After an unexpected increase in stone fruit production during the previous season, stone fruit industry body Hortgro is anticipating higher export volumes for the upcoming season.
According to a statement, although it is still early days, as many cultivars are in bloom now (mid-October), the industry is expecting fruit packed for the export market to range from 15-16.5 million cartons (5.25kg equivalents).
“This relates to the same crop as last year with an 8% increase on the upper end, depending on how the season plays out. Stone fruit growers have experienced a good winter and a very mild to cool spring thus far. The potential increase is primarily driven by new orchards coming into production. Growers have been sensitised to proper thinning practices to ensure good fruit size, as the market for smaller fruit is limited,” the statement read.
For nectarine exports, an increase of 9%, to 7.1 million cartons (2.5kg equivalents), is expected. As is the case with plums, there are a number of new nectarine orchards, resulting in continued export volume growth.
Peach volumes are expected to be the same as in 2020/21 at 2.45 million cartons (2.5kg equivalents). In recent years, dessert peach orchards have seen a decline in total areas planted.
After the bounce-back of the previous season, apricot volumes are also expected to be the same or slightly down on the 2020/21 season. Apricot hectares have also experienced a decline in recent years.
Hortgro said that logistics would most likely remain a challenge, as is the reality worldwide, but with the experience gained in the past 18 months in managing challenges, the industry will again facilitate and coordinate actions, and exchange fruit information between key stakeholders.
