Philippi’s semi-rural agricultural and farming zone, which comprises the Philippi Horticultural Area, remains a lifeline for Cape Town’s fresh produce supply and food security – and businesses that support the farmers in this area play a vital role in protecting this important food production asset.
Known as Cape Town’s food basket, Philippi produces up to 80% of the city’s fresh vegetables – from carrots and cabbage to lettuce and spinach – thanks to the Cape Flats Aquifer, which allows for up to three growing seasons a year. Annual production is valued at nearly R484 million, supporting thousands of jobs, with much of the produce sold directly from farms at affordable prices and a low carbon footprint. Researchers have also dubbed it an “irreplaceable” area spanning a 120km radius.
But to keep an area economically successful, businesses need to invest in it and provide the services and products that enable communities to grow and prosper. This is exactly the commitment Agrimark is making with the major upgrade of its Agrimark Philippi branch. As one of more than 80 Agrimark branches across South Africa the store has supported the local farming community for decades by providing the products, solutions and practical know-how needed to grow resilient agri-businesses. Agrimark is part of the JSE-listed KAL Group.
“At Agrimark we believe in powering growth from farm to fork to leave our stakeholders better off. Philippi is one of our oldest branches – from a strategic point of view, it’s part of what made Agrimark what it is today,” says Arno Abeln, Managing Director at Agrimark, who says that the store has been in operation since 1956.
The vibrant farming community and local businesses, especially builders and contractors have relied on Agrimark Philippi – centrally located in Olieboom Road amongst the patchwork of farms it supplies – for essential agricultural inputs and quality building materials.
“We see ourselves as partners to the farmers who make Cape Town’s food supply possible,” says Leon Henn, Agrimark Philippi’s branch manager. “Our store is rooted in this community, and we take our role seriously in helping it thrive.”
Besides agricultural inputs and cement and building supplies, fuel is also a major drawcard: about 50% of sales come from diesel thanks to its competitive pricing.
“Our gardening section with a wide range of seeds, fertilisers and tools, has always done well thanks to the growing number of emerging farmers in the area. Several local schools are also our clients and grow vegetables for household use,” says Henn.
Now, with the customer base expanding rapidly, client needs have increasingly exceeded what the premises can offer. This led Agrimark to make a significant investment into a mega facelift with a 360-degree redesign and upgrade, – both inside the store and across the external facilities, including a comprehensive fuel forecourt and ample additional parking.
“Store optimisation and upgrades are an integral part of our F30 strategy to ensure we remain relevant and fresh from a customer perspective,” says Abeln. “Across our network, we distinguish between full revamps, partial upgrades, store relays, branding updates and external upgrades like solar and roofing improvements. During the year we completed 21 revamps, upgrades and relays from Kuruman, to Addo to Philippi.”
He adds that Philippi forms part of this larger investment into the future of Agrimark.
“We’ve gained 300m² of in-store retail space by raising shelving and opening up the layout, which allows us to expand our product offering,” says Henn. “The ceiling was also removed, contributing to the new feel, which is more modern, open and accessible, and we’re confident our customers will enjoy it.”
The newly revamped store will feature expanded product ranges for the building trade, including plumbing, tools, hardware and a new paint mixing room. Similar to other newly-upgraded Agrimark branches, it will also carry new or improved ranges of gardening, pet care, clothing, camping and outdoor life products.
What used to be a conference room was completely rebuilt and turned into an Expressmark convenience store, which will open later in the year once the fuel forecourt has been moved closer to it. To cater for livestock owners in the area, Henn says there will also be a big focus on animal health and animal feed.
“While the revitalisation of Agrimark outlets focuses on serving a wide range of customers, Philippi’s role in Cape Town’s food security gave us extra reason to make this branch and its service the best it can be,” says Jannie Coetzee, regional manager at Agrimark. “Our goal is to support everyone who keeps this region growing – from commercial farms and smallholders to builders, schools and community growers. By broadening our product mix and improving access, we’re strengthening the food system beyond the region.”
The branch looks forward to welcoming customers – both new and old – to the revitalised space at the reopening on 28-30 August 2025 where there will be loads of opening specials.
“We cannot wait to welcome everyone to the new Philippi store. As a lifestyle retailer we are committed to providing best-in-value solutions across our agri and retail product ranges. With the addition of the modern fuel and convenience offering and the upgraded look and feel, we’re confident that our customers will be delighted by the transformation,” concludes Abeln.