The apple and pear harvest in South Africa is in full swing. According to actual estimates the export volume of apples will increase by about 10% to 25.6 million boxes of 12.5 kgs. This result may even increase in the course of the season.
A good part of the top fruit will, after sorting be in the 65 mm to 75 mm category. This means that the fruit is too small for many markets. The EU is one of the biggest buyers of South African apples. The strong South African Rand (ZAR) decreases the profit of the growers. In addition the costs of production and logistics have increased considerably. This expense explosion will be the largest challenge for the South African top fruit industry in the future. The results are already even becoming noticeable at the smaller companies and lead to a certain consolidation of the supply of larger companies. These trends have amongst things, have ensured that growers are more and more interested in premium brands. There is a strong development in the club varieties, such as Pink Lady. Also the club varieties Jazz, Honey Crunch and Kanzi are a trend. They give the South African top fruit industry new impulses.
During Fruit Logistica 2011 in Berlin it appeared that most apple and pear exporters from the southern hemisphere were optimistic, also about the export to Europe in the coming season.