Exporters focus on new markets

The food and beverage sector has
been identified as a key area of export
growth for the Western Cape economy.
According to the provincial
department of economic affairs,
agri-processing currently contributes
around R12 billion to the local
economy and has created an estimated
79 000 jobs.
Growing these figures is a key target
for the provincial government which
has prioritised agri-processing as part
of its Project Khulisa initiatives. The
programme, launched officially in
September, has set a target of doubling
the agri-processing sector over the next
five years.
This will see the province investing
in new infrastructure projects
and improving regulation for
the industry while also
promoting and supporting
Western Cape products
locally and abroad. China
is a big target market but
there is also a big focus
on Africa where Angola
and Nigeria are strong
contenders.
Over the past few years
there’s been a significant
increase in agricultural
exports from the Western Cape to West
Africa. The number of apples and pears
moving to this region has increased
dramatically as have several wines. One
of the most consumed South African
products in Angola at present is said to
be JC le Roux sparkling wine.
Western Cape premier Helen Zille
says that through Project Khulisa –
which means “to grow” in isiXhosa
– they can fast-track economic growth
by focusing on several sectors. Through
the project the province intends to
find new markets for Western Cape
products, breaking the heavy reliance
on traditional trading partners such as
the European Union (EU). Currently at
least 30% of all agricultural exports are
bound for the EU.