Tom Lange Co. has had roots in South Africa since 2001, when it invested in a citrus operation and its marketing company named Seven Seas. With an eye towards expansion, Tom Lange Co., eventually expanded its ownership of the Seven Seas marketing company to 100%. Seven Seas commitment to growers, shippers and customers has established itself as a global exporter of South African citrus.
“Developing a reliable and well-connected retail and wholesale customer base in Europe, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, the Far East, Africa and North America has been one of the tremendous successes that we have achieved over the last two decades. Additionally, our trademarked brands, Seven Seas and Big 5, have become very recognizable and popular with our global customers”, said Greg Thorne, CFO Seven Seas - Corporate.
“With all our successes, logistical challenges are becoming more prevalent, and this year should prove no different with shipping lines already warning of potential equipment shortages for the year. However, with proper planning as well as the backing of our global business partners, we are positioned to effectively deal with any such challenges,” explained Thorne.
To support the growth of imports into the U.S., in 2008 Seven Seas opened a New Jersey office.
“Seven Seas South African import program has shown tremendous growth over the past 4 years,” said Bill Weyland, NJ – VP Sales. “Citrus is our main import commodity from South Africa, but we also run niche programs for pears and grapes. Most of our citrus program is seedless oranges followed by soft citrus and then grapefruit,” said Weyland.
The Seven Seas dedicated sales team collectively boasts the optimum mix of retail, wholesale, and food service customers.
Expanding upon its U.S. footprint, Seven Seas is a part owner in a storage, repack and bagging facility in Glassboro NJ, providing Seven Seas the advantage of always having space and custom repack capabilities when aligned shippers need it.
Seven Seas has now expanded upon its South African offerings and imports multiple products from countries all over the globe, satisfying customers needs for a year-round supply of fresh produce.
Contact Info:
Seven Seas – South Africa
Willie Beets
Ph : + 27 21 851 2098
willie@sevenseasfruit.com
Seven Seas – New Jersey
Bill Weyland
Ph: 732.634.1109 x6941
bweyland@sevenseastlc.com