United Exports

Roger Horak, Founder and Executive Chairman of United Exports, recently spoke with Asiafruit Magazine about how OZblu® is helping shape the future of the blueberry industry. From pioneering machine-harvestable genetics to enabling near year-round supply, Roger discusses the innovative approaches driving growth and sustainability in key markets worldwide 🌏 He also explores evolving consumer preferences, the shifting dynamics of the global blueberry market, and exciting opportunities for expansion in regions like Peru, Mexico and China. Read the full article to learn how OZblu®, powered by United Exports, is addressing industry challenges while staying committed to delivering premium-quality blueberries to consumers 🫐 https://lnkd.in/e9Us4dHi

Morocco Berry Conference kicks off tomorrow! Join United Exports founder Roger Horak on stage as he shares insights into how OZblu® varieties, combined with new approaches in both hand and machine harvesting, are transforming harvest efficiency 🫐 Hear about lessons learnt from our work in Australia, where purpose-built farms and machine-harvestable varieties (for fresh consumption) are already proving the model’s success.   Join us to explore the next era of blueberry production. See you in Agadir!

United Exports has been awarded Runner Up in the Leading Employer category for Skills Development at the Agricultural Sector Education and Training Authority (AgriSETA) Stakeholder Excellence Awards! This recognition highlights our commitment to skills development across our industry and within our teams, led by the efforts of the OZblu Academy, our dedicated learning and development arm. Throughout the 2023-24 financial year, the OZblu Academy has implemented a range of programs, including adult literacy classes, bursaries, internships, learnerships, graduate placements, and a women’s leadership and development course. In addition, we continue to offer both external and internal skills training initiatives to support lifelong learning and career growth for our team members. Investing in skills development strengthens our workforce and the communities we’re part of. We’re honored by this recognition from AgriSETA and remain dedicated to creating opportunities that empower our people 🌱

October has been a meaningful month at United Exports as our teams worldwide embraced the Berry Strong Challenge in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This three-week company initiative encouraged us to go beyond our limits as teams of five tackled movement goals—whether it was 30 km of running or walking, 300 km of cycling, 8 km of swimming, or 13 hours of gym, CrossFit, or yoga. It was inspiring to see colleagues rally together, supporting one another in these physical challenges while honoring those affected by breast cancer. In recognition of every team that reached their goal, United Exports is making a contribution to cancer-focused NGOs chosen by our participants. And a special shoutout to Jacobus Conradie, our Head of Stone Fruit, who completed an additional 420 km of running and 13 hours of exercise time, beating the Extra Strong Berry Challenge! To everyone who took part, thank you for showing that every step, pedal, and stroke can truly make a difference. #BerryStrong #BreastCancerAwareness

Last week, United Exports was honored with the prestigious 'Top Division Performer Award 2024' by Singapore's DFI Retail Group. This recognition speaks volumes about the passion, dedication, and teamwork within United Exports. We couldn't be prouder of our team's unwavering commitment to excellence—delivering the highest-quality OZblu® blueberries from our orchards around the world to Cold Storage Singapore consumers. "This recognition has been a global team effort. Powering a 52-week supply of fruit demands exceptional coordination, dedication, and a shared commitment to quality," says Sales Director for Asia, Mark Pidgeon. "This award underscores the strength of our partnership with Cold Storage and our focus on delivering the best to consumers throughout the region." DFI is a leading pan-Asian retailer with around 11,000 points of sale and trusted brands across Asia. We’re thrilled to work alongside such a respected partner to bring fresh, flavorful OZblu® blueberries to the market year-round.

In 2020, OZblu® set a Guinness World Record in Australia with a blueberry weighing 16.2 grams.   Fast forward to October 10th, 2024 – our team at Capel River Blue farm in Australia harvested a blueberry weighing an impressive 17.1 grams, setting a new personal best for the region.   This hefty blueberry highlights the strength of our OZblu® genetics and the dedication and expertise of our international growers. We’re excited to keep pushing the boundaries and growing even more exceptional blueberries in the future. 🫐 #OZblu #Bluberries #RecordBreaking #Innovation

What an exciting three days at Fruit Attraction, IFEMA MADRID! The OZblu team had the pleasure of connecting with key customers, fostering new relationships and showcasing the very best of our blueberries. Attendees were able to taste our premium varieties from South Africa, Peru, and Australia – with our Australian jumbo and super jumbo blueberries truly stealing the show! We’re incredibly grateful for the opportunity to engage with the global fruit community and are already looking forward to returning next year🫐. #FruitAttraction #Blueberries #OZblu #GlobalProduce #Innovation

At United Exports, we're committed to fostering biodiversity through our Beneficial Plants Programme. We've successfully propagated thousands of plants from 30 indigenous species to act as trap crops – using alternative host plants to attract pests away from our main crops, reducing the need for spraying. 🌿 🫐   By planting vegetation that supports our friendly bees and pollinators, as well as predators and parasites, we're creating a more balanced ecosystem that enhances the natural biodiversity in our OZblu® orchards. This is a key step in our journey of sustainable farming and Integrated Pest Management (IPM). 🌍   #ProtectingBiodiversity #SDG15 #LifeOnLand #IntegratedPestManagement #BeneficialPlants #UnitedExports  

Last week, the United Exports OZblu® team had an amazing time at the North American Blueberry Council (NABC) Summit in Denver, Colorado. It’s always a privilege to connect with blueberry growers, marketers, suppliers and other industry stakeholders, sharing valuable insights and resources that help us all thrive in the evolving blueberry market. 🫐 We were proud to be a gold sponsor of the event and United Exports' Sales President Scott Miller spoke on the challenges of agricultural volatility and the exciting future of blueberry farming. He highlighted the growing role of machine harvesting in developed countries to boost efficiency and sustainability. #NABCSummit #BlueberryCommunity #AgricultureInnovation #Sustainability #MachineHarvesting

The final countdown begins! One week to go until Fruit Attraction at IFEMA MADRID – a highlight for the professional fruit and vegetable community. Find us in Hall 9, Stand 9G10, where we'll be showcasing our juicier, crunchier, tastier OZblu® blueberries. 🫐 #OZblu #fruitattraction #blueberries