"At TopFruit, we believe that our success is rooted in the strength of our partnerships, especially those we have built over the years with our breeders. These relationships are not just important; they are an essential part of how our Stone Fruit Business Unit operates," said Bryan Hughes, Stone Fruit Business Unit Manager at TopFruit.
"Our close collaboration with international breeding partners allows us to share insights and gain valuable perspectives on the varieties we are working on. If a variety was not commercialised in France or Spain, for example, we can find out why before considering it for South Africa. This helps us make informed, market-specific decisions."
Thanks to the partnerships they have established with key European breeders, including VIAN Innovations and Star Fruits, TopFruit is now focused on identifying early sub-acid yellow flesh nectarines with low chilling requirements that are suited to local growing conditions.
"Regular visits to our breeders play a key role in maintaining and strengthening these relationships. These trips help build trust and ensure a smooth flow of communication between teams. Most recently, Jason Minnaar, our Stone Fruit Technical specialist, visited both VIAN and Star Fruits in Europe and reported on several exciting new varieties showing promise.
© TopFruit
Extreme Larisa
Highlights from VIAN Innovations:
Extreme Larisa is an early low-chill white flesh nectarine currently showing no signs of rain marks after rainfall. The fruit displays very good size and has a good taste for an early variety. Commercially planted in Europe, it gets between 30 and 35 tons per hectare.
© TopFruit
Najibus
Highlights from AC Fruit, managed by Star Fruits:
Najibus is an early sub-acid yellow flesh nectarine peaking on a count of 20/23 and has a smooth skin. It is expected to harvest around week 47 in South Africa.
Najireine is a commercially planted early sub-acid yellow flesh nectarine with strong production and good sizing. It is widely grown in Spain, Portugal, and France. Harvest timing is week 47 to 48.
© TopFruit
Najireine
The role of local producers
"Our relationships with local stakeholders, especially producers, are just as important. Without them, we would not be able to evaluate varieties under real commercial growing conditions or gain access to trial blocks in regions we cannot visit regularly. Producers generously offer their land and time, helping us better understand and assess the varieties we have identified as top performers. Their contribution is critical to the success of our evaluation process.
"Looking ahead, we are excited to begin evaluations on apricot varieties from our new breeding partners, NewCot and CotInternational. We look forward to sharing these with producers once the evaluation phase begins. At TopFruit, we understand that progress in agriculture comes through collaboration. Strong relationships remain at the heart of everything we do."
For more information:
Herschelle Mentoor
TopFruit
Tel: +27 21 874 1033
[email protected]
