For generations, Oros has been a familiar part of South African family life. Whether enjoyed around the kitchen table, at school events, church gatherings or weekend braais, the bright orange drink has become more than a household favourite and has become part of our story.
By Maphuti Mongatane, business development manager at African Farming
Today there is another story behind every bottle. It is a story of South African farmers, families, local partnerships and a commitment to keeping agriculture thriving at home.
In a significant milestone for local agriculture, Tiger Brands has secured 100% of the oranges needed to produce Oros from South African growers for the second consecutive citrus season.
Just a few years ago, Tiger Brands had to import a portion of its orange concentrate because local citrus supplies were under pressure. Global shortages, particularly those caused by citrus greening disease in countries such as Brazil, increased international demand for South African citrus, making exports more attractive for local growers.
Despite these global market pressures, Tiger Brands has worked closely with South African citrus producers to build strong, long-term relationships that now allow every drop of Oros to begin its journey in local orchards.
“By sourcing 100% of our orange requirements from South African growers, we are reinforcing our commitment to local procurement, providing farmers with stable domestic demand and strengthening South Africa’s agricultural value chain while reducing reliance on imports,” says Shamiel Randeree, Managing Director: Snacks, Treats & Beverages at Tiger Brands.
Also read: How Tiger Brands is helping to localise production
A Commitment That Creates Opportunity
Tiger Brands is the country’s largest purchaser of orange concentrate, buying around 45 000 tonnes of oranges every year which is the equivalent of approximately 275 million oranges.
These oranges are grown by farmers across Limpopo, Mpumalanga and the Western Cape, harvested during the citrus season and processed into concentrate before being delivered to Tiger Brands’ Roodekop manufacturing facility in Gauteng.
Behind these impressive numbers are farming businesses that benefit from something every producer values: certainty.
Knowing there is a reliable local buyer allows growers to invest confidently in expanding production, improving infrastructure and creating employment in rural communities.
Many supplier farms have already invested in:
- Modern irrigation infrastructure
- Solar energy projects
- Improved water efficiency
- Sustainable farming technologies
- Employment opportunities for local communities
Also read: Tiger Brands receives season’s first bean crop from NW smallholder farmers
Growing More Than Citrus
Strong partnerships between producers, processors and manufacturers create resilient food systems that benefit farmers, consumers and the broader economy.
Tiger Brands’ commitment provides growers with a dependable domestic market while helping ensure South Africans continue enjoying products made from locally produced ingredients.
For emerging farmers, the story carries an important message.
While export markets remain essential for South African agriculture, a strong local market creates stability, reduces risk and supports long-term investment. Building successful agriculture requires both local and international opportunities working hand in hand.
Also read: The small white bean’s journey – from soil to KOO Baked Beans
Proudly South African
For African Farming, this achievement highlights exactly the kind of partnership South African agriculture needs.
Every locally sourced orange represents confidence in our farmers.
Every bottle of Oros produced from South African fruit supports farming businesses, creates rural jobs and strengthens the country’s agricultural value chain.
When consumers choose products made with locally grown ingredients, they become part of a much bigger story one that begins in the orchards of Limpopo, Mpumalanga and the Western Cape and ends around family tables across the country.
Also read: Tiger Brands expands solar power to seven sites in drive for cleaner agro-processing
