Camellia is thrilled to introduce Matt Merrick as the new Managing Director for Eastern Produce Malawi (EPM). Bringing with him a blend of agricultural expertise, leadership experience, and a commitment to sustainable growth, his approach aligns harmoniously with the values that define EPM and the wider Camellia Group. He recently sat down to share insights on his previous experience, his aspirations for EPM, and his vision for impactful leadership in Malawi.
A dynamic background rooted in agriculture and leadership
Growing up on a dairy farm in South Africa and part of a family who have been in farming for four generations, agriculture is practically in his DNA. He studied agricultural management at the University of Kwa Zulu-Natal, before embarking on a six-year stint as an officer in the British Army. Family then drew him back to South Africa, and in 2016 on to Tanzania, where he honed his management skills running a commercial forestry business. Now, Matt finds himself taking the helm at EPM in Malawi.
"It's been a whirlwind transition, but one I’m very excited about," he says. “This role brings me closer to my family in South Africa, but it’s also a chance to work with a team and a company that genuinely values its responsibilities—to the land, to the people, and to sustainable business practices."
A natural fit with the Camellia Group’s values
Matt admits he was drawn not just to the work, but to EPM’s, and the wider Group’s, ethos: “I wanted to join a company that ‘walks the talk’ when it comes to ethical practices and social responsibility,” he explains. “It wasn’t so much the crop that attracted me, though I do love macadamias—it was about finding a company that understands its obligations to the environment and communities it operates in.”
EPM’s long-standing reputation for ethical operations was a significant factor for Matt, who was impressed by EPM’s values even before joining. “When you operate in environments like Malawi, where community and governmental relationships are complex and essential, staying true to your values isn’t just idealistic; it’s strategic. It’s how you build a sustainable, impactful presence."
Taking on EPM’s unique challenges
EPM presents Matt with a host of challenges but also many striking similarities to his work in Tanzania. “The economic dynamics, community focus, and governmental interactions in Malawi feel familiar,” he says. “While EPM is on a larger scale than what I’ve managed previously, the macro challenges are strikingly similar. It’s about aligning business goals with community needs, maintaining robust governmental relationships, and always operating transparently and ethically.”
Matt’s previous experience in forestry and manufacturing prepared him well for overseeing EPM’s macadamia and tea operations. "The technicalities might differ, but the quality controls, traceability, and operational challenges are very similar. I’m fortunate to have a strong team on the ground to support this transition, and together, we’re driving continued high standards in both product quality and community impact.”
A vision for EPM’s future
As Matt settles into his new role at EPM, his leadership, deep respect for sustainable practices, and commitment to community development set a strong foundation for the company’s future. "For me, it’s about creating long-term value for everyone involved—our stakeholders, our employees, and the local communities. Camellia’s commitment to sustainable practices aligns with my own values, and I’m excited to drive initiatives that reinforce this commitment."
With his extensive experience and dedication to ethical business practices, Matt is poised to guide EPM toward continued success in Malawi, proving that business growth and social responsibility can go hand in hand.
And Matt’s favourite macadamia product? – “There’s a company called Wedgewood in my hometown that does a honey and macadamia ice cream, that is frankly worth fighting people for.”
