Verdant Orchards secures major investment for agricultural expansion
Verdant Orchards, a Southern African agribusiness firm, has concluded a capital raise in excess of $40 million.
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Verdant Orchards, a Southern African agribusiness firm, has concluded a capital raise in excess of $40 million from Danish development finance institution IFU and Fedgroup.
This investment will fuel the group’s strategic expansion in Mozambique, Zambia and South Africa.
Key Investments:
Mozambique: Verdant Orchards will expand its Verdant Citrus Massingir citrus farm in the Gaza Province, increasing planted orchards to 450 hectares by the end of 2025.
Zambia: The company will complete the development of Verdant Orchards Munyati, transforming it into a 360-hectare avocado orchard by mid-2026. This project aims to capitalise on the booming global demand for avocados.
South Africa: Verdant Citrus Limpopo SA has acquired Noordgrens, an established citrus farm in Weipe, Limpopo, adding over 800 hectares of orchards, a modern packing facility, and a share in a reputable fruit marketing business.
Barry Hawke, chief investment officer at Verdant Orchards said: "This successful fundraising round was made possible thanks to the strong backing from IFU and Fedgroup, and builds on the long-term support we’ve received from Verdant Frontiers. Their combined investment into Verdant Orchards, not only strengthens our capital base but also accelerates our strategic growth towards becoming a leading player in Southern African agriculture.”
Peter Hardgrove, senior investment manager for sustainable food systems at IFU commented: “We are proud to support Verdant Orchards in this transformative project. Agriculture is a critical sector for economic growth and food security in Africa, and we believe that the projects in Mozambique, Zambia, and South Africa will create lasting positive impacts on both local economies and international markets.”
Warren Winchester, general manager of Fedgroup’s Ventures division added: “Our commitment to funding Verdant Orchards goes beyond mere financial support; it signifies a deep commitment to advancing agriculture and promoting sustainable development. By partnering with Verdant Orchards, Fedgroup aligns its investment strategy with its broader mission of creating a more resilient and sustainable food system, one that prioritises innovation, efficiency, and environmental stewardship. Fedgroup is excited about partnering with like-minded operators such as Verdant Orchards.”
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