South African Table Grape Industry association SATI has reported that Aat Hoekstra, a Dutch born pioneering grape grower has died.
Aat emigrated to South Africa in 1950 and stated to grow high value seeded grapes, he built one of the most successful table grape companies in Paarl, South Africa.
Hoekstra Fruit Exporters produces 1.2 million cartons of table grapes each year. The company also played an important role in delivering new varieties to growers in South Africa. In October CGTN Africa did an extensive interview with Hoekstra when he celebrated his 70th year in the South African table grape sector.