Tiger Brands, Stellenbosch University partner on food system resilience

Source: Supplied | From left to right: Prof. Deresh Ramjugernath, Stellenbosch University Rector and Vice-Chancellor and Tjaart Kruger, CEO Tiger Brands, with Prof. Kennedy Dzama, Dean of the Faculty of AgriSciences (far left), and Praveen Balgobind, Chief Manufacturing Officer, Tiger Brands (far right) at the official launch of a three-year, strategic partnership between Tiger Brands and Stellenbosch University aimed at strengthening the resilience, sustainability and safety of South Africa’s food and agricultural system.

The collaboration will combine the university’s research expertise with Tiger Brands’ experience across the food value chain, focusing on research, postgraduate development, knowledge exchange and practical innovation in agronomy, agricultural economics and food safety.

The partnership aims to translate research into practical solutions that can improve on-farm productivity and profitability, strengthen local agricultural value chains, enhance food-safety capabilities and build resilience to climate and economic pressures.

Focus on local agricultural production

Sustainable local sourcing is a commercial and societal priority for Tiger Brands. More than 90% of the company’s revenue in 2025 came from food and beverage products, while 70% of its agricultural procurement spend was directed at local agricultural producers.

Many of these commodities are produced in regions facing water stress and increasing climate vulnerability, highlighting the need for greater collaboration between the company and the agricultural sector.

“Building a more resilient food system requires us to think beyond today's challenges and invest in the knowledge and partnerships that will secure future supply. By combining SU’s research excellence with our experience across the food value chain, we have an opportunity to turn research into practical impact that strengthens productivity, competitiveness, and access to quality, affordable food,” says Tjaart Kruger, CEO of Tiger Brands.

Cross-disciplinary research will focus on key commodities and regenerative agricultural systems across strategic staple, protein and processing crops, including wheat, oats, sorghum, tomatoes, groundnuts and beans.

The initiative will also strengthen collaboration between researchers, producers and industry and build research, innovation and outreach capacity to support the future of South African agriculture.

Research and skills development

The partnership builds on Tiger Brands’ existing collaboration with Stellenbosch University through the Centre for Food Safety.

Beyond individual research projects, the investment will support postgraduate education and emerging researchers, while creating opportunities for knowledge exchange and professional development through lectures, short courses, conferences, seminars and technical collaboration.

Areas of technical collaboration will include food science and technology, microbiology, chemistry and good agricultural practices.

“This partnership demonstrates the kind of long-term investment that universities and industry can make together in service of society,” says Prof Deresh Ramjugernath, SU rector and vice-chancellor.

“Tiger Brands’ support will enable us not only to advance important research, but also to invest in our students and emerging researchers, strengthen capacity, share knowledge more widely and support education across the food and agricultural sector.

"It is through partnerships like this that we can encourage people and build the capabilities needed to contribute meaningfully to sustainable agriculture, food safety and food security in South Africa.”

“We are grateful to Tiger Brands for their continued support in shaping the future and sustainability of the South African food system,” says Prof Gunnar Sigge, chair of the Department of Food Science.

“We believe the confidence that Tiger Brands has in the Department and the Faculty of AgriSciences stems from many years of delivering industry relevant research and solutions based on sound science. This partnership not only contributes to the food system in South Africa as a whole but enhances the development and skills of our graduates entering the workforce.”

Building future agricultural capacity

Prof Pieter Gouws, director of the Centre for Food Safety in the Department of Food Science, says the collaboration provides an opportunity to connect scientific research more directly with real-world food-system challenges.

“The initiative will achieve greater social impact to address South African challenges such as agriculture, food safety, food security and sustainability. The initiative will also build capacity in research and postgraduate development ultimately leading to developing future scientific and agricultural leadership. It will shape a food system that is more resilient, sustainable and trusted for generations to come,” adds Gouws.

Kruger says collaboration between universities, industry and the agricultural sector is increasingly important as South Africa responds to climate change, pressure on natural resources and the need to maintain affordable and secure food supplies.

“No organisation can solve the challenges of climate change and supply chain competitiveness on its own. Partnerships bring together academic knowledge, commercial insight, agricultural expertise and practical experience.

"By working together, we can find practical solutions, rooted in scientific rigour, that strengthen South Africa’s food system for a more affordable and food-secure future,” says Kruger.