All articles by Fred Meintjes
-
NewsChinese importer backs South African apples with billboard campaign
Topsun Fresh’s billboard campaign at Guangzhou and Shanghai wholesale markets signals a new chapter in South African apple branding in China
-
NewsSouth African citrus industry laments further escalation of Middle East war
CGA chief executive Dr Boitshoko Ntshabele warns that the resumption of Middle East hostilities poses a serious threat to South African citrus exports
-
NewsSummerStar Ruby answers the food doctor’s call
There new South African SummerStar Ruby grapefruit campaign is underpinned by a strong health message
-
NewsAutumncrisp goes from strength to strength in South Africa
The premium variety is changing the way people buy table grapes
-
FeaturesCan South Africa’s rail revolution get citrus exports back on track?
Citrus Growers’ Association says planned arrival of competing private rail operators could save billions of rand each year
-
NewsCeres Fruit Growers completes multi-million rand facility overhaul
CFG has invested heavily in new logistics capacity, mobile racking, real-time pallet tracking, automated packing technology and energy resilience
-
NewsSouth Africa’s 2026 lemon season navigates rain and geopolitical headwinds
Despite weather-hit harvests and export route disruptions caused by Middle East conflict, the lemon season remains on track to deliver 49.4mn cartons
-
NewsSouth Africa citrus sector faces critical market access challenges
CGA chief executive Boitshoko Ntshabele has called on South Africa’s new ministerial appointments to act swiftly on trade negotiations
-
NewsSouth Africa’s fruit leaders demand private sector port reform
Hortgro’s outgoing chief executive Anton Rabe says private sector participation in South Africa’s ports is ‘no longer negotiable’
-
NewsSouth African growers recover from devastating flood disruption
Apple and citrus growers in South Africa’s Cape regions are getting back on track after catastrophic floods damaged roads, cut power supplies and halted harvesting
-
NewsHow Gen Z is reshaping the grapefruit category
As Gen Z consumers prioritise sustainability alongside health and wellness, the grapefruit category is repositioning itself for a new era
-
NewsSouth Africa raises 2026 lemon export forecast
The CGA has increased its lemon export projection by nearly 4mn cartons following favourable growing conditions
-
NewsSouth African industry responds to Port of Cape Town’s lowly ranking
South Africa’s fresh fruit export organisations have expressed strategic concerns after Cape Town port was ranked last globally
-
NewsLeading the avocado charge across Africa
South Africa remains the market leader, expecting to ship around 21mn cartons this year, while Kenya has emerged as Africa’s second-largest exporter
-
NewsSouth Africa risks losing India apple advantage without tariff reform
India remains a key growth market for South African apples and pears, but industry leaders warn the country risks losing its competitive edge
-
FeaturesSouth Africa faces tough avocado season
Some wind damage has been reported in two key growing regions, but other areas are still looking at excellent crops
-
NewsCape Town props up port league table as Sati highlights challenges
Logistics continue to be a problem for South African grape growers who use the container port in Cape Town
-
NewsSouth Africa eyes cherry growth as industry expands
After a successful season and expansion from 185ha to 819ha over the past decade, the cherry industry is positioning itself for export growth
-
NewsProgress for South African grapes despite ongoing challenges
The country’s table grape sector showed resilience during 2025/26, achieving record inspection volumes of 81.25m cartons
-
NewsMore heavy rain batters South Africa’s citrus producers
With growers in Eastern and Western Cape still unable to assess flood impact on farms, CGA says damage likely to increase