AVOLANDS

BAYNESFIELD, SOUTH AFRICA

Avolands is essentially a marketing company that began out of necessity and from humble beginnings on a small farm in the KwaZulu Natal Midlands in 2005. At first, Avolands focused on ripening avocados for the hospitality and retail market in the province. It proved a great success and has since expanded ripening operations to Gauteng, Eastern Cape and Western Cape. Avolands have also diversified into processing preservative-free guacamole. The future of Avolands lies in the further vertical integration into developing emerging commercial farmers who would form part of the Avolands supply chain.

www.avolands.co.za

DAVID BLANKS

2020 FELLOW

FOUNDER & CEO  |  AVOLANDS

David is a passionate avocado entrepreneur and an ardent ambassador for agribusiness development. He believes that the free market and small business development is the only credible means to long-term prosperity for all South Africans. Prior to farming, David worked as a consulting project manager in commercial and development agriculture throughout Africa. He is a dedicated family man and when he is not working, you will find him motorbiking in the bush with his two sons or riding his mountain bike in the forests surrounding his farm.

NHLAKANIPHO GUMBI

2020 FELLOW

GENERAL MANAGER  |  AVOLANDS

Nhlaka comes from a rural homestead in the midlands of KwaZulu Natal. With no formal education, Nhlaka has risen through the ranks of Avolands to become one of the most influential decision-makers in the company. He is a skilled horseman and capable enduro motorbike rider. He is married to Bulelwa and they have a son, Landelo. Nhlaka is a man of responsibility and integrity and is the future of Avolands.