About Us

Bridging Southern Africa & the World

From Ground to Global

Calypso Fruit & Nuts was founded in 2017 as a Mauritius-based marketing company built on two decades of experience under the Afruita brand.

Colin and Garrick, with roots stretching back to the early 2000s, saw a gap in the market: premium Southern African produce lacked the global access it deserved.

Today, Calypso acts as a single point of contact, streamlining the entire farm-to-market journey.

Years in the Fresh Produce Trade

Southern African Grower Countries

Countries Reached Across 4 Continents

Premium Fruits & Nuts

Mission

To grow and deliver premium Southern African produce to global markets through ethical sourcing, strategic partnerships, and uncompromising quality.

Vision

To cultivate enduring partnerships that connect dedicated growers with discerning global buyers, setting the standard for quality, service, and sustainability.

Looking Ahead

Our Breeding Programs

We invest in both in-house and external breeding programs to deliver resilient, high-yield crops for growers and premium quality produce for global markets. By focusing on sustainability, shelf life, and consumer appeal, we ensure long-term value across the supply chain.

At our foundation is a passion for innovation and a commitment to pioneering the next generation of varieties.

What Drives Us

Bridging Southern Africa and the World

N

Quality

From soil to shelf, we demand the highest standards.

Partnership

Long-term, collaborative relationships are our foundation.

Sustainability

We prioritize ethical and responsible sourcing.

Innovation

Smart solutions in packaging, logistics, and agronomy & breeding.

Experienced Team

Directors

Colin Colegrave

Managing Director, Commercial & Market Development

Colin brings over three decades of experience in the fresh produce export industry, with deep expertise in agricultural science, market engagement, and supply chain coordination. A passionate advocate for Southern African agriculture, he has spent his career building strong relationships across the value chain, connecting growers with global markets and ensuring that clients consistently receive high-quality, premium-grade produce.

He holds a BSc Agric (Hons) degree from the University of Natal (Pietermaritzburg), majoring in Horticulture. Based at the company’s head office in Mauritius, Colin leads market-facing activities and oversees the alignment of supply with evolving international demand. His strategic vision and commitment to customer satisfaction underpin Calypso’s commercial operations.

Nirvan Maudhoo

Non-Executive Director

Nirvan has over 15 years of experience in the financial services sector, supported by a Bachelor of Science in Accounting with Finance and a Fellow designation with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA). He began his career at KPMG, where he led audits for major local conglomerates before expanding his expertise into the Global Business sector.

He has since held senior leadership roles as Finance Director at both a multinational mining company and a trust company, developing strong expertise in finance, tax, budgeting, audit, and reporting. Nirvan is currently Finance Director at LC Abelheim and joined Calypso Fruit & Nuts as Non-Executive Director in 2025.

Ian Chambers

Non-Executive Director

Ian has served as a Non-Executive Director of Calypso since its founding in 2017. Based in Mauritius since 2008, he brings extensive experience in offshore finance, taxation, and legal advisory.

Prior to relocating, he held senior roles in South Africa, including Partner at Fisher Hoffman Stride Chartered Accountants and Routledges Attorneys, and Head of Structured and Project Finance at Crédit Agricole Indosuez.

Ian has also contributed to key tax publications, including the South African Revenue Service Practice Manual and LexisNexis reference guides.

Agronomy

Garrick Mullin

Grower Relations & Agronomy

Garrick brings a multidisciplinary background to Calypso, combining expertise in applied sciences with experience in both the mining and agricultural sectors. He holds a BSc (Hons) in Geology from Rhodes University. After a career in mining, he transitioned into commercial horticulture, where he successfully established and managed intensive export-oriented farming operations.

His passion for research, innovation, and sustainability is matched by a practical understanding of project economics and the diverse challenges of production across Southern Africa. Garrick plays a key role in strengthening grower partnerships and ensuring the reliable supply of premium-quality produce to global markets.

Courtney Kempen

Agronomy, Due Diligence & Quality Control

Courtney joined Calypso Fruit & Nuts in 2023 as Grower Support Manager, serving as the link between export operations and the company’s network of partner growers. Holding a BSc Agric in Plant and Soil Science from Stellenbosch University, she supports growers in implementing best practices to consistently deliver high-quality produce. Her role focuses on international standards for safety, compliance, and freshness, ensuring seamless, audit-ready exports.

For technical queries regarding quality standards, retailer specifications, or production support, you can reach Courtney directly at agronomy@calypsofruit.com.

 

Sales & Marketing

Kelly Conway

Commercial Operations

Kelly joined Afruita in Zimbabwe in 2006 and transitioned to Calypso with the opening of its Mauritius office in 2017. Now based in the UK, she is a core member of the Sales & Marketing team, specialising in client and grower relations. She serves as the primary liaison between Calypso’s partner growers and international customer base.

For commercial queries regarding grower payments and accounts, you can reach Kelly directly at kelly@calypsofruit.com.

Accounts

Rabeaa Raymode Mandarun

Accounts

Based in Mauritius, Rabeaa manages the day-to-day accounting functions of Calypso Fruit & Nuts Ltd. With a background in finance and a strong understanding of accounting principles, she ensures the accuracy and reliability of financial records, supporting the company’s reporting and compliance requirements.

Logistics

Lameck Julius

Stock Clerk

Lameck began working with Afruita in 2004 and continues in his role as Stock Clerk at Calypso.

Maureen Chidziva

Quality Control

Maureen joined Afruita in 2004 in a quality control role and now manages quality checks at Calypso, ensuring that all packed produce meets customer specifications and standards.

Alec Julius

Stock Controller

Alec has been with the company since 2005 and currently works as Stock Controller.

Amelia Wilson

Administration & Logistics Manager

As Administration and Logistics Manager at Calypso, Amelia oversees logistics, export documentation, administrative coordination, and packaging procurement and planning. She holds a BA (Hons) in Geography from Durham University, which underpins her global perspective and organisational approach.

Grower or Buyer?

Contact Calypso to discuss how we can work together.