About Thalès Services (Pty) Ltd.
Established in 1999, the original Thalès Wine Cellar Services predominantly found its roots in the selling and supply of reconditioned wine barrels.
In February 2010, the Thalès Management team performed a buy-out from the previous French shareholder to acquire full ownership and to become proudly South African! In 2013 the shareholders changed the company name from Thalès Wine Cellar Services to Thalès Services.
Our development and growth is continuously shaped by the high standards and quality demands set by wine producers as well as local and international commercial drivers. We have recognised key areas in the wine industry to complement our barrel hygiene expertise. Over the years our knowledge and experience have guided us to become leaders in wine cellar hygiene and fermentation management in an effort to manage risk in cellars.
To avoid the evolution of off-flavours in wine and to help ensure the production of excellent quality wines, Thalès Services offer a holistic approach to wine cellar hygiene. Our products and services include consultation regarding risk prevention, remedial strategies in the event of a problem, formulated food grade hygiene chemicals and industry leading wine ingredients from Chr Hansen.
With our offices situated in Stellenbosch, the heartland of the South African wine industry, we have forged strategic partnerships with training and research institutions to add credibility to our service and to stimulate internal research and development.
An independent facility, the TCA Laboratory, was founded in 2004 as part of a partnership between Thalès Services and the Institute for Wine Biotechnology (IWBT) at Stellenbosch University. Thalès Services manages client relationships and marketing, with analytical tests being outsourced to the laboratory at the IWBT. The main focus is to provide the wine and cork industries of South Africa with specialized analytical services as part of quality control.
Thalès Services achieved ISO 22000 accreditation in 2013 and is a BBBEE certified supplier – all adding value and assurance as part of the wine producer’s value chain.
Management Team
Finance & System Administration
Anna-Maré Louw
Anna-Maré is in charge of all financial operations of the business. She has been at the company since its founding and has been fundamental with the setup and management of all administrative systems.
Barrels & Logistics
Theron Niemand
Theron is responsible for all barrels sales, procurement and hygiene services. He has been at Thalès Service since its founding.
Wine Ingredients & Chemicals
Cornea Cilliers
Cornea oversees activities regarding Chr Hansen's wine ingredients and chemicals for the wine industry. She is a qualified winemaker with a B.Sc (Biochemistry) and a diploma in Cellar Technology (Elsenburg).
Production Manager
Aubrey Ruiters
Aubrey manages all operational activities, production and hygiene. He has been with the company since 2006.