About SAPO

SAPO serves 3 deciduous fruit industries:
Pome fruit, Stone Fruit and the Canned Fruit Industries.

We are a plant improvement organisation with a core focus on virus-free plant material with a high phytosanitary status and compliant to the rules and regulations for certified plant material. We are actively involved in plant genetics and manage more than 350 varieties for more than 40 local-and international plant breeder organisations in South Africa. We have a modern ISO 17025 Plant Pathology laboratory and maintain more than 400 different varieties at our Head offices in Stellenbosch. In short, SAPO provides a full suite of plant improvement services.

Our key markets are the South African deciduous fruit industries which also constitutes the shareholders of our organisation.

Our organisation has been founded in 1974 and has a proud history in its field of expertise. We have strong relations with the international plant improvement community and continues to evolve with the times.

Vision & Mission

Our Vision is to be the preferred fruit plant material provider to the deciduous fruit industry.

Our Mission is to develop a comprehensive range of virus free plant material that can be supplied cost effectively to the fruit industries in South Africa.

Meet the team

Jacques Jordaan

CEO

"I am an energetic person who needs challenges and like functioning in a diverse environment. I want hard working ambitious people working with me and enjoy guiding and pushing them to their full potential. My highest qualifications includes an MBA, M.Sc. Agric and a Diploma in Cellar Technology at Elsenburg. I have spend 24 years in the wine industry and started off my career as a viticulturist and ended up managing various wine cellars. Since 2019 I have been appointed as CEO of the Canning Producers’ Association and since 2023 also had the opportunity to manage the team at SAPO. I am excited about the value that SAPO can add to the South-African industry and its’ IP owners through this great team."

Elsa Muller

Variety Development Manager and Grower Support

A dedicated professional with over 13 years of hands-on experience in the Pome and Stone fruit sectors, as well as the international Blueberry industry. Continuously stays informed on industry trends and embraces a lifelong learning mindset to enhance business acumen. Holds a B.Agric degree in Viticulture and Pomology and a postgraduate qualification in Agronomy from the University of Stellenbosch. Completed the Management Development Program at the University of Stellenbosch Business School in 2017.

Marthinus Gresse

Production Manager Tree Fruit

"As the Plant Material Manager at SAPO, I've been with the organization for 7 years, benefiting from the guidance of exceptional mentors who introduced me to the industry. I'm deeply passionate about the fruit sector and have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of plant improvement and its tangible results. My goal is to bring fresh ideas and innovative solutions to the table, enhancing the quality standards we currently uphold and contributing to a solid foundation for future generations.

Louise du Toit

Accountant

Accountant with completed SAIPA articles. Joined the Pome and Stone fruit industry in 2010 and SAPO in 2019.

Wendy Bailey

Laboratory Manager

An individual with a strong work ethic, an unwavering commitment to detail and passion for innovation. This individuals’ innovative mindset thrives on challenges, continuous improvement of processes and contributing to more efficient and effective outcomes. The successful completion of a BSc. Agric. (Plant Pathology and Agronomy) Degree & MSc Plant Pathology from Stellenbosch University together with industry experience on the international blueberry and sustainable chemical front allows this individual to thrive in the laboratory, preharvest and post-harvest settings.

Gray-Lee Carelse

Plant Improvement Technician

A dedicated, hard-working individual with 7 years of experience in the Agricultural industry, especially in citrus, Pome and Stone fruit and grapevine. Possesses experience and skill in managing teams, plant imports and exports, and ensure compliance with plant health regulations. Holds a Master’s degree in Plant Pathology, issued by Stellenbosch University.

Khaya Ngoshe

Specialist: Pome and Stonefruit Material Collection

"An experienced technician in the deciduous fruit variety development and plant improvement fraternity. Started as an assistant in variety evaluation, I am currently immersed in plant improvement where my passion is to supply quality plant material at a cost-effective manner and building relationships with clients. Holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainable Agriculture from University of the Free State."

Rudi Vos

Plant Verification Technician and Evaluation

Rudi has had a rich and fulfilling career in the fruit industry since 1994, were he begun as a stone fruit breeder and evaluator at the ARC. This has given him a deep understanding of fruit cultivation and variety development. Today he enjoys his work at SAPO with a passion for the fruit industry and new varieties where he values building relationships with clients and stakeholders. His dedication and enthusiasm is key to making a meaningful impact in any industry. As a nature lover, Rudi loves outdoors activities like hiking, bird watching and camping.

Nadine Steenkamp

Grapevine Sales Coordinator/Office Administrator

A dedicated and hardworking member of SAPO since 2009, with a strong passion for and commitment to the deciduous fruit industry.

Annamarie van As

Pome & Stone Fruit Coordinator/Administrator/Sales

"A passionate hardworking member of SAPO Trust since 2011. I am thoroughly enjoying the interactions with the nurseries, exporters, IP Owners, and growers. My passion is to keep all the role-players happy and content."

Michelle Rhoda

Administator & Finance Support

Supporting the finance department with various accounts functions. Joined the Sapo team July 2021 and is very efficient & performance driven.

Jeniley Anthony

Variety Development Administrator

"I started my career as a young professional at SAPO in 2016. After three years of working diligently and gaining experience at SAPO, I earned a promotion in July 2019 and joined the Variety Development Intellectual Property Business unit. In the Variety Development & Intellectual Property unit my main duties are looking after the Plant Breeders Rights and Variety Listings and royalty contractual obligations. In terms of my qualifications, I have a National Diploma in Legal secretarial with quite a few years of working in the legal fraternity and gaining legal experience. I have also recently completed a course in Introduction to Intellectual Property Law at Stellenbosch University. I am internally motivated and driven and always look for opportunities to grow and develop myself further. I am good with managing time and possess excellent solution building skills. I have a strong work ethic and see myself as a team player. I am proud to be member of the SAPO team."

Tshotsho Asandiswa

Certification Technician Assistant

An energetic and ambitious individual. In 2020, he joined SAPO as a graduate intern. Currently, assisting in certification of pome and stone fruit plant material. He is proud to be part of the plant improvement. He obtained his Honours degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Fort Hare.

Brandon Klem

Grapvine Certification Technician

An experienced professional in the Pome, Stone and Grapevine sector in both commercial and research departments that stretches over 11 years. Passionate about the agricultural industry and the innovation that comes along with it. I Obtained my B. Agric in Pomology and Extension from the University of Stellenbosch. Joined SAPO in 2021 and filling the role of Tree and Grapevine Certification which contributes towards plant development and improvement.

Our Customers

Our customers range from nurseries, growers, plant breeder organizations and intellectual property owners.

Custom Services

Customers can engage SAPO on specific needs to support their business strategy – we are an agile organisation.

Moreover, we engage with a broad range of stakeholders across both the public and private sectors, including government departments, academic institutions, research organizations, and more.