Limes are the least profitable citrus fruits for farmers, thus only 95% of all citrus-growing trees are dedicated to limes and they are usually marked for export. So, what little lime crop there was, was available only briefly, during winter. But corona is drunk all year round in SA, with a peak in Summer, the exact time when the fewest limes were available.

Objective: We needed a way of ensuring Corona drinkers across 847 outlets in SA could enjoy the full Corona experience, all year round.

Using innovative "ridge-planting" and technology developed by the University of Pretoria that allowed us to vary and control the climate, moisture, light etc. of individual parcels of our orchard, we were able to overcome the restrictions mother nature placed on Limes in South Africa - they bear fruit for just 2 short months during winter - and ensure an all-year-round supply of quality limes.

Collaboration and innovative agri-tech. Working with experts from University of Pretoria and the hitherto unemployed members of the Moletele community, Lime trees were planted on ridges to control the amount of water roots were exposed to. The orchard was segmented into 6 zones, the plan being that each zone would bear fruit for two months, followed by the next zone that would do the same, ensuring 12 months of supply. But how did we get those zones to produce fruit outside of the Winter period? The first of its kind technology we used (100% solar powered), allowed us to strictly regulate the amount of water, light & temperature for each individual zone. By controlling these variables, we were able, zone by zone, to replicate Winter conditions so that trees in a specific zone would bloom and bear fruit, no matter what the season. 6 Discrete harvest periods instead of one.

This clever and innovative technology has done more than just ensure a regular supply of limes for our customers and consumers: our Limetime Guarantee

Our 34 000 trees with a yield of 3 600 tons has made Corona SA’s single largest producer of limes (producing over 70% of all South African limes), able to ensure 847 Corona outlets and countless consumers have a constant supply of limes. 1 615 Families are the beneficiaries of the land leased to us with an annuity income for the lifespan of the orchard, at least the next few decades and, by hiring all positions from within the Moletele community, we have increased employment there by 13%.

Our farmers planted the lime trees on ridges and divided the orchard into six production blocks. Then, first of its kind technology which is 100% solar powered allowed us to strictly regulate the amount of water, light & temperature for each individual zone. By controlling these variables, we were able, zone by zone, to replicate Winter conditions so that trees in a specific zone would be encouraged to bloom and bear fruit, no matter what the season. Even in the midst of a typical, South African, scorching summer. Resulting in the ability of the lime farm to now grow and harvest limes all year round instead of just during the short (2-month) winter window.