Africa
Fresh produce industry news and analysis from Africa.
Westfalia introduces South African Shelly mango to India
Counter-seasonal variety extends India’s traditional mango season into winter months
Sassy prepares for “bold” season as harvest gets underway
Key growing regions across Australia, New Zealand and South Africa have reported excellent colour, high Brix and a strong crop set
Moroccan avocado exports double in 2025
North African country overtook Kenya to become Africa’s leading supplier of Hass avocados to Europe
South Africa unlikely to enter Korean table grape market this season
Industry welcomes new access agreement while current tariffs remain a barrier to profitability
South Africa gains access to Korea for table grapes
Deal comes after two decades of negotiations, but high tariffs may mean a false start
Stormy weather hits deciduous and table grape growers in Western Cape
Recent hailstorms have caused damage to apple and pear crops in the Langkloof and Koue Bokkeveld regions
Chiquita welcomes banana pan-genome breakthrough
Project backed by Chiquita and Innocent Drinks claims major step forward in fight against disease, with new varieties potentially months from development
Berry shortages and ‘tsunami of grapes’ bound for Europe
Heavy rain, wind, and port issues are disrupting exports from Morocco, Spain and South Africa, with berries and grapes among top affected
South African citrus industry welcomes AGOA but notes lack of impact
The country’s citrus industry says this week’s inclusion of South Africa in AGOA will make no material differences to prospects for exports to the US
Raingrown fruit initiative saves 1.6bn litres of water
Eosta publishes results of its Organic Raingrown project, which sources fruit only from producers that use natural rainfall rather than irrigation
AGOA extension welcomed but tariffs remain on South African fruit
President Trump extends AGOA for one year, but South Africans say it will not change trade options for the country’s fruit
Egypt gains access to Vietnam for fresh onions and garlic
Approval comes after more than two years of technical coordination
South Africa bemoans slow BRICS progress
South African fruit exporters are navigating a complex landscape of US trade tariffs, Cape Town port disruptions and disappointing BRICS trade
Moroccan citrus exports face challenges from much-needed rain
Improved water reserves have lifted the mood in Morocco, but persistent rain is disrupting citrus harvesting and forcing downward revisions to export expectations
Hortgro mulls legal action over operational failures in Port of Cape Town
Leading industry body now threatens to head to the courts as export costs mount
Morocco’s fresh produce, fast and reliable across the sea
Morocco’s growers and exporters now have a new way to reach the UK and Northern Europe. Tomatoes, blueberries and other high-value fruits and vegetables can travel faster, fresher and more reliably thanks to the new DP World Atlas short-sea reefer service.
European demand for Egyptian strawberries stays strong
Adverse weather conditions in Morocco and Spain have disrupted berry supplies to Europe this winter, with buyers turning instead to Egypt
Spanish farmers protest EU budget, CAP and trade deals
Farmers are holding demonstrations to protest the proposed European budget for 2028-2034, CAP reforms and trade agreements
Dubai bolsters standing as regional hub
With the creation of the Foodstuffs, Fruit and Vegetable Market, set to be twice the size of the current market, Dubai is reinforcing its position as a world-class hub for fresh produce, according to Redha Mansouri, CEO of Fresh Fruits Company, and Hesam Rahi, CEO of Farzana Trading
Bollo and ClemenGold International join forces
Companies have announced a strategic alliance designed to deliver a seamless 12-month supply of premium mandarins to European retailers
ECA demands rethink on funding remote territories
The European Court of Auditors calls for focus on long-term sustainability in EU’s outermost territories to preserve soil and adapt to climate change
MSC reinforces South Africa reefer trade as volumes surge
The shipping line has introduced new services and cold storage facilities to support surging demand for South African fresh produce
Omer-Decugis cements position in West African mangoes
With the acquisition of Ivorian mango exporter Vergers du Bandama, France’s Omer-Decugis & Cie has further bolstered its position as the leading exporter of West African mangoes
Moroccan berry volumes curbed by cold
Adverse weather is creating challenges for Moroccan berry growers, limiting volumes and keeping prices up, as demand from the UK remains firm
Tru-Cape cultivates new connection with Harvard Business School
Students on immersive work placement scheme offer fresh ideas on how to sell apples in export markets
Fruit Logistica Briefing: AI is changing everything – are you ready for it?
Watch a recording of the event’s fascinating discussion on artificial intelligence and automation in the fresh produce business
Transnet deploys senior team to address Cape Town port issues
Transnet Port Terminals has deployed senior management and additional equipment operators to Cape Town to strengthen terminal performance
First South African blushed pears of the season expected in Europe
Optimal growing conditions and new varieties position South Africa as world leader in blushed pear category
Sun World grape varieties gain traction in Namibia
Breeder has announced licensing agreements with multiple Namibian exporters, strengthening its presence in early season production regions
Polish apple exporter reports solid season despite market pressures
Jan Nowakowski of Polish apple exporter Genesis Fresh says this season has demonstrated the importance of flexibility and diversification
‘Sustainability now a priority for banana consumers’
Caoimhe Buckley, chief corporate affairs officer at Fyffes, tells Fred Searle about the key trends, challenges and opportunities shaping the global banana industry
Avocados on the rise in Lebanon
Investment is pouring into avocado production in Lebanon, with the Avocado Lebanon Association working to ensure growers meet all the requirements for European market access
Waitrose bananas to join Waitrose Foundation
By this summer, all Waitrose bananas will carry the Fairtrade and Waitrose Foundation labels, as the retailer steps up its commitment to banana farming communities
Egyptian citrus exports up for UK challenge
Demand for Egyptian citrus has seen a surge to the UK market post-Brexit, but competition from EU suppliers is a resurgent threat
AI is changing everything… Are you ready for it?
Why you really can’t afford to ignore artificial intelligence – find out at the Fruit Logistica Briefing 2026
Record year for Moroccan fruit and vegetable exports
Volumes hit almost 1.6mn tonnes, but producers face growing pressure as margins tighten