Fruit exporters court new market

Regional and
international
markets are
increasingly opening
up for fresh fruit exports
out of South
Africa and
negotiations
are currently
under way to
obtain access
for various
fruit varieties
in the Far
East and
South East
Asia.
“There
are lots of opportunities in
new markets for fresh fruit
exporters, including Africa,”
said Anton Kruger, CEO of
the Fresh Produce Exporters’
Forum (FPEF).
According to Kruger, Africa
currently imports around
32% of South African apples.
“China is also becoming a
big market for South African
apples,” added
Kruger.
He pointed
out that there
were still
obstacles to
expanding
South Africa’s
export market
such as high
import duties
in certain
markets as
well as several non-tariff
barriers, including labelling
requirements and payment
issues.
“And of course some
stringent phytosanitary
requirements such as cold
sterilisation treatment
periods,” said Kruger.
According to him,
industry and government
are working together to
address many of these
obstacles.
He told FTW that total
export volumes of fresh
fruit were expected to
remain stable for the next
financial year with an
amount of around
2.63 million tonnes
expected to be shipped.
“There are factors that
could unexpectedly affect
the projection, including
unusual weather conditions
such as rain, wind and
storms,” said Kruger.
INSERT & CAPTION
China is becoming a
big market for South
African apples.
– Anton Kruger