The hunt is on for Eastern Cape farmers to supply franchising giant Famous Brands’ new tomato paste plant at the Coega Industrial Development Zone (IDZ) – a purchase seen as a massive boost for the region.

Famous Brands said it had bought the practically unused R200-million Cape Concentrate plant yesterday, which had gone under about six years after being built. The aim of the purchase was to establish a domestic supplier base and ensure the production of enough tomato paste for the company’s network of 2,600 restaurants. The company controls brands like Wimpy, Steers and Mugg & Bean.

It hopes to capitalise on the tomato paste shortage in South Africa, which sees about 35,000 tonnes imported every year. Set to open early next year, the 3,500m² plant will take on about 40 permanent employees and an indeterminate number of casual workers that would be dependent on demand.

Famous Brands group strategic adviser Kevin Hedderwick said the group was working with the government and agricultural associations to attract existing tomato farmers or encourage other farmers to venture into tomatoes on state-owned land.

Source: Herald