“Industry high standards, agility, and resilience made quick adaptions possible.” During Week 25 of the current pome fruit season, there was a marked increase in apple exports. This in contrast to previous weeks where the impact of Covid-19 played havoc…
By Jacques du Preez “Africa is not for sissies” is a term often used that undoubtedly describes Africa’s unique challenges – from the varying climates, logistics to doing business navigating the unfortunate “political challenges” prevalent in many countries. And of…
With approximately half of all apples marketed by Tru-Cape sold in Africa, the fruit exporter continues to stay ahead of shifting consumer preferences and developments in the continent’s fresh fruit industry. “Twenty years ago, Granny Smith, Top Red, and…
A normal pome fruit season is anticipated for the 2020 season. With good 2019 winter rain, many of the growers are able to prepare a good crop. In general, colour development and pack-outs look promising at this stage. Only on…
Text: Lucille Botha André Kritzinger (28), owner and general manager of Tulpieskraal Boerdery in the Langkloof, has been named the Eastern Cape Young Farmer of the Year for 2025. For Kritzinger, the recognition is a significant milestone. “I’ve always looked…
South Africa is rapidly establishing itself as the leading and preferred source of Pink Lady apples from the Southern Hemisphere. According to Kantar data, Pink Lady sales in the United Kingdom (UK) have risen by 13% over the past year,…
Richard Hutton-Squire, an apple and pear farmer, has been named Agri Western Cape Santam Young Farmer of the Year 2026. He spoke to Jenny Underhill at the head office of Hutton-Squire Farms in Elgin. Richard Hutton-Squire turned 40 last year…
By Lucille Botha Six years after its debut on the international stage, South Africa’s homegrown apple brand, Flash Gala, has reached a remarkable milestone. Over one million cartons of this sought-after variety were exported for the first time in a…
Members of Hortgro Science’s entomological team visited the Langkloof area in April to follow up on damage to pears possibly caused by sucking insects. Matthew Addison, Crop Protection Programme Manager, and Dr Minette Karsten, a researcher in applied entomology, met…
By Kara van der Berg Hortgro’s Dr Xolani Siboza’s first MScAgric student, Dian Craven, graduated from Stellenbosch University on 4 April. Dr Siboza is a Hortgro-seconded researcher in the Department of Horticultural Science at Stellenbosch University where Craven conducted his study…
Text and Pictures: Elise-Marie Steenkamp Standing on a hill in Mpumalanga, overlooking the rolling green valleys of Zwelihle near Amersfoort, it’s hard not to think of Karen Blixen’s famous line: “I had a farm in Africa.” But for businessman and…
Notification issued by the Government of India opens new opportunities for Indian importers to increase volumes The Government of India has approved in-transit cold treatment for South African apple and pear exports to India. The advantage of the cold treatment…