When South Africans gather for a braai, few things complete the meal like a crunchy gherkin, tangy relish, or a spoonful of sweet mango atchar. For more than 40 years, Miami Canners — nestled in the fertile heart of the Letsitele Valley — has been crafting these quintessential local flavours, turning fresh farm produce into household favourites found on supermarket shelves across South Africa and beyond.
Founded and still owned by the Pieterse family, Miami Canners is a proudly South African success story that blends heritage, innovation, and hard work to deliver the tastes that define local cuisine.
From Fruit Farm to Food Icon
The story of Miami Canners begins in the early 1970s when the late Jan Welthagen settled on a farm called Miami — a name chosen decades earlier by American surveyors mapping the Letaba River region. Seeking to add value to the valley’s abundant fruit harvests, Welthagen began producing preserves, laying the foundation for what would become one of South Africa’s best-loved food brands.
By 1983, Miami Canners was formally established, and within a year, the company was in full production. As demand grew, so did the product line. A modern processing facility was completed in 1990, enabling the family to diversify from fruit preserves into canned tomatoes, pickles, and atchar.
Today, the company remains family-run — with Yolande and Mark Pieterse at the helm, supported by their children: Moné (production), Johann (procurement), and Welmar (business analytics).
Rooted in Community
Beyond producing beloved condiments, Miami Canners plays a vital economic role in the Letsitele Valley. During peak production, the company employs over 1 000 local workers, providing income stability in a rural area where opportunities are limited.
The company also invests in employee wellbeing, offering wellness programmes, health screenings, and sports sponsorships — including the popular local soccer team, the Miami Tigers.
Building a brand that competes with multinational food corporations has not been easy, but Miami Canners’ success has been driven by a simple principle: unwavering commitment to quality and authenticity.
“Miami has built its reputation by delivering high-quality products that capture the tastes South Africans love,” says Mark Pieterse, Managing Director. “That consistency has earned us a loyal customer base across generations.”
Farm Fresh and Family Made
The Miami farm covers 550 hectares, where gherkins, mangoes, and tomatoes form the backbone of production. The company also sources additional raw materials — including onions, peppers, and cherry peppers — from contract growers across Limpopo and neighbouring regions.
“We simply don’t have enough land or water to grow everything ourselves,” explains Pieterse. “Working with multiple suppliers spreads risk and ensures we can maintain steady production even when conditions vary.”
Consistency, he adds, is critical: “Once a product line starts, the supply chain must remain uninterrupted. It’s the only way to protect shelf space and market share.”
Procurement manager Johann Pieterse oversees grower partnerships, negotiating fair contracts that balance farmer sustainability with factory demand. “We believe in fairness and supporting our partners,” he says.
Each batch of produce is carefully inspected — in the field, upon delivery, and during processing — to ensure that only the best fruit and vegetables make it into the jars.
A Hands-On Production Process
Miami’s gherkin season starts in August, with harvesting beginning by October and again from March after a January planting. Despite being straightforward to grow, gherkins require significant labour and careful handling.
Once harvested, the gherkins are washed, sorted, and packed into jars within days — ensuring maximum crunch and flavour. “Freshness is key,” says Pieterse. “Processing soon after picking gives you that crisp texture and bold, tangy taste that defines a great gherkin.”
The company’s facilities are equipped with modern canning technology, and production follows internationally recognised food safety standards. Miami Canners is FSSC 22000 Version 6-certified, which includes random unannounced audits, fraud prevention, and requirements to reduce food waste and adapt to climate-related risks.
Every batch is traceable — from jar to farm — with retention samples stored for quality assurance. “If you buy our product today, it must taste the same as one bought two months ago,” says Pieterse. “That consistency is what builds trust.”
Flavour, Quality, and Sustainability
Miami’s product range includes:
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Pickled cucumbers and gherkins
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Pickled onions and beetroot
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Tomatoes and relishes
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Mango and vegetable atchar
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Piquanté (peppadew) peppers sourced from contracted farmers
To protect the environment, the company implements eco-friendly practices — from water conservation and energy efficiency to waste reduction. “We want to ensure that Limpopo’s landscapes continue to flourish for generations,” Pieterse says.
Looking Ahead
With a strong foothold in South Africa and neighbouring countries, Miami Canners has its sights set on expanding exports to Europe while replacing more imported products with locally grown ingredients.
The Pieterse family continues to explore new recipes and flavours inspired by South Africa’s diverse culinary traditions. “We believe in South Africa and its people,” says Pieterse. “Our goal is to grow this business for generations to come, in partnership with our farmers, employees, and customers.”
Every jar bearing the Miami logo tells a story — not just of pickled perfection, but of family, community, and a deep-rooted pride in South African agriculture.