The weakening rand is expected to stimulate exports from South Africa this season, with fruit exporters expecting doubled returns in comparison to last year, according to a recent report published by the USDA.
Deciduous fruit exports (apples, pears and table grapes) are all forecast to rise in the 2008/09 season, the USDA said, on the back of increased production of pears and grapes, while the apple crop will be down by 2 per cent due to a continued decrease in planted area since 2004.
South African apple exports are pegged at 300,000 tonnes, up from 298,628 tonnes in 2007/08, with the USDA predicting the crop will grow to some 310,000 tonnes in 2009/10.
In line with historical trends, South Africa’s 2008/09 pear exports are set at 165,000 tonnes, up 1.63 per cent from last season, while shipments in 2009/10 are on course to reach 169,000, up slightly due to a modest increase in production.
The USDA said table grapes exports will reach 240,000 tonnes in 2008/09, up from 237,394 tonnes in 2007/08, on the back of good quality fruit.
This season, South Africa plans to market the fruit in Russia and West Africa, according ot the USDA, as well as traditional destinations across Europe and Asia, including China, and India.
