Africa
Fresh produce industry news and analysis from Africa.
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
Zimbabwe 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
DP World launches Morocco-UK-Europe service to cut fruit export times
A new shipping service connecting Morocco with the UK and North Europe will reduce fruit and vegetable export times by up to two days, offering better quality produce at lower costs with a significantly reduced carbon footprint
South 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
US 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
Opportunities for Serbian apples despite cold spring
Serbian apple producers were hit by plunging temperatures in the spring, but Gojko Zagorac of Serbia Does Apples sees opportunities for the country’s smaller crop
South 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
StepacPPC champions sustainable pallet shrouds for fresh produce
Fresh produce packaging specialist StepacPPC has introduced Xtend Pallet Shrouds, an innovative full-pallet packaging solution designed to extend shelf-life of berries and other delicate produce while reducing plastic usage during transport
Spanish fresh produce exports stable in volume, up in value
Export figures from Spanish producer association Fepex show stable volumes but significant value growth for the country’s fresh produce sector in the first half of 2025
DP World and Itochu sign MOU for African logistics expansion
Global ports operator DP World has formed a strategic partnership with Japanese trading company Itochu Corporation to develop logistics and supply chain infrastructure throughout sub-Saharan Africa, enhancing connectivity for Japanese businesses entering African markets.
Sweet Sunrise grapefruit launches at Morrisons
Fresh Hub Group and Myton Food Group aim to reinvigorate grapefruit category with exclusive launch of Sweet Sunrise into Morrisons, following success of the Explore brand in grapes
Flash 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
Asia Fruit Logistica exhibitor preview: EMEA
Asia Fruit Logistica continues to attract suppliers and service providers from Europe, the Middle East and Africa, all of whom see the event as a vital opportunity to build new connections and diversify their market portfolio
Flash 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
Eosta joins UK-led water conservation project in South Africa
Dutch organic distributor Eosta has officially committed to a UK-led water conservation initiative in South Africa’s Western Cape, focusing on restoring ecosystems and water security in this critical fruit-growing region
SummerStar Ruby grapefruit champions sustainability across European markets
A coalition of South African citrus growers has united to promote their new SummerStar Ruby grapefruit variety across Europe, emphasising not only its superior flavour but also its sustainable and ethical production credentials
Sun World expands global table grape network
New additions in Egypt, Chile and Italy boost year-round access to premium grape varieties
South Africa revises citrus export forecast upward
Industry now expected to ship some 188mn (15kg) cartons – up from the pre-season predictions of 171mn cartons
Western 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
RSA 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
South African citrus sector rethinks tactics in dispute with EU
Trump tariff interventions brings new focus to resolving dispute with Brussels
Blue Skies marketing director steps down
Mark Crawford has overseen strong growth at the tropical fruit supplier, and leaves the business for new role
China green lights imports of South African stonefruit
As US tariffs kick in, there is some better news for South African stonefruit industry in China
South African growers yearn for soft landing as Trump tariffs bite
Exporters hope for the best but are already casting their eye at alternative markets
Morocco moves up global blueberry rankings
African nation climbed from seventh to fourth place in 2024
G’s sees regen breakthrough as trials cut fertiliser and boost crop health
Salad supplier has seen groundbreaking results from its trials of regenerative farming and Johnson-Su composting technique
South 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
Westfalia avocado oils lauded at inaugural SA Food & Beverage Awards
Company said the prizes reaffirm its commitment to quality and innovation
Turkish lemons “lacking” after frosty spring
Lemons are expected to be in short supply globally this year, as most major suppliers struggle for volumes and the effects of Turkey’s disastrous frost continue to be felt
IFPA Southern Africa Conference addresses export challenges
The International Fresh Produce Association’s fourth Southern Africa Conference brought together industry leaders to address evolving challenges and opportunities across the fresh produce supply chain
US 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
South 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
Experts expect no slowdown in UK avocado market
Global avocado supplies continue to increase, leading many to predict imminent issues of oversupply, but a panel of UK experts at this year’s Festival of Fresh conference see more room for growth