Founded in 2017 by farmers, for farmers.
Hobson's Choice Trading specialises in natural chitosan-derived bio-stimulants — built to activate plant defence, restore soil ecology and reduce chemical input across South African farms.
A bio-stimulant built on chemistry, biology — and South African soil.
Hobson's Choice Trading was founded in 2017 in the Western Cape by Frank Hobson and Paul Maratos. Today the company is based in KwaZulu Natal and specialises in HCT — Liquid Compost: a natural chitosan-derived bio-stimulant, natural pest control and plant immune booster.
We work directly with growers across the Western Cape and KwaZulu Natal. Since 2018, seasonal cropping trials and continued on-farm use have consistently proven product efficacy — reducing chemical input, improving nutrient cycling, and restoring soil ecology.
Everything we do is aimed at one shift: moving farming away from conventional, chemical-heavy practice and toward regenerative agriculture. Instead of leaning on synthetic pesticides, herbicides and fungicides that strip the life out of the soil over time, HCT works with the plant's own biology — strengthening its natural defences and rebuilding the living soil beneath it. The goal is simple: healthier crops and healthier land, with less harmful chemical input season after season.
Frank Hobson & Paul Maratos
A grower and a technical lead. Both still actively in the field — the product is shaped by what works on real farms.
Umgungundlovo, KwaZulu-Natal 7270
Four principles. Every season.
Natural by design
Chitosan-derived bio-stimulant — works through enzyme activation, not chemical pressure.
Safe by default
Non-toxic to bees, birds and amphibians. No Maximum Residue Limit. Safe to apply any time.
Proven on farm
Seasonal cropping trials and continuous use across the Western Cape and KZN since 2018.
100% South African
Every ingredient is locally sourced and produced at our KZN facility.
Nine years in the field.
- 2017Founded
Frank Hobson and Paul Maratos start HCT in the Western Cape.
- 2018First trials
Seasonal cropping trials across WC begin showing yield and resilience gains.
- 2022Registered
K2022604507 incorporated. Production moves to KZN at Stone Ridge Farm.
- 2024Group 2 Fertiliser
Registration submitted — 4 April 2024, currently pending.
- 2026Digital platform
Online ordering, site surveys and field-level soil tracking go live.