As the deciduous fruit industry counts the cost of the double blow to its logistics chain, thanks to the civil unrest and Transnet cyberattack, there is plenty of good news according to Hortgro’s trade and markets manager, Jacques du Preez.
“South Africa expects to produce a record crop of 1 million tons of apples this year and to export 45% of this.
“We also anticipate a record export volume of almost 490 000 tons this season to markets all over the world – from Mexico and Canada in the West, to China in the East,” he said.
The organisation’s first international trade development and consumer awareness campaigns in China and India have also gained traction.
Hortgro has partnered with various importers and retailers in the first year of an industry market development campaign in China. “We have been overwhelmed by the positive interest and response from the Chinese fruit trade. So far we have had an excellent season for apple exports to China, more than double the volume we did last year. Hopefully, this growth will continue into the future,” Du Preez said.
A pilot campaign has also recently been launched, commencing with engagements with Indian importers, retailers, and trade.
Du Preez believes India has great potential for increased imports of SA apples and pears, with feedback from the trade very positive and optimistic so far.
“Due to the challenges and global impact of the Covid pandemic, the campaign kicked off later than hoped for, but it allows the industry to lay a solid foundation for the remainder of the year to hit the ground running as we look forward to the 2022 season.”