South African agroprocessing company Ecovado has started operating a new avocado oil processing plant in Limpopo, together with technology partner Alfa Laval Middle East South and East Africa.

The plant will process locally grown avodacos into oil, creating new opportunities for economic development and value creation in the surrounding community.

Ecovado was established by entrepreneur Hulisani Mudau who saw an opportunity to address the limited economic opportunities in the Vhemde District, especially given the region's abundance of avocados.

Ecovado built and equipped an Avocado oil processing plant with a 100% Alfa Laval processing line. This world-class technology now allows Ecovado to produce high quality avocado oil, the majority of which is destined 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.

Alfa Laval GM for South and East Africa Bongani Twala says the project represents exactly what sustainable industrial development should look like, world class technology enabling local entrepreneurship, job creation, and long term community development.

"We are proud to support Ecovado in transforming the natural abundance of Venda into real economic opportunity," he states.

Mudau comments that the project was born from a desire to change the economic landscape of his home community.

"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.”

With the plant already employing local residents and sourcing fruit directly from small-scale growers, The company aims to expand its network of community suppliers and increase export volumes as production scales, which can position Venda as a competitive player in the global avocado oil market.