About Us

Our Story

Avanos Enterprises (Pvt) Ltd. was founded in 2005 as an independent Zimbabwean seed company. Previously, from 2001 to 2004, it operated as the African office for East West Seed International. Following East West Seed’s disinvestment from Zimbabwe in 2005, Marietta van der Werff took over operations and continued the company independently, increasingly emphasizing the brand of ‘African seed for African farmers’. In 2016, the company rebranded to Avanos Seeds, proudly taking on its uniquely African identity and highlighting its core strengths in the vegetable seed industry.

Our Mission

As Avanos Seeds, our mission is to be known as the originators and reliable source of truly African, high-quality vegetable seed, which provides African farmers with the right building blocks to enhance productivity, improve food security, and build profitable agricultural businesses. Through research, development, and local seed production, we create superior varieties tailored to the needs of farmers and consumers, ensuring consistency, reliability, and enduring agricultural productivity.

Our Values

We take pride in our commitment from quality, innovation, and farmer success. Our seeds meet the highest genetic and physical standards, ensuring strong yields and productivity. We value partnerships, providing technical support, agronomic guidance, and hands-on demonstrations to help farmers maximize their potential. By keeping production local and reducing reliance on imports, we contribute to a stronger, self-sufficient agricultural sector in Zimbabwe and beyond.

Meet The Team

MANAGEMENT

Avanos Seeds employs over 100 people over its various departments, including Research and Development, Seed Production, Warehousing and Processing, Sales and Marketing, and General Administration.

Marietta van der Werff

Managing Director

Marietta van der Werff is the Founder of Avanos Seeds; a Wageningen University-trained Agricultural Engineer and Plant Breeder with 35 years of experience in the vegetable seed industry across Asia and Africa. Passionate about sustainable agriculture, she is dedicated to providing farmers with high-quality seeds of locally adapted and traditional varieties, empowering them to build profitable businesses while enhancing national food diversity and security.

Ryan Butterworth

General Manager

With a background as a professional sportsman and a lifelong connection to farming, he brings a unique perspective to the agricultural sector. Having grown up on family farms, he has a deep appreciation for the industry, despite his professional journey taking him in different directions. Now, as General Manager of Avanos Seeds, he combines his leadership skills and passion for agriculture to drive growth and innovation. His focus is on empowering teams, fostering strong relationships with farmers, and delivering high-quality vegetable seeds that positively impact communities.

SALES

Blessing Jombo

Sales and Marketing Manager

With 25 years in the agro-retail sector, including 13 years with Avanos Seeds, Blessing serves as a Director with a strong focus on customer satisfaction. His goal is to ensure farmers have timely access to Avanos Seeds through reputable distributors. He envisions Avanos Seeds as the preferred seed supplier for farmers across the country and region.

Stephen Rusenza

Sales Coordinator Harare

Rumbi Hondoma

Sales Receptionist

Fungai Pirikisi and Kelvin Mberenga

Sales Representatives

National Sales Team

SEED PRODUCTION

Rangarirai Shayanowako

Seed Production Agronomist

Rangarirai is the Production Agronomist at Avanos Seeds, bringing over 13 years of experience in seed production. He has worked with various seed companies, gaining extensive expertise in the industry.

Joseph Mapundo, Steven Moyo, Assistants

Seed Production Supervisor and support staff

Lucky Madzimure, Tendai Jope

Junior Seed Production Technicians

SEED PROCESSING AND PACKING

Alistair Nawanga

Warehouse Manager

Alistair Nawanga is a Director as well as Seed Processing and Warehouse Manager at Avanos Seeds, with 10 years of experience in the seed industry. A Crop Scientist trained at the University of Zimbabwe, he is an aspiring leader in Seed Technology and Seed Business Management. Alistair is passionate about harnessing the science of seed technology into practical application within the company’s processing and warehousing systems, ensuring that growers in Southern Africa have access to guaranteed high quality vegetable seed.