Winde welcomes R1 sale of LAF Cannery, securing over 3,000 jobs

By Alicia Mmashakana

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde has welcomed the agreement that will safeguard thousands of jobs at the Langeberg and Ashton Foods (LAF) cannery in the Boland.

Winde confirmed that more than 3,000 permanent and seasonal jobs will be saved after Tiger Brands finalised a deal to sell the business to NewCo, a newly formed entity with vested interests in its partners, employees, and the local community.

Tiger Brands, listed on the JSE, sold the LAF business as a going concern to NewCo for a nominal cash consideration of R1.

The move forms part of the company’s strategic decision, announced in May 2020, to exit its deciduous canned fruit business and realign its portfolio with the Group’s long-term vision.

“This business is vital to the regional economy, supporting over 3,000 workers. The agreement will bring much-needed relief to employees, their families, the Ashton community, and the broader Langeberg