Tiger Brands, Stellenbosch University partner to boost tomato, wheat yields through research
Areas of technical collaboration include food science and technology, microbiology, chemistry, and good agricultural practices.
SOUTH AFRICA – Tiger Brands and Stellenbosch University have entered a three-year research partnership to improve yields for key crops including tomatoes and wheat.
The collaboration combines the university’s research expertise with Tiger Brands’ experience across the food value chain, focusing on agronomy, agricultural economics, and food safety.
More than 90% of Tiger Brands’ 2025 revenue came from food and beverage products, with 70% of its agricultural procurement spend directed at local producers.
As a result, cross-disciplinary research will focus on key commodities across staple, protein, and processing crops, including wheat, oats, sorghum, tomatoes, groundnuts, and beans.
These crops are produced in regions facing water stress and increasing climate vulnerability, highlighting the need for practical innovation to improve on-farm productivity and profitability.
Tiger Brands CEO Tjaart Kruger said: “Building a more resilient food system requires us to think beyond today’s challenges and invest in the knowledge and partnerships that will secure future supply. By combining SU’s research excellence with our experience across the food value chain, we have an opportunity to turn research into practical impact that strengthens productivity, competitiveness, and access to quality, affordable food.”
The partnership builds on Tiger Brands’ existing collaboration through the Centre for Food Safety. Areas of technical collaboration include food science and technology, microbiology, chemistry, and good agricultural practices.
The investment will support postgraduate education, emerging researchers, and knowledge exchange through lectures, short courses, conferences, and seminars.
SU rector and vice-chancellor Prof Deresh Ramjugernath said: “This partnership demonstrates the kind of long-term investment that universities and industry can make together in service of society. Tiger Brands’ support will enable us not only to advance important research, but also to invest in our students and emerging researchers, strengthen capacity, share knowledge more widely, and support education across the food and agricultural sector.“
Prof Pieter Gouws, director of the Centre for Food Safety, said the initiative will address South African challenges including agriculture, food safety, food security, and sustainability while building research and postgraduate capacity to develop future scientific and agricultural leadership.
Ultimately, by bridging academic research with commercial application, the partnership aims to deliver practical innovations that enhance productivity and food safety across South Africa’s agricultural sector.
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