Ecovado and Alfa Laval open avocado oil plant

Ecovado was established in South Africa by Hulisani Mudau, who recognised the region’s untapped potential: an abundance of avocados that could help address the limited economic opportunities. The company was created to stimulate local development through job creation, fruit for cash initiatives, and long-term agricultural sustainability.

Ecovado has now launched an avocado oil processing plant in Limpopo, South Africa, in partnership with Alfa Laval, to process locally grown avocados. The new plant is fully equipped with an Alfa Laval processing line to allow the production of high-quality avocado oil for export markets.

Additionally, Alfa Laval donated funds to purchase avocado seedlings for small-scale farmers in the surrounding communities. This initiative aims to expand local avocado production, ensuring long-term supply for the plant while creating new income streams for households.

“We are proud to support Ecovado in transforming the natural abundance of Venda [avocados] into real economic opportunity. This project captures Alfa Laval’s purpose, ‘Pioneering Positive Impact’,” said Bongani Twala, General Manager of Alfa Laval South and East Africa.

For Ecovado, the partnership is more than a business milestone; it is a catalyst for regional transformation.

“This project was born from a desire to change the economic landscape of my home community,” Mudau said. “With Alfa Laval’s support, we have been able to build a facility that not only processes avocado oil but also creates livelihoods. The world-class equipment and seedling donation have empowered us to grow an industry that belongs to the people of Venda.”

The Ecovado plant is now fully operational, employing local residents and sourcing fruit directly from small-scale growers. As production scales, the company aims to expand its network of community suppliers and increase export volumes, positioning Venda as a competitive player in the global avocado oil market.

Image: Supplied