South African stone fruit is now available in the UK and the sun-ripened plums, peaches and nectarines will be the focus of retail promotions this winter
This year, Hortgro, which represents South African deciduous fruit growers, is expecting good export figures for plums and nectarines in particular.
It is estimated that the South African stone fruit season, which began in November and runs until May, will match the export figures recorded during the last season, with a promising 10% increase for nectarine exports to 7.25 million cartons and a 3% increase in plum exports to 15.7 million cartons. Peach exports are predicted to be similar at 2.4 million cartons.
Jacques du Preez, Hortgro general manager of trade and markets, said, “Logistics will remain a challenge but with the experience gained in the last 18 months in managing challenges, the industry will again facilitate and coordinate actions, and exchange fruit information between key stakeholders. South Africa will therefore remain a reliable and stable supplier of stone fruit to all its export markets.”
The campaign also supports essential job creation in South Africa, as well as advancing the economic growth and social harmony of the fruit workers. Hortgro is also working to ensure the establishment of emerging farmers and successful black farmers as owners of the land, providing mentorship and training programmes. The majority of producers choose to ship their fruit to the UK, rather than flying.
From the beginning of 2022, the stone fruit campaign in the UK will have a bigger emphasis on industry and retail promotions. There will be support from various British retailers both in store and online, alongside coverage in consumer and industry media publications.