Africa
Fresh produce industry news and analysis from Africa.
South Africa’s citrus supply chains ‘must improve’
New report by the Citrus Growers’ Association identifies areas in which logistics and distribution must change
Fresh disturbance in the force: produce leaders expect political upheaval
Prominent figures voice concern over disruption that fresh produce companies can expect in the next 12 months, as Trump returns to the White House and political wrangling over climate change and sustainability continues
IPD highlights melon varieties at Fruit Logistica
Import Promotion Desk will host over 40 companies on its stand in Berlin, presenting a broad range of products and sources, including a wide assortment of melons from Brazil, Morocco and Egypt
UK imports of South African raisins soar
The UK imported 9,100 tonnes of raisins from South Africa in 2024, up 137 per cent year-on-year
South Africa’s apple and pear exports to rise again
Hortgro forecasts suggest further increase in volume of both fruits to be shipped overseas in 2025
Logistics takes centre stage in South Africa
Cooperation throughout the fresh produce industry creates optimism across the country’s export sector
South African stonefruit exporters relieved following US port announcement
The country’s stonefruit industry say stability across US port operations is vital if it is to grow its exports this season
Suez return uncertain following Gaza ceasefire
Despite hope the Israel-Hamas truce will last, a resumption of trade through the Suez Canal is expected to take time
MSC switches India-Africa service from Coega to Cape Town
Move expected to benefit exporters in South African’s Western Cape region that want to sell more in the Gulf and Indian subcontinent
Improvements at Cape Town Container Terminal
Sati confirms reports of improvements in productivity at Cape Town Container Terminal, aided by fewer windbound hours
Grape exporters should take note of new trends
Changes to production in China, India and the US could affect world markets
Egyptian citrus makes waves
Juhayna’s Amr Eltarabolsy is optimistic for the future of Egyptian citrus, as the company expands in both the fresh and juice markets across the world
Rwandan fruit exports surge on back of growing avocado sales
Weekly shipments of avocado have grown from 2-3 tonnes in 2021 to 15-20 tonnes in 2023/24
Namibia ends “one of its best” table grape seasons
While the crop was slightly down on the forecast, Namibia’s table grape season has finished on a high
Nador Cott Protection takes aim at second UK supermarket
Following last year’s legal action against Sainsbury’s, Nador Cott Protection has reportedly taken action against another major retailer in the UK over the sale of Tango/Tang Gold mandarins
Majority of Spain’s imports come from third countries
Morocco and Peru led the way in 2024, with 66 per cent of Spain’s fresh produce imports coming from countries outside the EU
Morocco’s avocado exports continue to increase
Association president Abdellah El Yamlahi calls on suppliers to push ahead with exports as country approaches new record volume
Egypt’s Pico widens range as global presence grows
As Pico Modern Agriculture expands with new products, new varieties and new markets, its continued focus on premium quality, timely deliveries and innovation ensures the Egyptian company’s standing as a trusted supplier
Innovation vital for grapes during uncertain times
Present challenges demand innovation, according to Rafi Karniel, CEO and chairman of Grapa Varieties, whose grapes aim for both excellent taste and high resilience to extreme weather
Coming soon: FPJ Marketing & Branding Special
FPJ’s first-ever Marketing & Branding Special celebrates innovation and offers inspiration as opportunities for fresh produce brands grow in the UK
Tru-Cape shareholder Two-a-Day achieves Top Employer status
Group HR director Dimitri Jacobs says apple and pear supplier aims to become one of South Africa’s top 20 employers in the near future
Justin Chadwick to retire from South Africa’s Citrus Growers Association
Dr Boitshoko Ntshabele will replace Chadwick as CEO when he retires at the end of March
IPD showcases developing countries in Berlin
The Import Promotion Desk will offer a platform to more than 40 companies from nine countries at Fruit Logistica
Round-up: Stories you might have missed over Christmas
Fruitnet brings you a digest of key industry developments that emerged during the Christmas and New Year break
Westfalia acquires Belgian avocado specialist Syros
The move strengthens Westfalia’s value-added business in Europe and aligns with its growth strategy
Coming soon: Fresh Focus South Africa 2025
Fruitnet’s special annual publication brings the best of South Africa’s fresh produce export business to the attention of buyers worldwide
Thailand reopens for South African apples
South Africa granted access once again after losing the Thai market more than a decade ago
Slower than expected start to South African table grape season
Fewer grapes packed but shipments still up compared with the same period last year
South Africa to stay in AGOA for now
Relief as Biden administration extends the AGOA Act for another year, but the future for fruit growers in the US market remains uncertain
Thailand restores market access for South African apples
Asian country lifts ban imposed in 2008 and provides exporters with new opportunity to grow their business in the region
Gala varieties make waves in South Africa
The country’s Gala category has been boosted by two new full red varieties, which are already taking markets in the East by storm
Banking sector sees better fortunes for South Africa in 2025
With export markets already diverse, agricultural produce will likely expand in the coming years – mainly due to previously underutilised land
South African raisin crop set to exceed 100,000 tonnes for first time
Raisins SA says producers are reporting ideal conditions and plant health as early harvest approaches in January
South Africa’s blueberry shipments edge ahead of 2023
The country’s blueberry export business is winding down as it heads towards January
Season’s first South African stonefruit arrives in India
This year’s campaign will include retail promotions and various consumer engagement activities
Fruit Logistica 2025: Fruitful connections for the global fresh produce business
With over 2,500 exhibitors, groundbreaking innovations, and countless networking opportunities, the event sets the stage for industry growth and collaboration