The first apples shipped to Thailand under South Africa’s new access agreement will leave Cape Town next week and arrive in the country in mid-March
South Africa’s return to Thailand following more than a decade of absence will be celebrated in mid-March when the first container of apples is unloaded in Bangkok.
The packing of this first container at the Bella Frutta Packhouse in Ceres was celebrated this week, when South African agriculture minister John Steenhuisen visited the region.
He hailed the new protocol agreement as a major development for creating more export opportunities for South African fruit growers in global markets.
Steenhuisen highlighted the crucial role that the apple and pear industry played in rural communities, noting this was the reason the government consistently supported the opening of new markets.
The country’s apples and pear growers have said they are keen to ship significant volumes this year. Citrus sources also see greater opportunities in Thailand, provided a few problems can be solved.
The new agreement between South Africa and Thailand was signed late last year, with the final documents issued to South African exporters a few weeks ago.
Core Fruit Marketing led the way with the first shipment which, on arrival in Thailand, will be celebrated by the whole South African trade.
The first shipment contains Joya-branded apples.
Core’s commercial manager for Thailand, JJ van der Spuy, said it was expected that some 70 per cent of shipments to the country would be Gala types, while he also expected Pink Lady to play a major part in the Thai campaign.
“Joya is packed under strict standards from the Cripps Red variety,” he outlined. ”We will soon follow with full-red Gala types and Royal Beauts.
“Core Fruit is pleased to welcome the reopening of the Thai market for South African apples after an absence of more than 16 years,” he continued.
“This marks a significant milestone for the local apple industry and reinforces South Africa’s commitment to supplying premium-quality fruit to global markets.”
The Far East and Asia remained key destinations for South African apples, van der Spuy confirmed, accounting for approximately 35 per cent of total apple exports.
“Gaining access to Thailand allows us to further strengthen our presence in the region, expanding our footprint and reaffirming our reputation for delivering top-quality South African apples,” he said.
The Joya brand was repositioned last year and TopFruit, which manages the brand in South Africa, said it saw exciting times for it in the East.
Sources in the apple industry said that for the fresh produce industry the return of access to Thailand was coming at a time when geo-political events around the world threatened established trade patterns.
“In tough trading environments access and lower tariffs could be the vital things that could make or break fruit growers around the world,” one source outlined.
