The South African apple and pear season for 2025 is underway, with exports projected to increase. Pear exports are predicted to reach 1.1 million cartons, and apple exports are expected to be at 51.3 million cartons. Favorable weather conditions and the establishment of new orchards contribute to this growth, promising a bright future for the industry despite existing challenges.
The South African apple and pear season has officially commenced. The pear season, primarily concentrated in the Western Cape, runs from February to August, with a significant portion destined for exports. In contrast, apple season begins in January and extends until May, peaking in June.
For the 2025 season, projections from Hortgro indicate that South Africa is on track to export 1.1 million cartons of pears, reflecting a 4% increase from 2024. Meanwhile, apple exports are expected to reach 51.3 million cartons, marking a 5% rise over the previous marketing year.
Favorable climatic conditions, including cooler night temperatures, are credited with the growth in pear exports and production. The apple sector is benefiting from the establishment of new orchards, improved weather patterns, and the introduction of high-yielding varieties, according to Hortgro.
In an interview with Freshfruitportal.com, Jacques du Preez, the General Manager of Trade and Markets at Hortgro, commented on the current developments in the apple and pear season for South Africa. “The 2025 pear and apple harvest and exports started slowly, but we are now in full swing,” Du Preez remarked.
He noted that the pear season began 7 to 14 days later than anticipated; last year, however, it commenced earlier than expected. This year, conditions are returning to the usual schedule, and Du Preez expressed confidence, stating, “Fruit color is expected to be good, and the fruit is clean and ready” for packing.
Although the apple harvest encountered a slow start, the industry is gradually moving towards peak production. Du Preez anticipated an increase in apple exports to 51.34 million cartons (+6%) and pear exports to 21.25 million cartons (+5%), possibly underestimating due to favorable growing conditions.
Du Preez highlighted the state of apple and pear stocks in the European Union as of January, with stocks of apples declining by 5% and pears increasing by 4% compared to the prior year. He noted, “This will likely offer some opportunities for South African pome fruit exporters.”
Thus far, over 842,000 apples have been exported, with 83% of these shipments directed to Africa, while the remainder mainly reaches Asia and the Middle East. For pears, 2.68 million cartons have been shipped, with 32% to the Middle East, 28% to the European Union, and other significant portions to Russia, the Far East, and North America.
Du Preez expressed optimism regarding both markets, stating, “South Africa has now firmly established itself as the largest Southern Hemisphere apple producer and is the only country on a positive trajectory.” He further noted that South Africa ranks second in global pear production and is experiencing growth, as opposed to other Southern Hemisphere producers that are facing stagnation or decline.
He conveyed confidence regarding South Africa’s potential to become the leading pear-producing nation in the Southern Hemisphere, acknowledging the challenges that both Southern and Northern Hemisphere countries encounter. Considering various trends from production to logistics, the outlook for the South African apple and pear industry remains promising.
In summary, the South African apple and pear season for 2025 is set to experience growth driven by favorable climatic conditions and increases in production. With anticipated export rises for both products, and the country well-positioned in the global market, the future for the industry appears bright despite some challenges. South Africa’s emerging status as the largest Southern Hemisphere apple producer signals a positive trajectory for the sector, enhancing its international competitiveness.
Original Source: www.freshfruitportal.com
