By Jacques du Preez After a very disappointing 2021/22 season, which despite a good crop turned out to be a disaster on farm level given trade and logistical issues, stone fruit growers and exporters are looking forward to a much-improved…
By Wilechia van der Westhuizen Cherry season has officially begun in South Africa — bringing one of the most colourful, tastiest marketing campaigns of the year. With cherries available for only a brief period, the industry is going all out…
Shipments of South African apples to the UK market have risen by 20 percent during the 2018 season, says Hortgro, the organisation representing growers in South Africa. Cumulative volumes of the fruit to the week ending July 1st, 2018, showed…
The South African apple industry turns 363 on April 17. The first two Witte Wijnappels were harvested in Cape Town’s Companies Garden in 1662 – a moment that seeded an industry now exporting nearly 50 million cartons yearly. (Image: Tru-Cape…
South African pome fruit is taking centre stage in China with the launch of an exciting 2025 consumer awareness campaign. Kicking off in popular retail chains Shengguo and Xianfeng, the campaign aims to boost the visibility and sales of South…
By Wilechia van der Westhuizen If you’ve ever wondered what happens to your fruit after it leaves the pack store, here’s a snapshot: right now, South African apples and pears are starring in marketing campaigns across China, Thailand, India, and…
Hortgro Sustainability and Natural Resource Manager Nitasha Baijnath-Pillay compares South Africa’s carbon emissions with global contributions. There are many kinds of footprints. A knowledge footprint visualises a person’s or organisation’s expertise, used to capture and share knowledge. It connects expertise…
By Karien Bezuidenhout Although South Africa’s cherry exports are relatively small (0,1% in 2024) compared to Chile’s (49% in 2024), the industry has grown by leaps and bounds. In 2012, South Africa had 185 hectares of cherry plantings, and by…
Press release: September 2021 South African plum growers are on the doorstep of a make-or-break season that will determine its future and sustainability. According to Hortgro’s Markets and Trade Manager, Jacques du Preez, plum growers faced many challenges over the…
The pome fruit harvest is under way with positive expectations for 2021. Last year saw a much better winter with enough rain in the majority of the production areas. Cooler weather during spring and the flowering period has resulted in…
Press release: 15 October 2020 A normal outlook for South African 2020/2021 stone fruit exports The 2020/2021 season is upon us and the stone fruit forecast and overall estimate volumes are looking much better compared to the same time last…
South African stone-fruit exports have increased substantially this year despite a challenging production season for growers. Figures from industry body Hortgro for the 2025/26 season show there were 32.4 million cartons of stone fruit available for export, representing a 15% rise…