About us
Aqunion is one of the world’s leading abalone farming businesses. A union of three well-known South African abalone businesses (Roman Bay Sea Farm, Aquafarm Development and SPP Canning). Find out more about our history, business philosophy, leadership team and operations.
OUR History
Aqunion offers a full aquaculture value chain, including abalone farming, processing, marketing and export of both wild and farmed South African abalone. Read more about our 20 years of history.
our
philosophy
We are hands-on farmers first who have developed into a mature organisation over many years. We understand the modern marketplace and always strive to develop meaningful long-term relationships with our customers.
OPERATIONS
Aqunion’s farming and processing operations are located in the beautiful coastal towns of Gansbaai and Hermanus.
Farms
Learn more about our different farms, where we breed our abalone.
Processing
See where our abalone is processed into products for export.
MARKETING &
LOGISTICS
Our customer-focused marketing approach has seen us forge lasting relationships with key customers.
OUR TEAM
André du Plessis
Chairman
Andre is the founder of the abalone business that has become Aqunion and has been in marine aquaculture for forty years. He started Aquafarm Development (Pty) Ltd in 1994 and retired as Chief Executive of the Group in 2012. Obtained a BSc (Biology) at Stellenbosch University after which he conducted research and development work in marine aquaculture for the next ten years. This was followed by over ten years in the fishing industry where he gained valuable experience in management and processing.
Jacques du Plessis
International Commercial Director / Sales Manager
Jacques has over 20 years of experience in abalone aquaculture and marketing, as he started his career at the group in 2000. Typically, he is responsible for overall business strategy and leading the Executive Team. Highlights of his tenure at the company includes the expansion of the production capacity of Roman Bay Sea Farm from 50 to 215 tonnes per annum, over a period of 8 years. He has been integral in establishing Aqunion as the new consolidated abalone group. This is the culmination of his vision and a process that started 4 years ago.
Rowan Yearsly
Chief Executive Officer
Rowan is the Chief Executive Officer of Aqunion and has been with the company since 2008. He initially served as the Research & Development Manager of Aqunion and as Managing Director of Group subsidiary Marifeed before being appointed as CEO in 2017.
