HORTGRO Robust Economic Powerhouse

Over the past two decades, Hortgro has played a central role in the robust economic growth of South Africa’s deciduous fruit industry, transforming it into a key agricultural powerhouse. It represents 1128 pome and stone fruit producers, and a total of 46% of production is exported. The industry provides 1.25 permanent jobs per hectare, thereby employing 63,832 people directly on farms with 255,328 dependents.

Record export levels: The industry now cultivates approximately 53,748 ha, yielding around R22.5 billion in annual revenue. Total exports have surged by 30% over the last five years to nearly 1 million tons.  Testimony to the diversification of markets, such as China for pome fruit, improved shipping protocols to India, and the recent reopening of the Thailand market, which closed in 2008.

Financial empowerment and inclusion development: With the inception of Hortfin in 2018, it established a R464 million loan book, supporting 25 predominantly Black-owned agribusinesses, financing 96 hectares of new plantings, creating 2,237 jobs, training 56 individuals, and expanding over 2,500 square meters of farming infrastructure. Between 2009 and 2020, the sector added over 1,500 hectares of new orchards through initiatives such as the Boompie Project and DFDC Commercialisation projects—762 ha (valued at R224m, approximately R7.3 billion in lifetime production) and an additional 312 ha (with an R134m investment), generating nearly 4,000 new jobs.

Investments in R&D and sustainability: Through Hortgro Science, the sector has adopted cutting-edge technologies based on research projects funded by the industry, ranging from precision irrigation and solar energy to pest control innovations and robust pest surveillance, thereby boosting productivity, reducing waste, and enhancing resilience.

Investment in human capital: Hortgro has invested over R55 million in bursaries for students within the South African deciduous fruit sector over the past decade. This figure includes approximately R13 million in undergraduate support and R35.5 million for postgraduate students. Hortgro is proud of the fact that many bursary holders ultimately enter the industry, providing an excellent return on investment and ensuring a steady supply of future researchers and leaders for the industry.

In essence, through strategic investments in land, people, finance, markets, and innovation, Hortgro has helped transition South Africa’s deciduous fruit industry from a regional player to a globally competitive, export-driven economic engine over the past twenty years.