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

An energetic and driven individual who thrives on challenges and enjoys functioning in diverse environments. He values hard-working, ambitious people and takes pride in guiding and pushing them to reach their full potential. His academic qualifications include an MBA, an M.Sc. in Agriculture, and a Diploma in Cellar Technology from Elsenburg. With 24 years of experience in the wine industry, he began his career as a viticulturist and went on to manage various wine cellars. Since 2019, he has served as CEO of the Canning Producers’ Association, and since 2023, he has also led the team at SAPO. He is excited about the value SAPO can bring 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

With seven years of experience at SAPO, he currently serves as the Plant Material Manager. Guided early on by exceptional mentors who introduced him to the industry, he has developed a deep passion for the fruit sector. He has seen firsthand the transformative impact of plant improvement and its measurable results. Committed to continuous progress, he strives to bring fresh ideas and innovative solutions to enhance existing quality standards and contribute to a strong foundation for future generations.

Louise du Toit

Accountant

A qualified accountant with completed SAIPA articles, she entered the pome and stone fruit industry in 2010 and joined SAPO in 2019. Her financial expertise and industry experience contribute to the effective management and support of SAPO’s operations.

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 sector, he began his career as an assistant in variety evaluation and is now fully engaged in plant improvement. Driven by a passion for delivering quality plant material in a cost-effective manner, he is also committed to building strong relationships with clients. He holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainable Agriculture from the University of the Free State.

Rudi Vos

Plant Verification Technician and Evaluation

With a career in the fruit industry dating back to 1994, Rudi began as a stone fruit breeder and evaluator at the ARC, gaining deep insight into fruit cultivation and variety development. Today, he brings that experience and passion to his work at SAPO, where he focuses on new varieties and values strong relationships with clients and stakeholders. His dedication and enthusiasm continue to make a meaningful impact in the industry. A nature enthusiast, Rudi enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and camping.

Nadine Steenkamp

Grapevine Sales Coordinator/Office Administrator

A committed and hardworking member of the SAPO team since 2009, she brings a deep passion for and dedication to the deciduous fruit industry. Her long-standing contribution reflects both her expertise and her unwavering commitment to the sector.

Annamarie van As

Pome & Stone Fruit Coordinator/Administrator/Sales

A passionate and hardworking member of SAPO Trust since 2011, she thrives on engaging with nurseries, exporters, IP owners, and growers. Her dedication lies in ensuring that all role-players remain satisfied and well-supported.

Michelle Rhoda

Administator & Finance Support

Supporting the finance department with a range of accounting functions, she joined the SAPO team in July 2021. Known for her efficiency and strong performance, she plays a key role in the department’s success.

Jeniley Anthony

Variety Development Administrator

Beginning her career at SAPO in 2016 as a young professional, she demonstrated diligence and growth that led to a promotion in July 2019 to the Variety Development Intellectual Property Business Unit. In this role, she is responsible for managing Plant Breeders’ Rights, variety listings, and royalty contractual obligations. She holds a National Diploma in Legal Secretarial Studies and has accumulated several years of legal experience. Additionally, she recently completed a course in Introduction to Intellectual Property Law at Stellenbosch University. Internally motivated and driven, she continually seeks opportunities for personal and professional development. Known for strong time management, excellent problem-solving skills, and a solid work ethic, she is also recognized as a collaborative team player and takes pride in being a valued member of the SAPO team.

Tshotsho Asandiswa

Certification Technician Assistant

An energetic and ambitious individual, he joined SAPO in 2020 as a graduate intern. He currently assists with the certification of pome and stone fruit plant material and takes pride in contributing to plant improvement. He holds an 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.