Challenging season for South African stonefruit

The South African stonefruit industry has drawn a line under a difficult export season that suffered from low volumes and logistical problems at ports, although improved profitability represented a beacon of light for producers.

Following well-documented strikes affecting South African ports and railways in October last year, exporters had been hopeful of a smoother experience this season.

Instead, sendings were once again beset by holdups, although exporters stressed that minimal to no delays were experienced in European ports.

“Despite all the time, effort, planning and engagement with [freight logistics provider] Transnet pre-season and during the season, we pretty much faced the same major shipping delays as last year,” explained Jacques du Preez, general manager of trade and market at exporters’ body Hortgro.

“Additional equipment was sourced and maintenance and repair contracts were put in place, but it wasn’t enough and not good enough,” Du Preez continued.

”The promised recovery plans after delays could not be delivered,” he said. “Wind delays were also excessive this year, compounding the problems.”

The logistical issues, which specifically affected the Port of Cape Town, were largely blamed for export figures falling against the previous year.

The trade has also had to grapple with the crippling effects of high levels of load shedding.

In terms of volumes, the peach export season ended 13 per cent down on the year before at 2.17m cartons, while nectarine shipments fell 6 per cent to 7.74m cartons.

Some 13.58m cartons of plums were sent, which also represented a 13 per cent fall on last season’s volumes.

The UK, Middle East and Far East account for over 90 per cent of total exports of South African stonefruit, with the UK leading the way with 59 per cent.

Despite the disappointing figures, there was positivity at the farm gate with producers reporting a more profitable season than in 2021/22.

“The lower 2022/23 stonefruit volumes helped producers to sell their fruit more easily and at better prices,” Du Preez outlined. “It also eased the pressure on infrastructure and logistics somewhat. Next season is likely to see larger volumes again.”

Du Preez also confirmed that marketing activity had been a success this season, with high impression numbers on social media, as well as good engagement with online banners and trade advertising.