80% of South African cactus pear production lost to hail

The 2012-2013 Cactus Pear season looked very promising at the end of October 2012 with farmers estimating record volumes. Early rains played a big role in the good sizing of fruit for both local and export markets and the promotions were set in place for aggressive marketing strategies to prepare both the local as well as export markets for what was to come.

Photos: Subiaco Farm taken 2 weeks before devastating hail storms

Heavy hail storms in early November of last year devastated up to 80% of total production. The effects were evident in the fact that only 9 pallets were exported per week when compared to the normal weekly supply of 60-80 pallets, leaving the European markets totally undersupplied while no Cactus Pears could be supplied to the UK and Middle East markets. Due to the low volumes, we also exported the Morado (white) variety with great success. As this is a favorite amongst South Africans due to it’s sweet, fresh taste – we hope to grow this variety in the export markets.

Some late producing Cactus Pears in very limited volumes, will be containerized and exported along with Afrupro Avocados during March/April as an attempt to salvage whatever fruit is left of this season.

As part of the ongoing promotional drive, a generic QR code was designed to inform the local as well as international consumer about fruit varieties, culinary uses as well as how to peel the Cactus Pear fruit. As this is a generic design, the QR code can be used by anyone who wishes to grow the market with the Afrupro marketing team.

For more information:
Rici Unterpertinger
Afrupo Exporters
Tel: +27 (0) 15 307 7096(7)
Mobile : +27 (0) 82 551 9514
Email : rici@afrupro.co.za
www.afrupro.co.za