“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…
Deur Elise-Marie Steenkamp Die onlangse haelstorm in die Langkloof het ongeveer 1500 ha appel-en peerboorde geraak en infrastruktuur op verskeie plase vernietig. Die totale verlies aan uitvoervolumes is in die orde van 1,2 miljoen kartonne. Dit verteenwoordig tussen 20% tot…
By Jacques du Preez After an unexpected, but welcome, increase in stone fruit production during the previous season, especially the plum industry is anticipating export volumes that are in line with the 2021/22 season. Normality has returned after the drought…
April 2022 President lifts national state of disaster As you are aware, President Cyril Ramaphosa has lifted South Africa’s national state of disaster more than two years after it was first declared in response to the COVID-19pandemic. Full details of…
Hortgro Dried Tree Fruit (DTF) het op 1 September ’n bedryfsinligtingsdag op Robertson gehou om aan produsente en verwerkers terugvoer te gee oor “waar die bedryf staan en waarheen dit gaan” in afwagting op die komende seisoen. Deur Kara van…
Despite Covid-19 and a few tough drought years, the deciduous fruit industry has been blessed with exceptional harvests in every fruit category managed by Hortgro, after “near-perfect growing conditions”. Hortgro expects a record apple and pear harvest this season, despite…
The current pome fruit season is well underway after a later start, says Jacques du Preez, Hortgro General Manager: Trade & Markets. “The season so far is 7 – 10 days later than normal. This can be attributed to a…
Text: Elise-Marie Steenkamp and Pictures: Alisa Farr The first full container of South African stone fruit bound for the People’s Republic of China was dispatched last week from the Freshness First Packhouse in Franschhoek, marking a milestone for the country’s deciduous…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Paarl, South Africa — 22 May 2026 HORTGRO Appoints Jacques du Preez as New Chief Executive Officer Industry veteran steps up as founding leader, Anton Rabe, retires after decades of distinguished service HORTGRO, the leading statutory body…
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…
By Jacques du Preez The 2023 harvest is in full swing, and growers are anticipating an export crop that is slightly lower than the previous season. The lower export volumes are a result of hail experienced during November and December…