Africa
Fresh produce industry news and analysis from Africa.
Export challenges mount as Cape Town port struggles continue
Old problems return to the city’s container terminal and are severely disrupting export operations
Egypt and Jordan on the rise in premium strawberries
January’s showcase of premium UC Davis cultivars demonstrates the growing influence of Egypt and Jordan in strawberry production, according to Global Plant Genetics
First lemons of the South African season arrive in India
South African delegation will look to boost exports at next week’s Fresh Produce India
Moroccan avocado exports on the rise
Country reported recorded shipments in 2023/24 and is on course to top this in the current season
Weather, currency and logistics challenges push Kakuzi to pre-tax loss
The Kenyan exporter says its avocado business saw a major dowturn in profits last year
South African apples return to Thailand after 16-year absence
The country’s apple exporters have said they are delighted to be back in Thailand, with the first fruit set to be unveiled this week
Sassy apples hit South African shelves
New Zealand-developed variety is lighting up South African stores as consumers are introduced to the apple’s ‘new zing’
First South African citrus estimate shows balanced growth
The Citrus Growers Association says there will not be an over- or undersupply of South African citrus this year
Fruit Logistica: Mediterranean marvels – how can logistics companies unlock North Africa’s export potential?
The Logistics Hub session explored North Africa’s growing influence and focused on infrastructure, services and strategies for growth
South Africa’s grape exports to “significantly exceed” forecast
The country’s table grape industry is ready to sign off on a good season
A sign of things to come for South African trade?
There is an increasing realisation that trade relations around the world are changing, and participation in AGOA could be nearing an end
Afruibana mourns death of president Joseph Owona Kono
One of the fruit industry’s leading figures, Owona Kono was a tireless defender of fruit producers in Africa
Tru-Cape meets rising demand for quality apples in Africa
With approximately half of all apples marketed by South Africa exporter Tru-Cape sold in Africa, the exporter says it continues to stay ahead of shifting consumer preferences and developments across the continent’s fresh fruit industry
South Africa adapts to PPWR future
While the general date for application is still 18 months away, South Africa’s pome and stonefruit industries are actively engaged in processes to adhere to the packaging regulations
Even split for Spain’s fresh produce imports
Volumes coming from EU and non-EU suppliers were fairly even in 2024, although value was skewed towards third countries
WRAP Water Roadmap receives funding boost
Nature Recovery Project partners with WRAP to tackle water scarcity in food-producing regions for UK
South African citrus still well-positioned for growth
Country’s Citrus Summit highlights market access and logistical challenges as priorities
New plantings boost South Africa’s kiwifruit business
The country’s climate is seen as ideal for growing varieties that are in demand globally
ICTSI will be “strong and reliable partner to Transnet”
The court dispute between ICTSI, Transnet and Maersk over Durban Container Terminal is finally moving to a conclusion
South African avocados due in Europe this week
Excellent season with the potential for a record export crop is on the cards for South Africa this year
Matadi Gateway Terminal eyes efficiency improvements
ICTSI outlines key projects for 2025 at the Democratic Republic of the Congo facility
Morocco and France to sign deal to ensure fair tomato competition
The two countries are reportedly close to reaching a bilateral agreement to guarantee fair competition on the French tomato market following a spate of violent attacks on trucks carrying Moroccan produce
Dole unveils new logistics model for southern France
Partnership with Sète-based logistics provider Primever expected to reduce reliance on road freight out of Spain
EU set to extend CBS measures on South African citrus
The South African department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development says the EU will extend its citrus black spot measures on the country’s citrus for another three years
Big week ahead for South African citrus
Several developments in South Africa this week will be crucial for the country’s citrus industry
Philippines green lights South African table grape exports
Milestone is the culmination of ten years of negotiations
Hortfin reflects on its impact in South Africa
There have been many challenges over the past seven years, but executives say cooperation has carried the initiative forward
Rainforest Alliance unveils streamlined certification programme
The new streamlined certification will mean less complexity for farmers, says Rainforest Alliance, allowing them to focus on practices that matter most for people and planet
Les Domaines celebrates Japanese first
Company ships first container of Moroccan Nadorcotts to Japan after opening of that market earlier this year
Moroccan CEO issues call to action for women in agriculture
Sara Mouhsine Carvajal said industry must do more to recognise critical role women play in the sector and the challenges they still face
South African grape harvest coming to a close
With 94 per cent of the 2025 South African table grape export crop already packed, the season is expected to conclude by the middle of March
Welgemeen Boerdery claims top honour at Ceres Fruit Growers’ Awards
Small innovations make all the difference according to owner, the Hanekom family from the Witzenberg
Wind delays affect early season Cape Town citrus shipments
A shift in the production of lemons to earlier growing regions has put more emphasis on Cape Town for shipments to northwest Europe
Fruitnet Tomato Congress looks ahead to 2030
Fruitnet Tomato Congress takes place in Malaga, Spain, on 11-12 November 2025, with a focus on the future of the tomato business, examining the category’s continuing response to the changing climate, labour issues and evolving consumer demands
Enzispring highlights opportunities for Kenyan avocados
New possibilities are opening up for Kenyan avocados, according to Enzispring’s Alice Okello, including in eastern Europe, the Middle East and Asia, but Red Sea issues continue to pose a challenge
Conventional shipping programme from South Africa is growing in stature
Exporters are supporting the country’s conventional shipping programme to counter wind delays in Cape Town