UCL Avocado Packaging Plant

In August 2025, SASTA members visited Union Co-Op Limited (UCL)’s advanced Avocado Packaging Plant. The tour offered valuable insight into the company’s highly efficient and sustainable operations.

Led by Clinton Vermeulen, General Manager: Operations (Manufacturing), members explored the facility’s innovative processes and technology. The avocado packhouse is a recent addition to UCL’s diverse agricultural portfolio, which also includes a sugar factory, sawmill, wattle factory, animal feed production (from bagasse and molasses), and nearly 500 hectares of avocado orchards. UCL’s avocado output is now roughly similar to the entire output of the rest of KZN.

In addition to servicing UCL’s own production, the facility also packs for Halls, The Fruit Farm Group SA, and Westfalia, providing flexibility for outgrowers in choosing exporters. Operations are seamlessly integrated, from the use of power generated by UCL’s sugar mill to the efficient logistics system that delivers, collects, and scans bins directly into the facility. During the visit, members observed the cutting-edge technology in action, including a high-speed imaging system that captures 200 photos per fruit in a single second and detects imperfections beneath the skin, as well as an automated carton delivery system that supports an impressive throughput of 25 tons per hour.

SASTA extends sincere thanks to UCL for hosting this visit and to Clinton Vermeulen for sharing his time and expertise.