Early harvest brings opportunities and challenges for SA fruit growers
SOUTH Africa’s apple and pear season has started up to ten days earlier than usual, driven by consistently warm weather during November and December. However, recent hailstorms in the Langkloof and Koue Bokkeveld regions have raised concerns about potential crop damage.
Tru-Cape Fruit Marketing picked its first BigBucks Gala apples on 26 January in Ceres, ten days ahead of last season. The company’s Rosemarie pear harvest began on 23 December, two to three weeks earlier than normal and only the second time in 25 years that harvesting started before Christmas.
“The crop is progressing well and quality indicators are encouraging, but there are still variables that will influence market performance,” said Roelf Pienaar, managing director at Tru-Cape Fruit.
The early start creates opportunities in international markets, particularly the Middle East, India, Russia and China. New Zealand’s delayed Royal Gala harvest should benefit South African exports to the Far East.
Water management remains critical after the Langkloof’s summer rainfall failed to materialise, forcing farmers to prioritise irrigation and resulting in smaller fruit sizes. While last week’s storm brought relief, it came too late to improve fruit dimensions.
Logistical challenges and rand strength pose ongoing concerns for exporters.
“Productivity at the Port of Cape Town must improve,” said Calla du Toit, procurement director at Tru-Cape. “We continue to engage at all levels to help improve the situation.”
Industry upgrades at Two-a-Day and Ceres Fruit Growers packhouses aim to capitalise on growing summer pear volumes and new varieties entering the market.
