ABOUT US
Southtrade, a second generation family business was founded in 1956 in Cape Town, South Africa.
German Holder tractors, crop sprayers, and implements laid the foundation to over 70 years of service excellence. Over the past seven decades, many high quality brands of mainly Italian agricultural machinery were added to the Southtrade portfolio. Today Southtrade exclusively represents over 25 Italian manufacturers in Southern Africa.
During the 1960’s through 1990’s Southtrade was a leading exporter of canned fruit. Many millions of cartons were sold mainly in West Germany, France, and Switzerland. Southtrade had a number of its own private labels which were well represented by the most European supermarket groups.
Southtrade’s product range of implements and crop protection machines grew to include: knapsack sprayers up to self-propelled sprayers; ground engagement tillers; sprayer accessories; haymaking equipment; balers; irrigation accessories; vegetable and fruit harvesters; fertilizer spreaders; amongst others.
After over 70 years, Southtrade remains a family business, offering excellent personal attention to its ever-growing client base. A highly competent and experienced sales team is responsible to service to a network of agents and dealerships in practically all corners of the Republic of South Africa and in neighbouring territories. This team is able to give professional advice and guidance to dealers and farmers alike.
Southtrade sources its agricultural machinery from only the most reputable international manufacturers that offer the most reliable equipment and cutting-edge technology. Careful consideration is therefore given before adding new brands to their range. Southtrade works with mutually exclusive distribution agreements which facilitate investment in stock and training of staff.
Locally held stock of machines, accessories and spare parts ensure prompt and efficient service.
A team of factory trained technicians ensures that after sales support is available at short notice. Southtrade’s workshop assembles imported machines and performs PDI inspections to factory standards. The reputation of this workshop allows after sales service of many opposition brands.
Southtrade has built a reputation as a reliable partner and has consequently acquired a sizeable share of the agricultural machinery market in Southern Africa. Today many of its brands are market leaders.
Southtrade remains known as a specialized supplier of spraying and plant protection equipment, for fruit, wine and vegetables. Mechanisation of these sectors has further enhanced Southtrade’s reputation as a market leader. All companies represented by Southtrade manufacture machinery in accordance with their respective international standards and supported by a multitude of international tests.
Southtrade’s product pallet offers solutions to almost all types of crop farmers including: vineyards, fruit, vegetables, haymaking, etc. In this way it has been able to hedge against the seasonal fluctuations often associated with agriculture.
Southtrade is located in Brackenfell, in the outskirts of Cape Town. The building houses a formal show room, 3000 square meters of warehousing and spacious comfortable offices for sales and administrative staff. The location is at the heart of the SA wine and fruit industry. In recent years a branch depot was established in Johannesburg.
In order to ensure strong future growth, Southtrade is continually identifying and bringing new technology to Southern Africa. The focus over the past years has been to offer cutting edge precision farming solutions to their clients. Local stock backed by a competent well trained sales team have ensured that Southtrade leads the way with precision farming in all sprayer applications.
After over 70 years of continuous growth, Southtrade’s remarkable success continues and the company remains the most serious supplier of the highest quality agricultural machinery in Southern Africa.