To expand its footprint in developing fruit markets, Capespan has formed a new company, Mayfresh, in Turkey. Capespan Continent NV owns 50% of Mayfresh, whilst managing partners Nese Coruk and Metehan Aslantas own the other 50 %.

In his announcement, Capespan Fruit CEO Leon van Biljon said, “We’re on a quest to partner with the best people and companies in areas where we see solid growth potential for our product mix.”

According to van Biljon, Capespan Fruit is embarking on an aggressive expansion on both primary production, sales and in-market value added services to retail- and other clients in order to cement its position as a year-round selected quality fruit supplier. In its goal of increasing its footprint to provide relevance and sustainability to its stakeholders, Mayfresh is an exciting partnership that brings multiple benefits in creating this reality. Mayfresh, like the recent acquisitions of Capespan be it Aspen Logistics in South Africa and Good View in Hong Kong, is putting Capespan stakeholders in a position to offer greater efficiencies in terms of costs, products and superior service.

Van Biljon said Capespan is a company of passionate people who love working with fruit and matching the ideals between growers & clients. Nese and Metehan live these ideals and sharing this passion with them can only bring exciting new ventures.

Coruk has nearly 20 years and Aslantas 6 years’ experience in the fruit trading markets and have built a reputation of integrity, superior service and loyalty to their customers and growers. They also have extensive corporate experience with one of the biggest fruit multinationals and this provides a good fit with the Capespan Group.

Although the operational base is Turkey, Mayfresh will supply to- and source from the Black Sea markets, servicing and growing the full fresh produce spectrum of deciduous, citrus, subtropical and vegetables.

Capespan will also source fruit and vegetables from these countries for its many other marketing entities throughout the world. The incorporation of Mayfresh, will enable Capespan growers worldwide to have direct access into the Black Sea, Caspian and Mediterranean markets.

According to Coruk and Aslantas, the Cape and Outspan brands have a strong market presence in these markets and they will concentrate on growing these brands. Coruk said, “Capespan is already sourcing fresh produce from the Black Sea countries for their market requirements and we see the potential to consolidate and strengthen our supply base with these growers through our partnership in Mayfresh.”

Turkey’s large agricultural sector produces a wide range of fruit and vegetables from all regions. It has a young and vibrant market which is surrounded by emerging markets such as North Africa, Russia, Croatia, the Middle East and the mature European market. Its location is ideal as a gateway.

Coruk said, “By branding Latin-American-sourced bananas and pineapples with Cape, we’ll be expanding our product line, catering for all Capespan offices in addition to other customers. This joint venture has been established at precisely the right time as customers are demanding more efficient and flexible service from suppliers, which is the core strength of Mayfresh.”