All articles by Fred Meintjes
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NewsSouth Africa eyes promising stonefruit season despite challenges
South African stonefruit growers are looking ahead to a positive season following last year’s significant volume increases, though US tariffs present new challenges
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NewsSouth Africa ends citrus exports to Europe early
The Citrus Growers’ Association and Fresh Produce Exporters’ Forum of South Africa have announced an early closure of the 2025 citrus export season to Europe, describing it as a goodwill gesture to European producers
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NewsZimbabwe secures blueberry export deal with China
Zimbabwe has secured a landmark agreement to export blueberries to China, opening access to one of the world’s fastest-growing markets with 1.4bn potential consumers
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NewsSouth African citrus growers boost sustainability efforts
SIZA reports significant improvements in environmental compliance as South Africa’s citrus season draws to a close, with a 55 per cent increase in environmental audits compared to last year
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NewsUS tariffs push South Africa closer to Eastern markets
South Africa is rapidly expanding market access for its fresh produce in Eastern markets, particularly China and India, as US tariffs of 30 per cent force exporters to seek alternative destinations
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NewsSouth Africa’s blueberry sector rebounds with promising growth outlook
After several challenging years of declining production, South Africa’s blueberry industry is poised for a comeback with strong volumes expected during the peak season over the next two months
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NewsFlash Gala aims for further success
The Flash Gala apple brand has achieved its most successful season since launch, with profitability levels dramatically improving year-on-year and prices exceeding expectations
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NewsFlash Gala harvest hits record 1.48mn cartons in 2025
The 2025 Flash Gala apple harvest has set a new record with 1.48mn cartons packed, representing a 41 per cent increase on the previous season as orchards reach maturity and quality improves
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NewsSouth Africa revises citrus export forecast upward
Industry now expected to ship some 188mn (15kg) cartons – up from the pre-season predictions of 171mn cartons
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NewsWestern Cape government reacts to calls for action in the port of Cape Town
Authorities says they are involved with various initiatives to address apple industry’s concerns about port of Cape Town
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NewsRSA apple and pear industry calls for urgent action at Port of Cape Town
Logistical problems are estimated to have cost the sector R1bn in 2024
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NewsSouth African citrus sector rethinks tactics in dispute with EU
Trump tariff interventions brings new focus to resolving dispute with Brussels
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NewsChina green lights imports of South African stonefruit
As US tariffs kick in, there is some better news for South African stonefruit industry in China
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NewsSouth African growers yearn for soft landing as Trump tariffs bite
Exporters hope for the best but are already casting their eye at alternative markets
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NewsSouth Africa continues talks with US over new tariffs
South African government officials are continuing discussions with US counterparts to address new 30 per cent tariffs on fresh produce exports, though diplomatic tensions appear to be rising
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NewsUS tariff deadline looms for South African exporters
Citrus exporters from South Africa are rushing to ship their final consignments before new 30 per cent US tariffs take effect, while industry bodies warn of significant long-term consequences for the country’s R2.4bn citrus export market
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NewsSouth African exporters left hanging on for another seven days
South African fresh produce exporters have been granted a seven-day extension to address impending 30 per cent US tariffs, though industry sources believe higher duties are now unavoidable
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NewsSouth African citrus crop set to exceed 180mn cartons
South Africa’s citrus industry is on track to exceed 180mn cartons this season, representing an 11 per cent increase from May forecasts, with lemons and mandarins showing particularly strong growth
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NewsSouth African citrus growers pile pressure on president Ramaphosa
With just days before US tariffs triple from 10 per cent to 30 per cent, South Africa’s citrus industry has made an urgent appeal to president Cyril Ramaphosa to intervene and secure an extension that would save the current export season
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NewsSouth African government faces new challenges in relations with US
Leadership of the ANC now under threat of sanctions from the American government