About

JDK

The Kirsten family has been farming table grapes in the beautiful and historical town of Paarl since 1916. This legacy which spans over a century continues today with the fourth generation currently at the helm of the business. Brothers Altus and Niël Kirsten both have equal shares in JDK which currently comprises the farms’ St Elmo, Keurfontein, Uitkyk, Irene, Laborans, and Eden. Niël serves as the Managing Director and Altus as the Marketing & Logistics Director.

Together they follow in their late father JD’s footsteps in further growing the JDK brand with a continued focus on quality and sustainability.

About JDK

The Kirsten family has been farming table grapes in the beautiful and historical town of Paarl since 1916. This legacy which spans over a century continues today with the fourth generation currently at the helm of the business. Brothers Altus and Niël Kirsten both have equal shares in JDK which currently comprises the farms St Elmo, Keurfontein, Uitkyk, Irene, Laborans, and Eden. Niël serves as the Managing Director and Altus as the Marketing & Logistics Director.

Together they follow in their late father JD’s footsteps in further growing the JDK brand with a continued focus on quality and sustainability.

Today JDK supplies table grapes to local & international markets and employs more than 1000 staff during the peak harvest months of January to March.

The company’s philosophy is rooted in economic success, social responsibility, and environmental sustainability, with innovation that drives these three spheres.

Today JDK supplies table grapes to local & international markets and employs more than 1000 staff during the peak harvest months of January to March.

The company’s philosophy is rooted in economic success, social responsibility, and environmental sustainability, with innovation that drives these three spheres.

A Tribute To Its

Founder JD Kirsten

The JDK brand was established by Jacob Daniel Kirsten or JD as he was well known around the late 1970s. JD was born on 19 November 1948 and is the late father of Altus and Niël.

JD married Hester Josina (Hetta) Hurter on 18 August 1973 and had four children: Jannie, Hanel, Altus and Niël. JD inherited the farms Irene and Alphen in 1973 at the youthful age of 25 years.

He further acquired Uitkyk in 1975, Keurfontein in 1978, and St Elmo in 1980 as well as citrus farms in Porterville which he later sold. He served as Managing Director of JDK for many years and later as Chairman until his death in 2021. JD was well known for his contributions to water stewardship, new varietal development, and a passion for a scientific approach to farming table grapes. He had deep compassion for people and gave generously of his time and resources to the community. He made a truly remarkable contribution to the Table Grape industry in the Berg River Region.

A Tribute To Its Founder JD Kirsten

The JDK brand was established by Jacob Daniel Kirsten or JD as he was well known around the late 1970s. JD was born on 19 November 1948 and is the late father of Altus and Niël.

JD married Hester Josina (Hetta) Hurter on 18 August 1973 and had four children: Jannie, Hanel, Altus and Niël. JD inherited the farms Irene and Alphen in 1973 at the youthful age of 25 years.

He further acquired Uitkyk in 1975, Keurfontein in 1978, and St Elmo in 1980 as well as citrus farms in Porterville which he later sold. He served as Managing Director of JDK for many years and later as Chairman until his death in 2021. JD was well known for his contributions to water stewardship, new varietal development, and a passion for a scientific approach to farming table grapes. He had deep compassion for people and gave generously of his time and resources to the community. He made a truly remarkable contribution to the Table Grape industry in the Berg River Region.