Inside the Stegen Group Banana Plantations

March 6, 2026
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In the coastal hills of Mtunzini, the Stegen name carries the weight of over a century of agricultural heritage.  With a legacy in South African farming that spans generations, the Stegen Group has mastered the art of the harvest, managing a sprawling operation that includes extensive banana plantations and sugarcane fields.

For the Stegens, delivering a world-class banana isn’t just a business - it’s a craft that requires patience, precise timing and a deep respect for the fruit.

The Art of the Harvest

The journey of a Stegen Group banana is defined by hands-on care.  Because bananas are incredibly delicate, the team utilizes a meticulous manual process to ensure the fruit reaches the consumer in pristine condition:

The Hang: Immediately after being cut, the heavy green bunches are hung on rails.  This traditional method is vital; it prevents the weight of the fruit from causing "pressure bruising," keeping the skins spotless.

Rows of healthy banana trees on the Stegen Group farm under a clear blue sky

The Essential Wash: The bunches then move to a specialized de-handing station for a disinfected wash.  This critical "latex bath" cleans the fruit and seals the crowns, protecting them from staining and ensuring they stay fresh and healthy throughout the ripening stage.

Farm workers processing green bananas in a large water-filled washing tank at a packhouse.

Protecting the Harvest with Almar Cold Storage

While the farming expertise is passed down through the generations, the Stegen Group relies on Almar’s 12m Reefers to provide the controlled environment needed for the final, most delicate stage of the journey.

An Almar refrigerated container positioned on a gravel pad next to a large warehouse at Stegen Group.

For an operation of this scale, our reefers serve as the essential link between the grove and the grocery store, ensuring that a year’s worth of hard work in the fields isn't lost in the final few days.

Why the 12m Reefer is the Farmer’s Choice

Stacks of black crates filled with green bananas inside a clean, refrigerated Almar container.

By integrating Almar’s mobile cold storage into their workflow, the Stegen Group maintains total command over the ripening cycle:

  1. The 5-Day Transformation:  Once the bananas are secured inside the reefer, a special ripening gas is introduced for five days.  The airtight seal of the Almar unit is the secret to success here - it ensures the gas stays concentrated, allowing the entire load to ripen at a perfectly uniform pace.
  2. Managing Natural Heat:  As bananas ripen, they naturally generate their own internal heat.  The powerful cooling system of the 12m reefer works around the clock to neutralize this, preventing the fruit from over-ripening and preserving the firm, sweet texture that the Stegen Group is known for.
  3. Scale and Reliability:  With large quantities of bananas to manage, the Stegen Group needs equipment that can handle high-volume throughput.  The 12m reefer provides the massive capacity and rugged reliability required to keep up with one of KZN’s most productive farms.
A close-up of several stacks of black crates filled with green bananas ready for distribution.

A Partnership Rooted in Quality

Almar is proud to support local legends like the Stegen Group.  By providing dependable cold storage solutions, we help ensure that their 100-year legacy of farming excellence continues to reach tables across South Africa in perfect condition.

Get in Touch with Emthunzini Bananas

If you are looking for premium produce from a farm that truly understands the art of the banana, contact the Stegen Group:

  • Phone: 083 441 6420
  • Email: banana@stegen.co.za

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