Our History
Heritage spanning more than a century
Zonnehaven was founded in 2023, but our story began long before that. It is shaped by generations of farming families in the Western Cape, each contributing knowledge, resilience and care for the land. From these roots grew the values that define Zonnehaven today: respect for people and place, a commitment to quality, and a belief in doing things properly, season after season.
This timeline reflects the shared journey of our growers and the moments that brought us together under one name.
The Goosen family begins farming on Waboomsrivier, land that would later form the foundation of Prince Alfred’s Hamlet. This marks the earliest roots of what would become Kalos Farming.
After returning from World War II in 1945, Howard (Howie) Gibson (1921 – 1983) settles in Ceres. Starting with modest means (he had only £83 in his pocket), he lays the foundations for an agricultural legacy through resilience, entrepreneurship and a deep respect for the land. Out of his legacy both Doornkraal Agri and Howbill is born.
Howard Gibson purchases Parys farm in the Koue Bokkeveld. The first harvest is small, but it marks the beginning of Howbill’s fruit-farming journey.
A new generation steps forward. Gerhard Goosen farms independently on Waboomskraal, while Raymond Gibson (son of Howie) returns from military service to farm full-time at what is today known as Howbill. An earthquake hits Ceres.
Doornkraal Agri takes shape under George Gibson, who inherits Doornkraal and Hartebeestvallei farms. At the same time, Daniel Goosen begins leading Kalos Farming at just 19, managing a small but ambitious operation.
Investment in infrastructure and people defines this period. Doornkraal focuses on building a world-class agricultural enterprise in the Witzenberg Valley with a packhouse and cold store (1996). Howbill expands packhouse and cold-storage capacity.
Growth continues across all shareholders. Doornkraal acquires Kleinbegin and Kalos acquires Jakkalsnek, diversifying production and strengthening scale. Howbill consolidates its farming footprint in the Koue Bokkeveld.
Alexander Gibson, George’s son, joins Doornkraal Agri, ushering in a renewed focus on technology and sustainability. Perdefontein is added to Kalos, and a modern packhouse is built (2009) to service multiple production units.
Visgat farm is acquired by Doornkraal Agri, expanding pear production through altitude diversification.
Langvlei is acquired near Riebeek West, broadening Kalos’ agricultural footprint. The KAJA Project launches, empowering farmworkers through mentorship and shared growth.
Daniel Goosen and his wife, Lilian (daughter of Raymond Gibson), join Howbill Farming, strengthening collaboration between family enterprises and reinforcing long-term continuity.
Doonkraal Agri completes full ownership of Driefontein, introducing nectarines to the product range and completing its core asset base. Jonkershoek is acquired by Kalos.
Zonnehaven is founded. A new grower-exporter company born from established farming families, created to bring consumers closer to producers and to deliver fruit with full transparency, traceability and care.
Today, Zonnehaven brings together generations of farming expertise under one name, connecting orchard, people and market with a shared commitment to cultivating perfection.
Cultivating Perfection
Zonnehaven connects growers and markets through an integrated farm-to-freight supply chain.
We deliver exceptional fruit with full transparency and seamless traceability.
Address
3 Reinecke Street
Ceres, 6835
Contact
+27 (0)23 315 5293
info@zonnehaven.com
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