Agrimark Orchard is located in a small town, but the role this store plays in the Hex River Valley is anything but small. As a leading supplier of packaging materials to the region’s table grape producers, the store supports an industry where every day, every order, and every delivery counts. “We are in a small town, but we reach great heights,” says Shaun Solomon, branch manager of Agrimark Orchard.
The Agrimark Orchard team (from right): Monro Booysen, Martens Flander, Shane Bostander, Jayzel Yberg, Ivan Flander, Lyle Koenze, Ben Kamfer, Karel Matthews, Hendrik Goliath, Coenraad Matthews, Vlok Bauermeister, Marco Baartman, Emeul Klibbie and Shaun Solomon. In front are Francel Rossouw, Gaylon Julies, Samantha Visagie, Megan Manuel, Babizole Ndasana and Hannalie Wildschut.
“The table grape producers are looking for specific packaging materials, and we make sure they get exactly what they need,” Shaun explains.
Shaun is originally from Touws River, about 50 km north of the Hex River Valley, and he practically grew up in the vineyards, as he often worked there with his mother during school holidays.
In 2017, he became involved with Agrimark when he started as a trainee manager at Expressmark in Paarl. After various roles and placements, he grew from a background in fuel and convenience retail to where he now leads a dedicated team managing a full retail operation. Shaun is not afraid to roll up his sleeves. He obtained a forklift licence and worked in the store to gain first-hand experience of how things operate. The result is a well-structured store where everyone is willing to lend a hand.
Shaun Solomon is the store manager and ensures that operations run smoothly.
More than a farming store
Agrimark Orchard is fully equipped with products that producers and townspeople need. “We have a bit of everything here, and customers will find what they need. And if we don’t have something in store, we can get it for them quickly.”
Customers also benefit from the availability of building materials. In addition, sand, bricks, and cement are delivered.
“We also sell corrugated sheeting, and if the correct lengths are not available, we have it cut. Fortunately, we have someone on our team who can compile a full list of building materials based on approved building plans. This helps customers see exactly how much sand, cement, bricks, window and door frames, and roof trusses they need to purchase. PVC products are another new range. Builders find them easy to work with, and some even install ceilings themselves.”
There are also sections with products for pool maintenance, hardware, plumbing supplies, food for pets, and animal medicine.
From hardware to seasonal necessities, the store is equipped to serve the needs of Hex River Valley producers.
Support through the season.
Fertiliser and fuel have become significantly more expensive due to the conflict in the Middle East, and bulk purchases have become the norm, although fertiliser is also available in bags.
There are two fuel pumps on the store’s forecourt for the convenience of customers visiting the store, as well as school buses that stop there regularly.
Producers are becoming increasingly reliant on products to protect their vineyards, and Agrimark Orchard is ready to assist with everything needed. This includes plastic coverings and net structures for orchards, tension wire, binding and anchor wire, and poles of various sizes – including creosote-treated pine poles and even eucalyptus poles as requested by some customers.
Paper bags for grape bunches (so-called growing bags), covers placed over bunches to prevent rain damage, picking crates, and pruning shears used to thin and shape grape bunches are all essentials in this industry.
When timing matters
At the nearby Hexkoel storage facility, one can see the variety of packaging materials Agrimark Orchard keeps in stock and the scale of products used in the packing process.
“We supply the full spectrum of packaging materials that table grape producers need – cartons, inner packaging items, gas sheets, pallets, and bags of various sizes. It’s everything required to pack products for export – even the labels placed on cartons before they are shipped,” says Shaun.
“Producers’ needs and preferences differ, so carton designs also vary. The position and size of ventilation openings differ, and that’s why we stay in close contact with both suppliers and producers. We plan carefully so that we can deliver the right products at the right time. Some exporters pack grapes in generic bags, while others use bags printed with their specific brand.”
The type of packaging materials purchased must be reviewed and adjusted regularly to meet market demands and customer needs. Historical data from previous years is very useful and helps with informed forward planning.
Shaun explains that the first few weeks of the year are the busiest. He notes that there has been a noticeable shift in seasons. “Early grapes are now available from mid-December, around week 51. And in early January, everyone gets going until about the end of March. January and February are our peak period in the table grape season.”
Agrimark Orchard has eight delivery vehicles, including two 8-ton trucks. Fortunately, staff are also available when producers collect packaging materials and other products themselves.
Every detail counts, from the orchard to the packing process. Packaging material purchased at Agrimark Orchard forms part of the system that helps ensure quality, as illustrated by this packaging for Kanetvlei, one of the store’s clients.
A team that knows
Because good service requires many hands, the store has 20 staff members, with additional temporary workers assisting during peak periods. The permanent staff collectively have more than 100 years of experience. Key team members like Ben Kamfer, a senior sales clerk with 34 years of service, knows almost every product code in the store. Karel Matthews, who oversees the gas department, has worked there for 33 years, and Martiens Filander, sales clerk, celebrated 30 years of service at Agrimark Orchard in 2025. Vlok Bauermeister is the trade marketer, and Schalk Theron, the packaging materials marketer, also reached 30 years of service this year.
The packaging materials team understands what producers need and what they will be packing next, working closely with exporters. This builds strong trust with customers.
Shaun’s vision is clear: “We focus on staff development and want to see people grow within the organisation. For example, after four seasons as a temporary worker, Ivan Filander was appointed permanently and is now our label specialist.”
He continues: “We negotiate on behalf of producers to supply good-quality products at competitive prices.” And why do you do this? “The Hex Valley producers must be better off because we exist,” Shaun believes.