All articles by Fred Meintjes
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NewsSouth Africa targets 21mn cartons despite tough avocado season
South Africa’s avocado industry is set to deliver close to 21mn cartons this season, but growers face stiff competition from Peru in key European markets
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NewsSouth Africa acts to ease late-season fears for European citrus producers
The CGA and FPEF have confirmed the close of Valencia orange exports to Europe from South Africa’s northern and eastern regions
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NewsEuropean dominance holds for South African table grapes
Sati warns that protecting established markets must be the strategic priority as port disruptions and rising competition weigh on returns
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NewsSouth Africa’s table grape future hinges on industry control
Sati has outlined the key factors within South Africa’s control as it reaffirms its market position, following a record-breaking but challenging 2025/26
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NewsDu Roi Multiplant adds MCT1 macadamia cultivar to portfolio
As South Africa’s macadamia industry shifts its focus, Du Roi Multiplant becomes the fourth licensed nursery in the country to offer the MCT1 cultivar
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NewsComment: Global fresh produce marketing opportunities are under threat
As fruit growers around the world contemplate their new seasons, many admit it is tough out there in the orchards and vineyards
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NewsSouth Africa welcomes China cherry access
The signing of a formal phytosanitary protocol in Beijing opens the door for South African cherry exporters to tap into China’s US$3.3bn import market
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NewsSouth Africa set to finalise stonefruit and cherry access to China
South Africa’s stonefruit protocol with China is set to be formally signed in Beijing next week, with the inclusion of cherries confirmed
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NewsSouth Africa cuts citrus export forecast again amid mounting seasonal pressures
The CGA has revised its 2026 season export estimates downward to 197.9mn cartons, citing the closure of Middle East trade routes as a major factor
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NewsBigBucks Gala secures EU plant variety rights after eight-year process
The CPVO has granted Plant Variety Rights to South Africa’s fastest-growing apple variety, BigBucks Gala, following extensive trials across the EU
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NewsTru-Cape makes fruit more engaging through digital storytelling
From interactive games and children’s entertainment to apple and pear masterclasses, a new digital platform is building connections with consumers
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NewsBright future on offer for South African nut industry
Cultivar development company TopNut’s varietal evolution is symbolic of the South African nut industry’s efforts to grow
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NewsAGOA extension offers little relief for South African fruit exporters
Industry leaders in South Africa say the extended AGOA trade agreement offers limited practical advantage while punishing US tariffs remain in place
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NewsSouth Africa celebrates India citrus deal
A breakthrough agreement between India and South Africa on fruit fly cold treatments for citrus has been welcomed by the industry
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NewsSouth Africa sets out port priorities for new grape season
A meeting between Sati, Transnet and the minister of transport has produced concrete commitments aimed at improving port operations
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NewsSouth Africa cuts citrus forecast amid seasonal challenges
The CGA has revised its citrus export estimate down to 205.3mn cartons as the industry contends with disrupted Middle East trade routes and adverse weather
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NewsBusy month for South African fresh produce relations to China
First steps in setting up long-term trade agreements to consolidate the latest access agreement
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NewsTru-Cape stalwart Henk Griessel steps back after 40 years
Griessel’s four decades in South African fruit have left a mark that goes well beyond technical expertise
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NewsTopFruit launches standalone Greenhouse Creative Brand Studio
TopFruit has transformed its in-house marketing unit into Greenhouse Creative Brand Studio, a wholly owned but independently operating agency
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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