Good rain during the winter of 2018 has brought much-needed relief too many top fruit growers. Although the drought has not been completely broken, growers are in a much better position than last year. A bumper crop isn’t expected, but volumes are looking better and growers are much more positive with an average export crop anticipated for the 2019 season. The 2019 crop will see an increase in specific varieties. This is due to young orchards coming into production. During 2018, many of these young orchards countered the massive impact of the drought and now, in 2019, a 5% increase is estimated for apples. Pear exports are estimated to be on par with the previous season.
Pome fruit export estimate (12.5 kg equivalent cartons) 
Slight downward adjustments were made to Golden Delicious, Royal Gala/Gala, Fuji, and Topred/Starking. This was mainly due to a lighter fruit set. Volumes are still anticipated to increase +5%, +7%, +6%, and 2% respectively due to young orchards coming into production.
Pear plantings have stabilized over the past few years and one could say we are moving into a consolidation phase. Although Packham’s Triumph and Forelle exports are still increasing, the past 2 to 3 seasons have seen the plantings stabilizing and growers are replacing older and marginal orchards.
The heat wave of October 2018, negatively impacted Packham’s Triumph as trees were in full bloom. Export volumes are estimated to be on par with last season: 5.62mil equivalent cartons. Williams Bon Chretien volumes are also expected to decrease by 7%, due to smaller fruit size.
In general, the outlook for 2019 is good and there is enough water to raise a proper crop. Current weather conditions are good for growing and colour development that will hopefully result in higher pack-out ratios for Cripps Pink/Pink Lady®, Cripps Red/Joya®, Forelle and Vermont Beauty as well as Rosemarie and Flamingo.
The situation will be monitored on a regular basis and relevant adjustments will be made to the estimates as the season unfolds.
For more information:
Nina Viljoen
HortGro
nina@hortgro.co.za
Tel: +27 21 870 2938