Our Story
Sonop Farms
Family driven
Cultivating Excellence on the Banks of the Orange River
A Heritage of Growth & Legacy
Founded in 1981 by Nico and Marie van der Merwe, Sonop began as a visionary dream nestled within a verdant oasis along the Orange River. What started as a dedicated tomato farm has blossomed over four decades into one of Namibia’s most prestigious agricultural landmarks.
In July 2021, our founder, Nico van der Merwe, passed away due to Covid-19, leaving behind a profound mark on this land and its people. He was an incredible leader who anchored this business in integrity, passion, and a deep respect for the soil. Above all, he emphasized the importance of human relations—a philosophy that remains our heartbeat today.
Honouring the Past, Cultivating the Future
Today, the second generation strives to live out that legacy. Under the leadership of brothers Nico and Albert, we continue to bridge the gap between tradition and the future of farming. While their father provided the foundation, the sons are dedicated to preserving and promoting the company for many generations to come.
To ensure our produce reaches our global partners with the care it deserves, we have expanded our horizons. We established Naturesmart, our specialized marketing leg based in Cape Town. This synergy allows the brothers to focus on their strengths: Nico leads the Naturesmart team in marketing and global reach, while Albert leads the heart of the operation at Sonop Farms, ensuring excellence in every field.
Nature’s Perfect Kitchen
Our location remains our greatest gift. Blessed by the steady pulse of the Orange River and a pristine, temperate climate, our crops thrive in an environment that naturally resists pests and diseases. This unique positioning allows us to harvest throughout the year with a commitment to minimal intervention—resulting in a richer, healthier, and more vibrant crop that is as pure as the land it comes from.
Innovation in Every Harvest
Through hard work, dedication, and a spirit of innovation, we have reimagined the potential of Namibian agriculture to become one of the Namibia’s largest vegetable producers. While our famous tomatoes are grown specifically to nourish the Namibian and South African markets, the exceptional quality of our butternuts and grapes has allowed us to share the best of Sonop with the global export market.:
- Tomato
- Butternuts
- Table Grapes
Family-Run, Globally Respected
Despite our growth into a world-renowned brand, the “Sonop Spirit” remains unchanged. We are, and always will be, a family-driven operation. We prioritize quality over quantity, ensuring that our swift delivery times never compromise the unrivalled taste of our produce.
At Sonop, we don’t just grow food; we cultivate a legacy of passion and commitment that you can taste in every single bite.