The South African apple and pear season is underway, with expectations for increased exports in 2025. Apple exports are predicted to reach 51.3 million cartons, while pear exports may hit 1.1 million cartons, reflecting growth due to favorable climate conditions and improved production methods. The industry is optimistic about its future, supported by shifts in international markets.
The South African apple and pear season has commenced, with pears primarily cultivated in the Western Cape and available from February to August, focusing on exports. The apple season starts earlier, in January, and concludes in May, with peak production occurring in June.
In January 2025, Hortgro projected exports of 1.1 million cartons of pears, reflecting a 4% increase from 2024. Meanwhile, apple exports are expected to reach 51.3 million cartons, indicating a 5% rise compared to the previous year.
The rise in pear exports and production is attributed to favorable climatic circumstances, including cooler nights. For apples, heightened production in newly established orchards, improved weather conditions, and the adoption of high-yielding varieties have been identified as contributing factors, as per Hortgro.
According to Jacques du Preez, the Trade and Markets General Manager of Hortgro, the current season is progressing well despite a slow start. “The 2025 pear and apple harvest and exports started slowly, but we’re in full swing now,” Du Preez commented. The pear season began 7 to 14 days later than anticipated, although it started earlier in 2024. Favorable growing conditions have made a return to the regular schedule.
Du Preez expressed optimism regarding the harvest quality, stating, “Fruit color is expected to be good, and the fruit is clean and ready, so we expect that packing will also go well.” Despite the slow commencement of the apple harvest, industry momentum is building toward peak production.
Anticipations indicate exports for apples could rise to 51.34 million cartons (+6%) and pears to 21.25 million (+5%). Du Preez commented that these predictions might be conservative, given the excellent growing conditions thus far.
Further supporting this optimism, Du Preez noted a 5% decline in European Union apple stocks and a 4% increase in pear stocks compared to last year, which could present opportunities for South African exporters.
As for export markets, over 842,000 apples have already been shipped, primarily to Africa (83%), with the remainder heading to Asia and the Middle East. Pear exports totaled 2.68 million, distributed as follows: 32% to the Middle East, 28% to the EU, and 16% to Russia, among others.
“South Africa has now firmly established itself as the largest Southern Hemisphere apple producer and the only country on a positive trajectory,” asserted Du Preez. Regarding pears, he noted, “SA is the second-largest producer, trending upwards, while other Southern Hemisphere producers face stagnation or decline.”
Du Preez further expressed confidence in South Africa’s potential to lead in pear production within the Southern Hemisphere, stating, “Although we face multiple challenges, trends in production and demand suggest a promising future for the SA apple and pear industry.”
In summary, the South African apple and pear industry is experiencing a positive trajectory characterized by increased production and export prospects for the 2025 season. Factors such as favorable weather conditions and enhancements in agricultural practices are contributing to the industry’s growth. Furthermore, opportunities arise from shifting market dynamics internationally, underpinning the expectation for sustained success in the forthcoming years.
Original Source: www.freshfruitportal.com
