Potgieter Boerdery's two farms, Fleurfontein and Vlakfontein, are located in the Soutpansberg district of Limpopo, South Africa. The farms, managed by fourth-generation farmer Phillip Potgieter, have a long history in agriculture, with operations dating back to 1905. Central to their operations is the Avoridge Packhouse, established in 1974, which handles avocado packing for both the farm and around 30 other growers in the region.
© Potgieter Boerdery
Facing increasing maintenance issues with its 41-year-old four-lane weight sizer, the Avoridge Packhouse initiated an upgrade in 2024. After evaluating equipment from three suppliers, the facility selected a two-lane system from MAF RODA SA, with an expansion capacity of up to four lanes. The decision was influenced by the company's willingness to offer a trial of its Globalscan G7 UV optical scanner.
The installation, which began in late December 2024, included the bin tipper, sizer, and optical sorting system. According to Potgieter, the integration was completed within four weeks. MAF RODA also provided on-site technical support and initial training for Avoridge staff, with additional sessions planned for fine-tuning sorting based on avocado varieties.
The packhouse's recent transition to solar power added an extra layer of complexity to the installation. Potgieter noted that the new equipment was designed to align with the farm's off-grid infrastructure, with attention to energy use and system compatibility.
© Potgieter Boerdery
Now operational, the upgraded equipment is used for grading and packing a range of avocado varieties. Potgieter reports improved handling capacity and initial satisfaction with the scanner's performance. The optical sorting system includes ultraviolet lighting to detect external defects and has been described by staff as increasingly user-friendly with experience.
The upgraded system is expected to significantly increase throughput and provide capacity for servicing more growers in the region. While the new equipment represents a major investment, it also aligns with the farm's broader strategy to modernize operations and maintain quality standards in a competitive export market.
For more information:
Potgieter Boerdery (Pty) Ltd
Tel: +27 (0) 15 004 0223
MAF RODA RSA (PTY) LTD
Tel: +27 (0) 21 851 8503
Email: [email protected]
