Vinpro, the representative organisation for South African wine producers, has been converted from a co-op to a company in order to adapt to changing realities in the agricultural environment, said Abrie Botha, Vinpro chairperson, speaking at Vinpro’s recent annual general meeting. Vinpro members voted unanimously to convert Vinpro Co-op Ltd to Vinpro Ltd. Botha said the decision followed changing regulations with regard to the new Cooperatives Act.
Due to the conversion Vinpro is now situated in a business entity similar to the previous cooperative, in which the organisation’s management and strategic service delivery to producers can be continued optimally and in a more sustainable manner. “Vinpro would like to thank its producer members for supporting the conversion, which is also beneficial to their own sustainability,” said Botha.
Following KWV’s conversion to a company, Vinpro was established as an independent cooperative in January 2003. It has since served various service-oriented and representative functions with regard to its nearly 4 500 primary wine producer members. On 1 July 2008, Vinpro entered into a strategic partnership with KWV obtaining a 50% share in Vititec, the wine industry leader in the propagation of vine plant material. “The synergies created by the partnership allow Vinpro to offer a more comprehensive service to producers, and enable direct access to only the highest quality plant material,” said Botha. – Wouter Kriel
