South African fresh produce exporters are preparing to showcase their products on an international stage at the upcoming Fruit Logistica Berlin 2025. With support from the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition, a South African National Pavilion will highlight the country's thriving fresh produce sector at the prestigious event, scheduled to take place in Germany from February 5 to 7, 2025.
Fruit Logistica is one of the leading global exhibitions in the fresh produce trade, attracting more than 140 exhibitors and approximately 60,000 visitors annually. The event serves as a key platform for unprocessed fruit and vegetables, dried fruit, nuts, and herbs, offering invaluable networking opportunities for exporters seeking to connect with European and global buyers.
Lerato Mataboge, deputy director-general of exports, emphasized the importance of South Africa's participation, stating that the department's support aims to strengthen the country's industrialization efforts by expanding access to international markets. She highlighted that Fruit Logistica has been one of South Africa's flagship national pavilions in Europe for years. During the country's last participation in the event, export sales at the exhibition and the subsequent six months exceeded $21 million. Mataboge noted that the pavilion will serve as a vital platform for showcasing South African produce while also helping participating businesses establish industry connections, potential partnerships, and joint ventures.
Among the companies set to participate is Ground Stone, a Limpopo-based enterprise from Zebediela, which will be seeking export opportunities for its stone fruits. Director Dibesho Serage expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity, explaining that the event attracts buyers, importers, and producers from around the world who are in search of high-quality fresh produce. He views Fruit Logistica as the perfect platform to engage with potential international buyers and secure export orders that could expand his company's market reach.
For Serage, gaining access to export markets would not only increase production but also create more job opportunities in his community. Ground Stone currently employs 15 full-time workers, most of whom are women, and adds another eight employees during harvest season. Expanding into international markets would enable the company to further contribute to job creation within the Lepelle-Nkumpi Local Municipality and Limpopo as a whole.
Reflecting on his journey, Serage shared that growing up in a village where every yard had a successful fruit tree inspired him to pursue an orchard business. Extensive soil tests and research led him to the Western Cape, where he identified cultivars best suited for Zebediela's climatic conditions. Now, with the opportunity to present his produce at Fruit Logistica, he hopes to take his business to the next level and contribute to the global recognition of South African fresh produce.
As South African exporters prepare to engage with international buyers at Fruit Logistica Berlin 2025, the event promises to open new doors for local businesses, reinforcing the country's position as a key player in the global fresh produce market.
Source: foodformzansi