Price will determine success of SA apple exports to China

APPLE EXPORTS to China have been bedevilled by a number of factors – tough phyto-sanitary and coldsterilisation regimes, a consumer base still largely ignorant of South African fresh produce, and higher prices in other markets like Europe among them. This as an official agreement opening the way for legallysanctioned apple exports to China is set to be signed. Charles Hughes of Tru- Cape Fruit Marketing says South African volumes to China, possibly up to one million cartons a year, will ultimately be driven by the price the Chinese are prepared to pay. “My own personal view is that we should be competitive because China’s growing middleclass is much the same as South Africa’s – also quality-conscious and with disposable income.”