With 95% of its kiwifruit exports firmly in the bag for markets in Europe and Asia, South African producers of red and yellow varietals are chasing higher numbers before the end of the shipping season at the end of April.
Traditionally, the country’s climate has been less favourable for green kiwifruit, which thrives in colder winters.
However, balmy to warm conditions provide an ideal environment for yellow and red-fleshed varieties, which require less winter chill.
Pieter de Jongh of The Kiwi Connection told Fresh Plaza: “The warmer South African climate is more suited to produce yellow- and red-flesh kiwis.”
The Kiwi Connection, a partnership between TopFruit and the RSA Group, is responsible for testing, supporting, and commercialising new kiwifruit varieties across Southern Africa, and holds the master licence for KiwiKo’s varieties in the region.
KiwiKo, founded in 2020 by TopFruit and Miko Asia, collaborates with Yanoon BioTech in China on an advanced breeding programme to develop innovative kiwifruit strains.
Demonstrating the sector’s growth, The Kiwi Connection recently hosted South Africa’s inaugural Kiwifruit Field Day, covering locations such as Worcester, George, and Grabouw in the Western Cape.
The event provided insight into kiwifruit production under varying climatic conditions and attracted 30 international specialists from countries including Portugal, France, Chile, New Zealand, Australia, China, and India, as well as 20 local experts. This highlights the growing global interest in South Africa’s kiwifruit potential.
Despite South African consumers favouring green kiwifruit, the international market is showing increasing demand for yellow-fleshed varieties. About 95% of the country’s kiwifruit is exported, with shipments taking place from mid-February to late April. This timeframe allows South Africa to supply global markets in a crucial window between harvest seasons in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
Producers carefully select kiwifruit varieties based on both climatic suitability and market demand, a process similar to the approach used in the wine industry. The recent rise in Braeburn apple exports demonstrates how South African growers are adapting to shifting global trade patterns and consumer preferences.
Events such as the Kiwifruit Field Day play a key role in fostering knowledge exchange, enabling discussions on sustainable production methods, commercial strategies, and industry advancements. With international collaborations and ongoing research, South Africa’s kiwifruit sector is set to become increasingly resilient and competitive on the global stage.
