Africa
Fresh produce industry news and analysis from Africa.
Choppy waters ahead for global shipping’s net-zero framework
US pressure and Saudi Arabia’s successful motion to adjourn IMO talks on the controversial framework appears to have scuppered a deal that took a decade to negotiate, despite backing from over a hundred countries
Prominent at 30: tomato innovation for a sustainable future
Dutch cooperative Growers United is this year celebrating three decades of Prominent, its tomato brand that has embraced innovation, sustainability and changing consumer demands
Westfalia partners with AgriSound to boost avocado production
AgriSound’s cutting-edge technology will help growers better understand and optimise pollination activity
South Africa gains China stonefruit access, eyes blueberry and cherry approval
South Africa has signed a new protocol allowing stonefruit exports to China, while agriculture minister John Steenhuisen has invited Chinese authorities to inspect blueberry and cherry facilities to secure market access for these categories in the next season
Fruitnet Berry Congress returns to London
Leading global event for the berry business brings a broad array of supply chain partners – including retailers and suppliers – together for two days of talks, networking and study tours
Produce shippers await net zero vote amid US threat
As geopolitical storm grows, fresh produce shippers watch for outcome of crucial meeting on sustainability framework that could reshape industry strategy for years to come
Sakata showcases Saiko Star tomato
Breeder says dual-resistance baby plum variety “hits the sweet spot” for growers and consumers
South Africa nears US trade deal to ease export tariffs
Trade minister Parks Tau says the two countries are close to finalising a deal that could ease damaging tariffs and protect thousands of local jobs in the fresh produce sector
UK-led research could boost crops in food-insecure regions
Underutilised crops pigeon pea and Bambara groundnut are the focus of the projects
Court dismisses Maersk challenge to ICTSI Durban terminal tender
A South African high court has dismissed Maersk’s legal challenge to International Container Terminal Services’ tender win for Durban Container Terminal Pier 2, clearing the way for the long-delayed public-private partnership to proceed
South Africa relaunches WTO process over EU citrus dispute
South Africa has relaunched its World Trade Organization process to resolve the long-running dispute with the European Union over citrus trade restrictions, despite recent strengthening of bilateral relations amid the US tariff war
BASF strengthens its offer in tomatoes and melons
New varieties include wide-ranging ToBRFV-resistant tomatoes and melons and watermelons that deliver on both flavour and yield
Namibia-South Africa ‘tomato war’ threatens regional trade flows
A dispute over tomato export permits has escalated tensions between Namibia and South Africa, with 3,000 tonnes of Namibian tomatoes at risk just weeks before the crucial table grape season begins
Fepex sounds warning over new EU agreement with Morocco
Federation says it will cause a sharp increase in fruit and vegetable exports from the North African country
Westfalia unveils avocado ’orchard of the future’
The ‘genetic library’ hosts over 140 avocado varieties from around the world as researchers breed the varieties of the future, including novel shapes, jumbo sizes and different flavours
South African citrus exports surge past 200mn cartons
South African citrus growers are celebrating a record export season, with shipments now expected to exceed 200mn cartons despite early closures to key EU and US markets due to regulatory and tariff challenges
Fruit Attraction claims record participation
Organisers of fresh produce trade show report significant growth in visitor and exhibitor numbers at this week’s three-day exhibition in Madrid
IBO Summit 2025 brings together global blueberry participants
The International Blueberry Organization Summit 2025 brought together 575 participants from 32 countries in South Africa, highlighting the region’s growing role as a key producer and exporter in the global blueberry market.
Polytunnel refusals are troubling: We need them to climate-proof UK production
Tunnel installation is a small price to pay for climate resilient food production and planning rules should reflect that, writes Nina Pullman
UK’s first white maize grower visited by Princess Anne
David Mwanaka said royal visit was ‘highlight of career’ after building farm tenancy business around UK-grown exotic produce
United Exports appoints former Nando’s executive
Group names marketing and strategy expert as global Chief Growth Officer, effective early 2026, to drive international expansion of its OZblu blueberry brand
Fairtrade announces new minimum prices for bananas
Fairtrade has announced new minimum prices for bananas at Fruit Attraction 2025, with average prices increasing by 6 per cent at ex works level to support over 37,000 farmers and workers globally
Tru-Cape achieves record Pink Lady apple packout rates
South African apple supplier says it achieved its highest ever packout of Pink Lady apples this season, with both packhouses achieving increased qualification rates through targeted investment and precision orchard management
Sati issues estimate for South African grape crop
If present weather conditions persist, export volumes for South African grapes could exceed 81mn cartons, according to industry association Sati
The water challenge: why embracing the Raingrown concept offers a real solution
As water resources come under mounting pressure globally, Eosta says its Organic Raingrown concept offers a sustainable alternative for water-intensive crops, relying solely on natural rainfall while supporting better soil water retention through organic farming methods
South Africa seeks US tariff relief for fruit exports
South African fresh produce exporters are hoping for adjustments to 30 per cent US tariffs before the new season, as trade minister Parks Tau confirms negotiations have entered a critical phase
Fawakih eyes Asia potential for Kenyan avocados
Challenges remain, but Kenyan avocados must be ready for big opportunities in Asia, according to Fawakih Import and Export
TSBC to unveil South Africa partnership at Fruit Attraction
UK-based berry supplier scales blueberry and strawberry production with new venture to deliver premium fruits year-round
B20 highlights challenging global trade environment amid geopolitical tensions
The influential G20 business engagement group has warned that geopolitical tensions are creating a challenging global trade environment, with economic growth prospects revised downward
Southern African grape growers confident ahead of new season
Southern African grape growers are expressing confidence ahead of the new season following a successful 2024/25 export campaign, with good weather conditions supporting vineyard development after winter
CarbonXtras scheme empowers Ghanaian farmers with climate-smart technology
A £100,000 initiative is supporting Ghanaian smallholder farmers to adopt climate-smart, regenerative farming methods using advanced soil sensor technology to combat soil degradation and climate change pressures.
Global blueberry leaders gather in Cape Town for IBO Summit
The International Berry Organization Summit opens in Cape Town this week, bringing together global blueberry players as Southern African producers seek new market opportunities and regional cooperation
South Africa’s FPEF appoints Piet de Jager as new CEO
Chartered Accountant with extensive agricultural experience takes helm at key South African fresh produce export organisation
South 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
Citrus leads Egypt’s agricultural export charge
Citrus accounted for 1.9mn tonnes of the 7mn tonnes the country has exported so far this year
Westfalia harnesses power of varietal innovation to drive market growth
Company to showcase pioneering research in varietal development at Fruit Attraction 2025