aimed at satisfying the growing market demand and the increasing sophistication of our clientele. Frozen berries are distributed year-round to leading South African supermarkets and the café on the corner.