Roy explains that they needed a product that could create reliable cash flow for the business. At first, cabbage seemed like the answer. Then, almost by default, they were asked by the Indian community to plant coriander.
“ We made R300 000 from a small patch, and we thought,‘ This is it.’ It was ideal; it handled hail well, unlike cabbage, which gets damaged easily.”
“ That side of the business just grew and grew and is now the main focus of our product offering. It has elevated us to probably the main coriander producer in the country.”
Today they plant about 1,5 ha and pack around 2 100 boxes every week, with each box containing 36 bunches of coriander.
3. The Caldecotts of Hillandale – Bruce, Roy, Sue and Justin.