Crown National : Building Growth by Investing in People

Written by LMI | Oct 5, 2025 10:54:24 AM

With more than 110 years of history, Crown Food Group is a trusted supplier of ingredients and equipment for the global food industry. As part of the Bidcorp Group, Crown operates across Southern Africa and partners with some of the world’s most recognizable food brands. But even a century-old company knows that future growth depends not just on products and processes—but on people.

That’s why in 2021, Crown launched its “Above and Beyond” initiative, powered by Leadership Management International (LMI®). The program was designed to strengthen leadership, enhance well-being, and ensure employees were fully engaged in building the company’s future.

The results have been remarkable:

  • In 2021, Crown’s executive committee began LMI’s Effective Personal Leadership® program. Despite a tough economic environment, the company achieved a record year with 19% growth over the prior year.

  • By mid-2022, the program expanded to 113 additional employees across all levels of the business, embedding leadership principles throughout the organization.

  • Crown has built a stronger succession pipeline, cultivated collaboration, and created an environment where personal and professional growth are equally valued.

The voices of Crown’s leaders and managers tell the story best:

  • “The LMI program equipped me with the knowledge and tools to lead my diverse team more effectively… it changed team dynamics, facilitated growth, and improved efficiencies.”Natasja Erasmus, Manufacturing Supply Chain Executive

  • “The EPL journey taught me that life is not just for work, but also for family. It helped me find balance and realize the importance of empowering others to reach their potential.”Johan De Beer, Commercial Supply Chain Executive

  • “After losing my wife to Covid, the program helped me regain focus and purpose… setting personal goals and writing a life mission statement reignited my sense of purpose.”Neal Mackriel, HR Executive

  • “LMI taught me to believe in myself more, focus on balance, and deliver better results by being my authentic self.”Peter Nordejee, Marketing & E-Commerce Executive

Managing Director John Morris summarized the philosophy driving this transformation: “Leave people better than you found them.” With LMI®’s structured approach to leadership and personal growth, Crown Food Group is not only securing business performance but also enriching the lives of its people.

When employees are empowered to grow as leaders and as individuals, companies unlock resilience, innovation, and sustainable success.

Read the full story here.