Vinpro represents close to 2 600 South African wine grape producers, cellars and wine-related businesses, while providing strategic direction, rendering specialised services and prioritising people development. Vinpro is a non-profit company with its main revenue derived from investment income, consultation fees and products. It keeps its members and the broader industry informed of industry trends and technical expertise and renders specialised services ranging from soil science to viticulture, agricultural economics and transformation and development.
COMPANY
Growing Together.
Vinpro’s purpose is to convert technical knowledge into tangible solutions across every aspect of production so that our clients/members can consistently produce better quality products of the vine- for profitable yields that ensure they can prosper.
BACKGROUND
Vinpro was established in 2003 to render professional and need-driven consultation services in viticulture, oenology, soil science, agro-economy and general management. Vinpro’s roots lie in KWV’s establishment in 1918 to represent the interests of South African wine grape farmers.
After the restructuring of KWV Group Limited, Vinpro opened its doors on 2 January 2003 as the wine producer’s new independent organisation. After close to five years as a co-operative, Vinpro converted to a company and Vinpro Ltd (limited by guarantee) was born on 22 May 2008. The company is now registered as Vinpro NPC (non-profit company).
ORGANISATIONAL DESIGN
Vinpro collaborates with SA Wine and business units SAWIS, WoSA.
THE VINPRO FAMILY
Vinpro consists of the following divisions and affiliates:
Divisions:
• Consultation services
• GEN-Z
• Agricultural Economics
• HR & Finance
• Compliance & Operations
• WineMS
Affiliates:
- Vititec (100% shareholding)
MEMBERS & FUNDING
Vinpro has three membership categories:
- Primary Member (Wine Grape Producer, Wine Grape and Wine Producer and Wine Producer, Wine Grape Processor)
- Associated Member (Wine Industry Stakeholders)
- Honorary Member (Vinpro Board Selected)
PRIMARY MEMBERS
Include:
- Wine Grape Producer: Annually produces 5 tonnes of wine grapes for delivery to a wine processor.
- Wine and Grape Producer: A wine grape producer and also a wine processor.
- Wine Processor: That utilises wine grapes for the production of drinking and distilling wine and/or other alcoholic or non-alcoholic products.
FOCUS AREAS
TECHNICAL SERVICES
• Technical consultation
• Knowledge transfer
• Industry services
• Gathering of information
• Soil science special projects
• Training
PRODUCTION PLAN
• Regional benchmarking
• Feasibility assessments
• Farm rental calculation
• Break even analysis
• Establishment calculations
• Wine cellar insights
GEN-Z
• Demonstration plots
• Youth training support
VITITEC
• Plant improvement
• Plant nursery
WINEMS
• Farm management
• Bulk management
• Production management
INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
3 KEY OBJECTIVES
PRODUCER: Improve productivity & profitability through tailor-made services, products, information & training.
TRANSFORMATION: Take sustainable transformation forward through involvement in career development programmes, land reform initiatives and support to BEE businesses.
EFFICIENCY: Improve efficiency within the company through training, development of personnel and an innovation drive.
VALUES
INTEGRITY:
We uphold the value of integrity, making sure that our values, methods, measurements, principles, expectations and outcomes are guided by consistency, honesty and accuracy.
CLIENT ORIENTATION IN QUALITY PRODUCTS AND SERVICES:
We render needs-driven services and products, adhering to the highest quality in terms of presentation, functionality, choice, value, relevance, consistency, accuracy and environmental impact.
EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION:
We strive towards being clear, transparent, honest and accurate when communicating relevant information to internal and external parties at frequent and timeous intervals.
INNOVATION:
We strive towards continuous renewal and improvement of Vinpro’s business model, by creating an environment that promotes creativity and innovation.
ADAPTABILITY:
We are able to anticipate and adapt to external and internal changes.
SUSTAINABILITY:
Ensuring that Vinpro, its clients, the environment, community and employees can meet needs, while providing for future generations.
EXCELLENCE
Vinpro strives to be outstanding in everything we do.
TEAMWORK
We embrace a culture of collaboration and teamwork. Our collective effort will uphold our purpose and values, and drive us towards success.
BOARD & MANAGEMENT
Vinpro’s board of directors include regional producer and cellar representatives, as well as co-opted specialists.
Anton Smuts (Chairman, producer representative Robertson)
Phillip Retief (Vice Chairman, cellar representative Robertson/Klein Karoo)
PRODUCERS
Abrie Beeslaar (Stellenbosch)
Petrus Bosman (Paarl)
Hendrik Botha (Worcester)
Stephan van Zyl (Northern Cape)
Pieter du Toit (Malmesbury)
Sakkie du Toit (Breedekloof)
Jandré Human (Klein Karoo)
Karl Jansen van Rensburg (Olifants River)
Sharon February (Specialist)
Mutle Mogase (Specialist)
Rydal Jeftha (Stellenbosch/Paarl)
MANAGEMENT
Conrad Schutte (CEO)
Gerhard Bester (Finance & Human Resources)
Paiter Botha (Compliance & Special projects)
Etienne Tereblanche (Consultation Service, including Viticulture & Soil Science)
Cecile Nieuwoudt (WineMS)