Fruit exporters court new markets

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