Ecovado launches avocado oil plant in Limpopo with Alfa Laval technology, targets export markets
The company aims to expand its network of community suppliers and increase export volumes as production scales.
SOUTH AFRICA – Ecovado, a South African agro-processing company, has partnered with global engineering firm Alfa Laval to launch a new avocado oil processing plant in Limpopo’s Vhembe District, using world-class technology to produce high-quality oil for export markets while creating jobs and supporting local small-scale farmers.
The plant will process locally grown avocados into oil, creating new opportunities for economic development and value creation within the surrounding community.
Ecovado was established by entrepreneur Hulisani Mudau, who recognized an opportunity to address the limited economic opportunities in the Vhembe District, given the region’s abundance of avocados.
Ecovado built and equipped the avocado oil processing plant with a 100% Alfa Laval processing line. This world-class technology enables Ecovado to produce high-quality avocado oil, most of which is destined for export markets.
In addition, the facility employs residents and sources fruit directly from small-scale growers, creating immediate economic benefits for the community.
Moreover, Alfa Laval donated funds to purchase avocado seedlings for small-scale farmers in surrounding communities. This initiative aims to expand local avocado production, ensuring long-term supply for the plant while creating new income streams for households.
Alfa Laval GM for South and East Africa, Bongani Twala, said the project represents exactly what sustainable industrial development should look like. “We are proud to support Ecovado in transforming the natural abundance of Venda into real economic opportunity,” he stated.
Mudau said the project grew out of a desire to change the economic landscape of his home community. “With Alfa Laval’s support, we have been able to build a facility that not only processes avocado oil but also creates livelihoods. The world-class equipment and seedling donation have empowered us to grow an industry that belongs to the people of Venda.“
The company aims to expand its network of community suppliers and increase export volumes as production scales. This positions Venda as a competitive player in the global avocado oil market while fostering long-term financial stability for local households.
More importantly, integrating advanced processing technology with community-focused initiatives creates a sustainable agroprocessing development model in South Africa.
However, the project’s success will depend on expanding the supplier network, maintaining quality standards, and accessing premium export markets.
The combination of world-class equipment, local entrepreneurship, and community empowerment positions Ecovado as a model for sustainable industrial development in South Africa’s agricultural sector.
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