Halls has evolved from a farming company into a fully integrated global business that specialises in the growing, sourcing, packing, ripening, distribution and marketing of a range of fruit around the world. The company now has offices and ripening facilities in South Africa, in Kent UK, in the Rungis market in Paris as well as in Marseilles and Rotterdam. 2015 was also a year for Halls to celebrate 30 years since founding a marketing operation in Europe.
Craig McBain, CEO, and Arjan Verhagen, Sales in Rotterdam, celebrating 125 years of Halls at Fruit Logistica in 2015.
Halls started out predominately as a citrus grower, the largest in the commonwealth at the time, but due to greening disease the citrus was replaced with avocado. This, according to McBain, was a wise decision indeed because of the significant development the avocado industry has seen in recent years. “The avocado industry is developing rapidly, especially in the US and there are real opportunities for growth," explains McBain. He goes on to say that in Europe the patterns of consumption vary quite dramatically and compared to the US, still has much scope to grow.
Halls were the first to bring ready to eat avocado to the European market and the demand is on the rise. McBain explains, “We have invested heavily in the ready to eat format and now have ripening facilities in various locations in Europe as well as in South Africa. We will be looking to supply 50% of our produce as ready to eat." Halls launched the 'Ripe' range of avocado and mango last year which has been a fantastic success for the company. "We work hard to give the customer what they need while delivering a year-round supply of quality fruit," concludes McBain.
Their main product, avocado, is just one part of Halls product range. The company also offers mango (including the Halls ‘Ripe’ range), litchi, lime and other exotics sourced and marketed worldwide.
For more information:Craig McBain
Halls
Tel:+27 13 753 5700
Email: CraigMcBain@halls.co.za
www.halls.co.za