Africa
Fresh produce industry news and analysis from Africa.
Ethiopia sends refrigerated veg to Europe for first time
Ethiopian trader Ethio Vegfru has launched shipments of sugar snap peas and mangetout to the Dutch market via a container equipped with modern refrigeration
Satellite images can help farmers combat weather threat, study says
PhD project at University of Leicester aims to get more farmers in UK and Kenya using satellite imagery to protect food security
Wholesale markets union backs global fruit and veg day
WUWM, FAO and AIAM5 join Chile’s Le Valledor market in pushing for a new International Day of Fruits and Vegetables
Orange River grape harvest underway
Positive signs for a good campaign in South Africa’s Orange River region as the season begins
South Africa focuses on new grape varieties
Breeders have a keen interest in their newer varieties as the country’s table grape season gets underway
Agro Max notes rise in European demand for Egyptian iceberg
Following the devastating floods in southern Spain, alternative sources for various vegetables are in demand in western Europe, but supplies from further afield come with additional challenges
Rainforest Alliance set to streamline requirements
Ria Stout, the group’s chief programme officer, says next year’s launch of its revised Sustainable Agricultural Standard will reduce the burden on farmers
Frost fails to dampen optimism among RSA cherry exporters
South Africa’s cherry harvest moves into gear, with increased focus on export markets
MSC adds grape service from Southern Africa to Europe
Eastern Cape Express to link Namibia and South Africa with Benelux and UK ports from first week of January 2025
South Africa takes stock after 2024 citrus season
CGA warns that this year’s lower harvest is merely a blip in the country’s citrus export drive
Capespan boss explains Namibia grape move
MD Charl du Bois tells Lucentlands how a new joint venture ownership model will help it achieve further growth
Morocco cements position as leading supplier to Spain
In the first half of 2024, Morocco accounted for 24 per cent of Spanish fresh fruit and vegetable imports and now supplies more than 90 per cent of Spain’s bell pepper imports
South Africa prepares for positive stonefruit season
Growers are predicting a better export season after 2023/24 was disrupted by weather and logistical issues
Concern in Africa as winds of change sweep through Washington
Trump’s election victory is causing uncertainty for the future of Africa-US trade
ICTSI to challenge High Court decision on Durban Container Terminal
Move could delay the implementation of a pioneering public/private partnership at South Africa’s largest port by years
Climate financing top of agenda at Cop29
As talks begin in Azerbaijan for Cop29, climate financing in the developing world is the number one priority for NGOs, while support for global offsetting schemes fades
Border between South Africa and Mozambique reopens
Trade between South Africa and Mozambique resumes as an uneasy calm return to Mozambique
First significant volumes of Namibian grapes leave for Europe
The first container shipments left Cape Town last weekend
Madagascan lychee volumes expected to be down
Madagascar is anticipating an early lychee crop this season, but a drop in production volumes will see the island’s exports fall
Comment: A pivotal moment for the banana industry
Business urgently needs fair prices, mutual transparency, and a shift away from over-certification, says Banana Link’s international coordinator
South Africa gears up for productive export season
Joint statement from leading fruit bodies welcomes strategic investment at Transnet’s Cape Town Terminals ahead of grape, stonefruit, and apple and pear campaigns
Violence and unrest in Maputo disrupt export business
Suspension of activities in Maputo port and closure of border between South Africa causes disruption
South Africa expects marginal volume increase as grape harvest begins
Growers have started packing the first volumes in the country’s northern regions
Grape specialist Angon Fruit sees blueberry promise
As South African exporters evolve their businesses, they incorporate new produce categories to extend their offer
Comment: How to recover fresh produce claims effectively
Lina Jasutiene, MD of Hamburg-based cargo claims recovery specialist Recoupex, explains how to reclaim for damaged cargo
Senegalese vegetables hit by major flooding
Floods have displaced thousands of people in the Senegal River valley and severely impacted cultivation of onions, okra, aubergines, bananas and tomatoes
New ownership model for Capespan’s Namibia grape venture
South African exporter has extended its commercial partnership with table grape supplier NGC to 2045
Alwyn Dippenaar succeeds Anton Viljoen Jnr as SATI chair
Fixing logistical disruptions and opening new markets among priority areas of focus for newly configured board of directors
New shipping service connects Egypt with Europe
DFDS and Pan Marine will start a new weekly connection between Damietta and the Italian port of Trieste from late November
Promising carrot season in Egypt a boost for global markets
Egypt has emerged as a significant player in the global carrot market, becoming the third largest supplier of carrots to the EU in 2022/23, according to Khaled Alhabouny, operations director at Alhabouny Group
Climatic conditions favour Egyptian oranges
Egypt is preparing for an “exceptional” season for oranges, with demand expected to be high thanks to ideal conditions for large, uniform, high-quality fruit this season
“Continued success” for global blueberry business
RaboResearch report suggests rapid changes will ensure continued success for the worldwide blueberry industry
Moroccan sweet peppers aim for export record
The country’s formidable rise is well known when it comes to tomatoes, but Moroccan suppliers of sweet peppers have also seen exports increase significantly across Europe
South African delegation heads to Fruitnet Citrus Congress
Country is on a mission to foster better relations with Spanish and other growers, as they look to tackle common problems in future
CMA CGM, Marsa Maroc in Nador West Med joint venture
Companies join forces to equip and operate half of the Nador West Med container terminal
Supply trends revealed in brand new Fruit Logistica trend report
Trade show’s in-depth analysis shows how international fruit and vegetable trade flows are changing across the globe