“The harvest started around a week earlier than usual, but finished 2 weeks earlier because all the fruit ripened at the same time due to the extreme heat we have been experiencing here. The sizes were fairly regular because our cherries are irrigated, but volumes were very low due to the drought. This also meant the cherries were very sweet,” explained Gwynette Higgo from Constantia Farm.
This year, Constantia Farm only exported to Europe. They, along with the rest of the market, are currently experiencing problems accessing China and other Asian Markets.
Higgo says that Constantia has planted the Sweetheart variety of cherries, as it is a favourite amongst the growers.
Established in 1953, the Constantia Cherry Farm is one of the best known cherry producers in South Africa. Their fresh cherries and cherry products, including cherry liqueur, cherry ice cream topping, 100% cherry juice, and more, are some of the highlights of the Ficksburg Cherry Festival, which takes place annually on the 3rd weekend of November.
For more Information:
Gwynette Higgo
Constantia Farm
Tel: +27 51 943 7180
Email: constantia@ntelecom.co.za