South Africa's dairy industry continues to nourish our nation, one wholesome sip at a time but what makes the industry extra-ordinary is so much more than milk but those who dare to go beyond the norms, for the benefit of all.
Idealists, like Beyers De Bruin, the late founder of Tip-Top Milk, who saw the dairy industry more than just supplying milk but as the livelihoods of farmers, the bonds of community, and the potential for positive change. This is his story and the long lasting legacy his dreams continue to have in South Africa’s booming dairy industry.
A legacy rooted in family
Dairy farming runs deep in the De Bruin family’s veins, dating back to 1972. The then young Beyers accompanied his father to the family’s dairy, watching, listening and learning all while forging an unforgettable web of friendships within the industry.
Beyers would work on the weekends in the dairy while still at school, and began working full-time in the dairy in 1994, sealing his fate as a dairy farmer.
Seeing the need
Beyers’ journey into dairy logistics began with a profound passion for helping people. He witnessed the struggles of dairy farmers in the face of milk “oversupply”, where penalties were often used as a means of control. In 2008, he took the first step, buying and selling milk, determined to shift this paradigm and bring about positive change for farmers and buyers. Two years later, Tip-Top Milk was born, dedicated to supporting both farmers and processors.
Greatness, guided by values
Beyers’ life was guided by values that reflected his character and purpose. Above all, his unwavering faith took precedence, attributing all the good in his life to a higher power. People who knew Beyers, described him as a God-fearing, loving, compassionate and fair man. He believed that if your dreams didn’t scare you, you weren’t dreaming big enough, making his life motto, “if you can dream it, you can do it”.
A legacy carried forward
Today, Beyers De Bruin’s legacy lives on through his children, and all of our Tip-Top Milk team. We continue to honour and nurture his vision in every task we do.
In memory of a kind, caring and extraordinary soul, Beyers De Bruin, we celebrate a man whose dreams knew no bounds, whose love was never-ending, and whose faith shaped his journey. His legacy remains an inspiration to all of us at Tip-Top Milk.