South Africa prepares for positive stone fruit season

Following disruption from weather and logistical issues during the 2023/24 period, South African stone fruit growers are predicting a better 2024/25 export season 

The export crops for nectarines, plums and apricots are all expected to rise against last year on the back of investment in the planted area and new varieties, while there is cautious optimism that strategic changes at the Port of Cape Town will result in a more reliable service.

Industry body Hortgro has forecast the season total for nectarines to rise by 4% to 9.12 million cartons. The early crop is however likely to be adversely affected by the weather, with early varieties set to be down 8% compared to the previous season. Plum volumes are also projected to increase by 12% to an average-sized crop. Exports are expected to reach 13.7 million cartons, thanks to more favourable weather conditions and new plantings coming on stream. 

In an attempt to drive the consumption of South African stone fruit, Hortgro will once again be using a wide-ranging marketing campaign to support the season in the UK. This will include everything from recipe creation, retailer activity, trade and consumer press releases, to feature articles, trade advertising, social media, influencer collaboration and much more!

The objective of the campaign is to maximise visibility at point of sale and highlight not only the exceptional taste of the druit, but also the country's most sustainable source of south hemisphere stone fruit. 

While the impact of logistical issues have mostly been focused around the Port of Cape Town, Hortgro believes that a turning point in the crisis has been reached. Another challenging season is however expected to lie ahead, due to which the industry seeks to utilise alternative modes of shipping. Although this will likely add cost, it will however ensure on-time deliveries of quality fruit and a timely fulfillment of clients' programmes. 

For long term benefits, the strategic replacement and refurbishment of equipment and machinery is being implemented by logistics operator Transnet at the Port of Cape Town, while also contracting maintenance and related services and appointing additional staff. All this is expected to boost productivity.

Nevertheless, Hortgro is nevertheless preparing for challenges such as downtime on equipment and wind delays, and is contingency planning for alternative modes and nodes of shipping such as the use of specialised reefer vessels and other ports in the Eastern Cape and Durban.

“South African stone fruit will continue to meet the market’s expectations for high-quality and great-tasting produce," said Jacques du Preez, general manager of trade and markets at Hortgro. "South African growers are positive about the 2024/25 harvest and export season. Continuous delivery of top-quality, great-tasting fruit remains the aim, and will lead to repeat sales. But it’s important suppliers receive fair returns from the market after several years of having to contend with severe price pressure and adverse weather.”