The Money Show Astral Foods rebounds as WeBuyCars drives growth with R26.4 bn revenue surge
Nov 17, 2025
Faan van der Walt, Founder and Executive Director of WeBuyCars, shares insights on the company's impressive R26.4 billion revenue and how they're tackling competition from cheaper Chinese cars. He discusses rapid inventory turnover and strategic pricing adjustments to maintain market dominance. Rennie LaRue, a third-generation almond farmer, reveals the secrets behind South Africa's booming almond industry, including cultivation techniques and innovative marketing through The Almond Girl. He reflects on his family's legacy and the future of almond farming.
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Capacity Turned Into Cost Advantage
- Astral used spare capacity from a 2020 expansion to quickly increase production and lower unit costs.
- Higher volumes spread fixed overheads and made chicken more affordable.
Municipal Failures Feed Operating Costs
- Municipal infrastructure failures still force Astral to buy diesel and cart water, adding roughly R120m pa in costs.
- These local service gaps materially reduce margins even without national load shedding.
Actively Pursue Vaccination Approvals
- Apply for bird-flu vaccination proactively and follow government guidelines to protect breeding stock.
- Use vaccination alongside biosecurity because compensation and insurance are limited.
