Local export volumes for nectarines, peaches and plums are expected increase to a record high for the 2015/2016 season – driven by an increased demand from the Middle East.
Quoting the South African Stone Fruit Producers’ Association, Bloomberg news reported that South Africa could sell up to sell 3.9 million 2.5-kilogram cartons of nectarines (4% more than the previous season), with peach exports up by 5% to 2.1 million cartons of the same size. Shipments of plums could increase by 3% to 11.82 million 5.25-kilogram cartons.
“Over the last couple of seasons the traditional markets have shown a renewed interest in our export fruit, with continued strong growth in other markets such as the Middle East,” Jacques du Preez, general manager for trade and markets at Hortgro was cited as saying.
