Reflecting on 2025
JON SALTERS, Chief Executive Officer
JON SALTERS
Chief Executive Officer
“Achieving excellence in fresh produce is only possible when our dedicated people, valued partners, reliable suppliers and loyal customers work together seamlessly across the entire supply chain.”
Reflecting on the past season, I am delighted that we continue to make progress in all the areas encapsulated in our vision, as detailed below:
The United Exports vision is to delight our clients, and the end consumers who consume the fruit, by providing the most consistent premium eating experience – every time. We make this possible by ensuring we focus on quality, innovation and both a sustainable and responsible approach to our business.
With only one opportunity each year in each hemisphere to bring in a successful harvest, it is essential that every effort counts. Achieving excellence in fresh produce is only possible when our dedicated people, valued partners, reliable suppliers and loyal customers work together seamlessly across the entire supply chain.
I am pleased to share that in 2025, we once again made notable improvements in our performance throughout the end-to-end supply chain. This achievement would not have been possible without the collective commitment and hard work of everyone involved. To all our partners, suppliers, customers, and every member of the United Exports team who contributed to this success – thank you.
Our ongoing drive for innovation, quality, and responsible business practices continues to set us apart within the industry. These core values are deeply embedded in the fabric of our organisation, forming an integral part of our DNA. This enduring commitment places us in an excellent position to manage and respond effectively to the growth we are currently pursuing. By consistently upholding these principles, we ensure that United Exports remains resilient and forward-thinking, enabling us to meet the evolving needs of our clients and end consumers while sustaining our reputation as a leader in the field.
Once again, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you. Your dedication and contributions have played a vital role in our achievements over the past season. As we approach the festive period, I hope you are able to enjoy a well-deserved break in the company of friends and family. We look forward to continuing our shared journey into 2026 and beyond, building on our successes together.
ROGER HORAK, Founder & Executive Chairman
ROGER HORAK
Founder & Executive Chairman
“Growth is never easy, but it’s a privilege to manage such momentum.”
As we close out the year, I’m proud to reflect on two major highlights. First, the continued advancement of our genetics and the expansion of the OZblu range and marketing window. A standout example is Lulamanzi Berries, a 25-hectare mid-season variety farm in the northern region of South Africa that was loss-making as a result of climate change, which transformed to a profitable out-of-season operation in just one season – a remarkable turnaround and great example of climate adaption with a bright future. In Australia, machine harvesting success and the exceptional performance of NS 16-8 (OZblu® Andrea) have been game-changers. OZblu® Andrea is set to become a cornerstone variety globally, reinforcing our leadership in innovation.
The second highlight is our global expansion into new markets. We’ve established trial blocks in Egypt, India, Brazil, California and Florida, with Egypt already moving to commercial orders. These initiatives lay the foundation for significant growth in the coming years.
Looking ahead, 2026 promises to be transformative. Peru will bring substantial volumes – estimated at 18,000 to 20,000 tonne next season – creating both challenges and opportunities. Combined with results from global trials, we anticipate further expansion and innovation. Growth is never easy, but it’s a privilege to manage such momentum.
To everyone who contributes to this journey, thank you. We aim to positively impact everyone who comes into contact with United Exports. We’ll keep steering the business and culture in the right direction, ensuring United Exports remains a place where great people thrive.
BRUCE CARTER, Chief Operating Officer
BRUCE CARTER
Chief Operating Officer
“Growth brings complexity, but it also brings opportunity. Together, we’ll continue refining processes, strengthening partnerships and ensuring that our operations remain world-class.”
As we wrap up the year, I want to extend heartfelt thanks to all our colleagues, partners and suppliers who keep our operations running smoothly. From farming and packing teams to logistics and service providers, your dedication ensures we deliver excellence every day. A special acknowledgement goes to the families and partners who support us through long hours and weekend calls – your patience makes our work possible.
Operationally, this has been one of our better seasons in recent years. Favourable weather conditions contributed to strong farming results, despite some challenges at the ports toward the tail end. Compared to previous difficult seasons, this year stands out as a success, thanks to the resilience and commitment of our teams.
As we look to the year ahead, we know the pace won’t slow down. Growth brings complexity, but it also brings opportunity. Together, we’ll continue refining processes, strengthening partnerships and ensuring that our operations remain world-class.
On behalf of United Exports, I wish you and your families a joyful festive season and a healthy, prosperous new year. Take time to rest and recharge – you’ve earned it. Thank you for everything you do to make this business thrive.
SCOTT MILLER, Global Sales President
SCOTT MILLER
Global Sales President
“Every improvement we make – whether in farming practices, logistics or customer service – reduces strain on the planet and enhances the experience for those who enjoy our berries. That’s something to be proud of.”
As another year closes, I find myself reflecting on the impact we collectively make. Beyond the numbers and transactions, our work touches communities, businesses and families worldwide. We provide a product that is healthy, delicious and increasingly sustainable – a contribution that matters.
What inspires me most is the collaboration across our value chain. From growers and harvesters to packers, shippers and customers, every link plays a vital role. When each step works seamlessly, our fruit reaches consumers around the globe with the quality and freshness they expect. That success isn’t just operational – it’s meaningful. It means we’re feeding people well and doing so with a reduced environmental footprint.
Modern systems allow us to trace our product from farm to table, ensuring transparency and accountability. Every improvement we make – whether in farming practices, logistics or customer service – reduces strain on the planet and enhances the experience for those who enjoy our berries. That’s something to be proud of.
As you pause this holiday season, I hope you take a moment to appreciate the difference you make. Our efforts matter. We matter. Every berry we grow and deliver carries that story of care, collaboration and quality – and it’s something consumers notice and value. Don’t just take my word for it; hear directly from the people who enjoy our berries every day. Their feedback reminds us why we do what we do and why excellence matters at every step.
HELEN CLARKE, Global HR Director
HELEN CLARKE
Global HR Director
“Looking ahead to next year, we remain focused on strengthening our global people capability, simplifying processes and deepening leadership development.”
As we reflect on the past year, I want to extend a warm thank you to everyone who forms part of the United Exports community. Whether you work in our orchards, nurseries, packhouses or offices, support us remotely, or partner with us as growers, customers, suppliers or financial stakeholders – your collaboration and trust have been central to our shared progress.
This has been a year of meaningful growth. Our teams outside South Africa have expanded to support the business’s global footprint, and across all regions we have focused on bringing our people closer together. Through stronger communication, enhanced employee engagement activities and key additions to the People team, we have continued to build a more connected, supported and aligned workforce – from South Africa to the Americas, Europe and the UK, Australia, Mauritius, Mexico and Peru.
A major highlight has been our continued progress in building capability. In 2025, we delivered more than 13,000 training opportunities to permanent and seasonal employees – advancing technical, operational, literacy and leadership skills. We also saw real career development take shape in our production environment, with employees progressing from graduate roles into supervisory and management pathways. Alongside this, programmes such as our literacy initiatives, plant production diploma, bursaries and the growing recognition culture through the Star Awards staff recognition programme have continued to empower our people and strengthen our culture.
To our teams, thank you for your hard work, energy and resilience. And to our external partners – thank you for your continued support, your patience during peak periods and the constructive relationships that enable long-term success.
Looking ahead to next year, we remain focused on strengthening our global people capability, simplifying processes and deepening leadership development. We also aim to expand these impactful learning and development initiatives – ensuring our people, and the people we work with, are equipped to grow with the business.
Thank you once again for being part of our journey. I am optimistic about the year ahead and grateful for the partnerships that help us grow stronger together.
END 2025 WITH IMPACT
Donate to the Days for Girls Initiative
A contribution of $15 USD sponsors a Days for Girls reusable menstrual hygiene kit for one child, helping her attend school without interruption for up to three years.
Donate to the OZblu Academy
A contribution of $24 USD sponsors school shoes and socks for one child through the OZblu Academy, with the opportunity to support another child as they grow.
Read Our ESG Report for 2025
Discover how we advanced our ESG commitments over the past financial year, guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.