The 10-year wait for a return on investment is enough to put most investors off any opportunity. Recognising the potential of the nut industry to create jobs and boost rural economies, the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) decided to invest in walnut production, establishing the first orchard in South Africa in Aliwal North in the Free State in 1998.
But the undertaking soon proved to be bigger than what they could handle and the farm was put up for sale four years ago. Investment banker Chris Edwards was then coaxed by his business partner to consider switching his suit for overalls.
“He kept saying there are big opportunities in agriculture, and walnuts specifically, but I didn't want to wait seven years for an income.”
Counting in the farm's favour is the counter-seasonality of Southern Hemisphere production. About 90% of walnuts are grown in the Northern Hemisphere, with Chile and Australia making up most of the other 10%. This provides a good opportunity to gain higher prices when there is low global supply.
Edwards took the plunge and Rotondo Walnuts is today the largest walnut farm in Africa. They also hold over 90% of South Africa's
market share of locally grown nuts and their quality parameter is in the top 5% globally.
Walnut farming does not come without its challenges. Edwards notes
