Overview
Acorn Agri & Food is a leading South African vertically integrated agriculture and food group with a hundred-year legacy. Our divisions comprise of agricultural inputs and services, fresh fruit, food processing, health foods and strategic investments. We operate nationally.
Our entrepreneurial team possesses a unique combination of operational and investment experience in the agricultural and food sectors that results in a highly professional and sophisticated approach.
Unique Characteristics
A management team with over 100 years’ experience in agriculture and food with strong networks and superior track record
Proven approach to drive achievement of the potential of our businesses
Unique combination of operational and investment expertise in the agricultural and food sectors to drive organic and acquisitive growth
Leading position in the growing health foods market
Vertically integrated in both agriculture and food sectors
Attractive blend of local and export earnings
100 Year History
With a hundred-year legacy, Acorn Agri & Food values its historic
roots as the foundation for its past and prospective success.
roots as the foundation for its past and prospective success.
The Caledon Boeren Koöperatiewe Vereniging, founded 1918, and the Bredasdorp Boeren Koöperatiewe Vereniging, founded in 1926, has grown from a small, regional agriculture co-operative to a multi-billion Rand company with a national presence.
Both co-operatives were converted to companies in 1998 and 1997 respectively, namely Caledon-Riviersonderend Landbou
Beherend Beperk (“CRK Landbou”) and BNK Landbou Groep (“BNK Landbou”). These two entities amalgamated in 2005 to form Overberg Agri Limited.
The company broadened its regional horizons to the Swartland after its amalgamation with the Moorreesburgse Koringboere (Pty) Ltd in 2011. Since 2014, Acorn Agri became a prominent shareholder in Overberg Agri and the collaboration between the two companies culminated in their shared investment in ACG Fruit in 2016.
Acorn Agri, in turn, was founded in 2014 with Overberg Agri being its first investment.
The company also invested in Montagu Dried Fruit and Nuts, BKB, Lesotho Milling Company and Grassroots. Sanlam Private Wealth and African Rainbow Capital have become prominent shareholders in Acorn Agri since its inception and continue to play a key role.
A hundred years since its founding, Overberg Agri merged with Acorn Agri to form Acorn Agri & Food. Despite its historic roots, the company is focused on expanding its leading position as a vertically integrated agriculture and food group.
1918
CRK (then CBKV) founded.
1926
BNK (then BBKV) founded.
2005
Merger between BNK & CRK to create Overberg Agri.
2011
Merger between Overberg Agri & MKB.
2014
Acorn Agri founded in 2014 and invests in: Montagu, Overberg, BKB, Lesotho. Sanlam became a key shareholder in Acorn Agri.
2015
Overberg Agri invests in Moov and Agpack. Acorn Agri invests in Grassroots Group.
2016
Acorn Agri and Overberg Agri co-invest in ACG Fruit.
2017
African Rainbow Capital becomes a key shareholder in Acorn Agri.
2018
Merger between Overberg Agri and Acorn Agri.
THE FUTURE
Our Footprint
ACG Fruit Main Office
BKB Main Office
Boltfast Main Office
Boltfast Montagu Gardens
Boltfast Vredenburg
Boltfast Port Elizabeth
Boltfast Pretoria
Bredasdorp Slagpale
Grassroots Main Office
Lesotho Milling
MOOV Fuel
Montagu Main Office
Overberg Agri Main Office
Overberg Wealth and Risk Management Main Office
Overberg Wealth and Risk Hopetown
Overberg Wealth and Risk Uitenhage
Overberg Wealth and Risk Port Elizabeth
Overberg Wealth and Risk Paarl
Overberg Wealth and Risk Oudtshoorn
Overberg Wealth and Risk Moorreesburg
Overberg Wealth and Risk Johannesburg
Overberg Wealth and Risk East London
Overberg Wealth and Risk Bredasdorp
Overberg Wealth and Risk Cape Town
P&B Lime Works
Our Values
Trusted Relationships
We are committed to be the partner of choice for all stakeholders by building strong relationships.
Supportive Nature
We strive to be the solid foundation upon which others can grow their potential.
Transparency
We believe that honesty and transparency is the best policy to create trust.
Fairness
We treat others justly and without
discrimination.
discrimination.
Passion
We are passionate about our business, its
purpose and its people.
purpose and its people.
Our Board
Johan van der Merwe
Non-Executive Director
- CA (SA)
- Co-CEO African Rainbow Capital
- Ex-CEO Sanlam Investment Management
- Several roles at Investec Asset Management including Global Sector Head of Resources, Director and member of Executive Committee
Carl Neethling
Chief Investment Officer
- CA (SA)
- Co-founder & CIO of Acorn Private Equity
- Entrepreneurial family enterprises in agriculture (Suiderland, Pioneer Fishing, Chaka, etc)
- Global Investment Controller for Private Equity investments at Westmont Group
- International PE experience in US & UK
Cobus Visser
Chairperson
- LLB
- MD of Bremer Investments
- Owns diversified farming operations in SA
- Ex-Director of Gildenhuys van der Merwe Inc
- Member of the remuneration and nomination committee
Michael van Breda
Non-Executive Director
- CA (SA)
- Chairman of the audit and risk committee and member of the social and ethics committee
- Primary agriculturalist since 2001
André Uys
Chief Executive Officer
- BScAgric (Hons) & MBA
- CEO of Overberg Agri since 2012.
- Former Operations Director of Overberg Agri.
- Former Operations Manager of BNK Landbou.
- Senior advisory roles at PLK Landbou and Clover.
- Member of the remuneration and nomination committee
Louw Coetzer
Chief Operations Officer
- BCompt (Hons)
- FD of Overberg Agri from 2012
- Various financial and managerial positions in food and agriculture sectors
- Operational Director & Financial Director of Overberg Agri, MD of Boltfast,
- General Manager: BNK Landbou and Financial Manager at Sasko
Douw de Kock
Vice Chairperson
- BCom; CFP
- Previously chairperson of Overberg Agri Limited and board member since 2005
- Trustee of the Group Pension Fund since 2008
- Agriculturalist until 2006
- Financial planner at Boshoff Visser Financial Services
- Member of the audit and risk committee and remuneration and nomination committee
Charmel Flemming
Non-Executive Director
- CA (SA)
- Founder and chief executive officer of F Twelve
- Chairperson at Fresh Bread Ministries
- Deputy bursar and Audit and risk committee member at the Anglican Diocese of Johannesburg
Pierre Malan
Executive Director
- CA (SA)
- Co-founder & CEO of Acorn Private Equity
- 11 year history at PSG Group: CEO of PSG Capital, CEO of Paladin Capital (PSG’s private equity vehicle); PSG Group Board member.
- Corporate Finance deals including: Zeder, Pioneer, KWV, KaapAgri, BKB, Overberg Agri, OVK, KLK, GWK
- Member of the remuneration and nomination committee
Annmarie Steyn
Company Secretary
- B.Proc. LLB; Chartered Secretary Graduate; Advanced Diploma in Labour Law
- Group Company Secretary since 2007
- Head of Compliance and Principal Officer of the Group Pension Fund
- Trustee and Director of Overberg Agri Development Trust and Woza Phambili Enterprises.
Dirkie Uys
Non-Executive Director
- BCom (Hons)
- Previously vice chairperson of Overberg Agri Limited and board member since 2013
- Chairman of the remuneration and nomination committee
- Primary agriculturalist since 1996
Robert Goff
Non-Executive Director
- BA and BProc
- 35 years of experience in human resources management
- Former chief executive, human resources, at Sanlam
- Member of the remuneration and nomination committee
Nelius Smith
Non-Executive Director
- CA (SA)
- Member of the audit and risk committee
- Director of Boshoff Visser Financial Services
Andries Geertsema
Chief Financial Officer
- CA (SA)
- Over 14 years of experience at PwC
Douw de Kock
Vice Chairperson
- BCom; CFP
- Previously chairperson of Overberg Agri Limited and board member since 2005
- Trustee of the Group Pension Fund since 2008
- Agriculturalist until 2006
- Financial planner at Boshoff Visser Financial Services
- Member of the audit and risk committee and remuneration and nomination committee
Michael van Breda
Non-Executive Director
- CA (SA)
- Chairman of the audit and risk committee and member of the social and ethics committee
- Primary agriculturalist since 2001
Charmel Flemming
Non-Executive Director
- CA (SA)
- Founder and chief executive officer of F Twelve
- Chairperson at Fresh Bread Ministries
- Deputy bursar and Audit and risk committee member at the Anglican Diocese of Johannesburg
Pierre Malan
Executive Director
- CA (SA)
- Co-founder & CEO of Acorn Private Equity
- 11 year history at PSG Group: CEO of PSG Capital, CEO of Paladin Capital (PSG’s private equity vehicle); PSG Group Board member.
- Corporate Finance deals including: Zeder, Pioneer, KWV, KaapAgri, BKB, Overberg Agri, OVK, KLK, GWK
- Member of the remuneration and nomination committee
Carl Neethling
Chief Investment Officer
- CA (SA)
- Co-founder & CIO of Acorn Private Equity
- Entrepreneurial family enterprises in agriculture (Suiderland, Pioneer Fishing, Chaka, etc)
- Global Investment Controller for Private Equity investments at Westmont Group
- International PE experience in US & UK
Cobus Visser
Chairperson
- LLB
- MD of Bremer Investments
- Owns diversified farming operations in SA
- Ex-Director of Gildenhuys van der Merwe Inc
- Member of the remuneration and nomination committee
Dirkie Uys
Non-Executive Director
- BCom (Hons)
- Previously vice chairperson of Overberg Agri Limited and board member since 2013
- Chairman of the remuneration and nomination committee
- Primary agriculturalist since 1996
Johan van der Merwe
Non-Executive Director
- CA (SA)
- Co-CEO African Rainbow Capital
- Ex-CEO Sanlam Investment Management
- Several roles at Investec Asset Management including Global Sector Head of Resources, Director and member of Executive Committee
Robert Goff
Non-Executive Director
- BA and BProc
- 35 years of experience in human resources management
- Former chief executive, human resources, at Sanlam
- Member of the remuneration and nomination committee
André Uys
Chief Executive Officer
- BScAgric (Hons) & MBA
- CEO of Overberg Agri since 2012.
- Former Operations Director of Overberg Agri.
- Former Operations Manager of BNK Landbou.
- Senior advisory roles at PLK Landbou and Clover.
- Member of the remuneration and nomination committee
Nelius Smith
Non-Executive Director
- CA (SA)
- Member of the audit and risk committee
- Director of Boshoff Visser Financial Services
Louw Coetzer
Chief Financial Officer
- BCompt (Hons)
- FD of Overberg Agri from 2012
- Various financial and managerial positions in food and agriculture sectors
- Operational Director & Financial Director of Overberg Agri, MD of Boltfast,
- General Manager: BNK Landbou and Financial Manager at Sasko
Annmarie Steyn
Company Secretary
- B.Proc. LLB; Chartered Secretary Graduate; Advanced Diploma in Labour Law
- Group Company Secretary since 2007
- Head of Compliance and Principal Officer of the Group Pension Fund
- Trustee and Director of Overberg Agri Development Trust and Woza Phambili Enterprises.
Andries Geertsema
Chief Financial Officer
- CA (SA)
- Over 14 years of experience at PwC
Cobus Visser
Chairperson
- LLB
- MD of Bremer Investments
- Owns diversified farming operations in SA
- Ex-Director of Gildenhuys van der Merwe Inc
- Member of the remuneration and nomination committee
Douw de Kock
Vice Chairperson
- BCom; CFP
- Previously chairperson of Overberg Agri Limited and board member since 2005
- Trustee of the Group Pension Fund since 2008
- Agriculturalist until 2006
- Financial planner at Boshoff Visser Financial Services
- Member of the audit and risk committee and remuneration and nomination committee
Dirkie Uys
Non-Executive Director
- BCom (Hons)
- Previously vice chairperson of Overberg Agri Limited and board member since 2013
- Chairman of the remuneration and nomination committee
- Primary agriculturalist since 1996
Johan van der Merwe
Non-Executive Director
- CA (SA)
- Co-CEO African Rainbow Capital
- Ex-CEO Sanlam Investment Management
- Several roles at Investec Asset Management including Global Sector Head of Resources, Director and member of Executive Committee
Michael van Breda
Non-Executive Director
- CA (SA)
- Chairman of the audit and risk committee and member of the social and ethics committee
- Primary agriculturalist since 2001
Charmel Flemming
Non-Executive Director
- CA (SA)
- Founder and chief executive officer of F Twelve
- Chairperson at Fresh Bread Ministries
- Deputy bursar and Audit and risk committee member at the Anglican Diocese of Johannesburg
Robert Goff
Non-Executive Director
- BA and BProc
- 35 years of experience in human resources management
- Former chief executive, human resources, at Sanlam
- Member of the remuneration and nomination committee
André Uys
Chief Executive Officer
- BScAgric (Hons) & MBA
- CEO of Overberg Agri since 2012.
- Former Operations Director of Overberg Agri.
- Former Operations Manager of BNK Landbou.
- Senior advisory roles at PLK Landbou and Clover.
- Member of the remuneration and nomination committee
Pierre Malan
Executive Director
- CA (SA)
- Co-founder & CEO of Acorn Private Equity
- 11 year history at PSG Group: CEO of PSG Capital, CEO of Paladin Capital (PSG’s private equity vehicle); PSG Group Board member.
- Corporate Finance deals including: Zeder, Pioneer, KWV, KaapAgri, BKB, Overberg Agri, OVK, KLK, GWK
- Member of the remuneration and nomination committee
Nelius Smith
Non-Executive Director
- CA (SA)
- Member of the audit and risk committee
- Director of Boshoff Visser Financial Services
Carl Neethling
Chief Investment Officer
- CA (SA)
- Co-founder & CIO of Acorn Private Equity
- Entrepreneurial family enterprises in agriculture (Suiderland, Pioneer Fishing, Chaka, etc)
- Global Investment Controller for Private Equity investments at Westmont Group
- International PE experience in US & UK
Louw Coetzer
Chief Financial Officer
- BCompt (Hons)
- FD of Overberg Agri from 2012
- Various financial and managerial positions in food and agriculture sectors
- Operational Director & Financial Director of Overberg Agri, MD of Boltfast,
- General Manager: BNK Landbou and Financial Manager at Sasko
Annmarie Steyn
Company Secretary
- B.Proc. LLB; Chartered Secretary Graduate; Advanced Diploma in Labour Law
- Group Company Secretary since 2007
- Head of Compliance and Principal Officer of the Group Pension Fund
- Trustee and Director of Overberg Agri Development Trust and Woza Phambili Enterprises.
Andries Geertsema
Chief Financial Officer
- CA (SA)
- Over 14 years of experience at PwC
