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With more than 15 years of experience in the wine industry, Conrad Schutte’s appointment as Vititec CEO aligns two key players under a single strategic vision.
Schutte is currently the CEO of Vinpro and will be taking on the role as Vititec’s CEO on 1 August 2025. He will then serve as the CEO of both organisations.
Vititec, an affiliate of Vinpro, plays a vital role in the South African wine industry as a trusted producer of high-quality clonal material. The company’s operations include the development, production, marketing, and supply of viticultural and oenological selected plant material, including grafted vines and vine plant material suitable for grafting.
Strong roots
With a strong technical background in viticulture and a proven track record of leadership, Schutte is well-positioned to lead the business into its next phase of strategic intent. Having joined Vinpro in 2010 as a regional viticulture consultant, Schutte brings more than 15 years of experience within the organisation, including the past two years as its CEO.
Schutte holds a BSc (Agric) Honours degree in Viticulture from Stellenbosch University (2001) and obtained his Master of Business Administration (MBA) Cum Laude from the same institution in 2017. In 2019, he was appointed manager of Vinpro’s consultation service department where he was instrumental in driving innovation and supporting wine grape producers across the country.
Blending with ease
His dual role will foster collaboration between Vititec and Vinpro, aligning their strategic goals and providing robust support to the South African wine industry.
“I am truly excited to lead this exceptional group of skilled professionals. I look forward to collaborating with this team to establish a focussed, world-class plant improvement organisation that supports sustainable practices and nurtures the future of the South African wine industry. Guided by science and rooted in heritage, Vititec will cultivate tomorrow’s vines today!”
Vititec looks forward to continued growth and innovation under his leadership. – Vinpro press release curated by Plaas Media
