Vergezocht Plant Oils are situated in the Bainsvlei district 25 km from Bloemfontein in the Free State province, South Africa
The name Vergezocht originated from the farm Vergezocht where High Oleic Sunflower was planted for the first time in South Africa as collaboration between the owner Mr. P.F Hugo and the seed company PANNAR.
The processing plant was developed from 2005. On account of the uniqueness of High Oleic Sunflower oil, new methods had to be developed or implemented to protect the health properties of the oil during production. Research and development included the training of staff, the implementation of control measures, compliance to health and safety regulations and compliance to requirements of the Lipid Research Unit from the Department of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, University of the Free State. This Lipid Research Unit under leadership of Professor J.L.F Kock is at the forefront of lipid research.
The plant was given a 93% FSA audit rating during 2022.
