Slowdowns at Cape Town port hampers South Africa fruit campaign, poses ‘threat’ to future of industry
The backlog at Cape Town Port has improved, but not in time to save the South African fruit industry from reputational damage, according to a statement by Hortgro. “While things are better, machines still break down and need repair. The export schedule is still lagging,” the industry body said Thursday. “Reputational damage to the fruit […]
Nectarines from South Africa looking good despite tough conditions for stone fruit overall
South African growers are increasing plantings of nectarines on the back of rising demand and better financial returns at grower level, although the industry is still under financial pressure. Young nectarine orchards that were planted in the last few years are now coming into production, with new higher-yielding varieties further boosting volumes and the use […]
WAPA: Southern Hemisphere Apple and Pear Crop Forecast Revised Downward Following Severe Weather
Following the intense weather events that affected several countries in the Southern Hemisphere, the World Apple and Pear Association (WAPA) released an update of its apple and pear crop forecast that was presented during Fruit Logistica. According to the revised forecast, which consolidates the data from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile, New Zealand, and South Africa, […]
South Africa forecasts increased stone fruit production in 2021-22
South Africa is forecasting greater stone fruit production in the 2021-22 season driven primarily by new orchards coming into production. The country’s Hortgro industry body said that normality has returned after the drought years that distorted reference points and preceding the big increase of the previous season. “It’s still early days as many cultivars are […]
South African stone fruit industry reports record volumes
Despite the challenges of the pandemic and having to ship rather than fly most of its stone fruit to the UK, Hortgro said South Africa had one of its most successful seasons in recent memory. This 2020-21 campaign saw increases across the board in exports, including a 29% boost in nectarines where the UK took […]
South Africa expects big pome fruit harvest, but shipping costs a concern
South Africa’s Hortgro says it is expecting a record apple and pear crop this season after “near-perfect growing conditions”. The “exceptional” harvests come despite challenges relating to the Covid-19 pandemic and a “few tough years of drought”, it said. Additionally, the expected record volumes come in spite of the Langkloof hail which in January removed […]
Hortgro making a marketing splash in UK supermarkets with
For the 13th consecutive year, South African deciduous fruit growing organization Hortgro is teaming up with UK retailers to showcase the health benefits and unique selling points of its stone fruit. This is a good time to be delivering that type of marketing campaign as sales of fresh produce have increased by nearly 10% since […]
