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The Top of the Class (TOC) programme has its origins in the need to transfer knowledge and skills to previously disadvantaged South Africans in the fruit industry.
The TOC programme follows nine identified steps of the fruit export trade chain. Students are taught about production, packing, packaging research, transport (road, sea and air), quality management, consumer demand and typical exporter activities. Field trips ensure that students are exposed to the practical side of the industry by seeing first hand all elements of the agricultural trade chain from planting to harvesting, sorting/grading/packing at a packhouse, box construction at packaging factory, and marketing and sales through the local market. This programme is designed to equip the candidate with a holistic view of the entire fruit trade chain and this translates to improved performance in the workplace.
An annual award is made to the top TOC student in the form of an all expenses paid trip with the South African delegation to Fruit Logistica - the biggest, annual fresh fruit trade fair in the world.
