Africa
Fresh produce industry news and analysis from Africa.
Survey: AI and automation in fresh produce supply chains
Fruitnet reaches out to fruit and veg business professionals to investigate current and future impact of groundbreaking new technologies
South African citrus exports 18 per cent up at season midpoint
South African citrus exports apparently already surpassed last year’s volume, with the season only halfway through, according to Transnet Port Terminals
South African government faces new challenges in relations with US
Leadership of the ANC now under threat of sanctions from the American government
South African grapefruit campaign breaks new ground
SummerStar Ruby grapefruit marketing campaign is a fresh direction for the industry
M&S launches seedless lemons
The launch in 200 M&S Food stores comes after a successful rollout in the retailer’s Food Halls and aims to remove consumer annoyance with lemon pips
US tariffs force South African fruit exporters to rethink strategy
South African fruit exporters are preparing for significant market disruption as impending US tariffs force a strategic pivot toward alternative destinations in Europe, the Middle East and Asia
South African citrus exports to US face tariff deadline
South African citrus exporters are racing against time as their conventional reefer programme to the US enters its final phase before new tariffs take effect on 1 August
South African grape exporters alarmed by proposed US tariff
South African Table Grape Industry warns that proposed 30 per cent US tariff could undermine recent export growth and threaten livelihoods in the sector
Spain’s fruit and vegetable imports from Morocco surge 28 per cent
Morocco has strengthened its position as Spain’s leading fresh produce supplier, with fruit and vegetable imports growing 28 percent to €672mn in the first four months of 2024
New tariff offensive prompts major concern for exporters in the EU, South Africa, Brazil and Mexico
US President Donald Trump has announced plans for new tariffs on imports from multiple countries including the EU, Mexico, Brazil and South Africa, creating significant uncertainty for fresh produce exporters worldwide
Only three weeks left to register as an exhibitor for Fruit Logistica 2026
Returning to Berlin on 4-6 February 2026, the leading trade show for the global fresh produce business offers new formats, high-level networking, and unmissable global reach
South African citrus industry under threat from US tariffs
South Africa’s agriculture minister has warned that the country’s citrus industry faces severe challenges from impending US tariffs, potentially undermining job creation and economic growth in rural communities
Trump tariffs will hit South African fruit exports hard
South African fresh produce exporters are bracing for a major blow as the US imposes 30 per cent tariffs from 1 August, potentially derailing established trade programs and threatening rural employment
Egypt’s Pico plots premium push in multiple fruits
The Egyptian grower-exporter is optimistic concerning new premium grape varieties’ ability to extend the season, while blueberries and exotics continue to expand Pico’s portfolio
Comment: fresh produce sector faces sustainability turning point
The global fresh produce sector is experiencing a rapid shift in sustainability requirements, with Egyptian growers and exporters now facing pressure to move beyond mere compliance to demonstrating measurable environmental and social impact
Wimbledon confirms no ban on avocados amid sustainability debate
The All England Tennis Club has confirmed that avocados remain available at Wimbledon, countering rumours of a ban following sustainability concerns raised in UK media.
More details emerge of free trade deal between China and Africa
China steals a march on the US by announcing a free trade deal with Africa
Fruitnet Tomato Congress presents: The Future of Tomatoes
This year’s Fruitnet Tomato Congress takes place in Malaga, Spain, on 11-12 November, with industry experts set to explore how the business is likely to evolve in the coming years
South African supply extends Jingold's Exotic Red kiwifruit season
The commercial availability of red-fleshed kiwifruit in Europe has been extended into summer months thanks to new counter-seasonal production from South Africa
South African growers join forces to boost grapefruit demand in Europe
A coalition of South African citrus growers is joining forces to rebrand and promote Star Ruby grapefruit in Europe, aiming to shift consumer perceptions from bitter and old-fashioned to sweet, tangy and versatile
Major milestone for South African raisin production
South African raisin production has officially surpassed 100,000 tonnes for the first time, defying earlier concerns about crop losses due to adverse weather conditions
DP World connects the business
Kai Olschner, DP World’s global vice-president of supply chain engineering, talks major investments and a unique service for Moroccan exporters
Tense times in Cape citrus groves as US tariff pause counts down
South African citrus exporters are facing a critical week as the 90-day pause on new 30 per cent US tariffs expires on 9 July, potentially hitting the Cape citrus industry at the height of its export season.
Global avocado market surpasses US$20bn
New RaboResearch report shows new acreage and more diversified supply base is driving export growth
Fresh initiatives fuel global growth at Asia Fruit Logistica 2025
Asia Fruit Logistica boosts global trade with new features and stronger international participation
Eosta announces large-scale emissions reduction
Netherlands-based group says it has drastically cut its carbon emissions for fruit imports to Europe
US-South Africa chicken deal agreed – could fruit be next?
It has been another critical week for South African trade negotiations with US, with Donald Trump and Cyril Ramaphosa meeting at the G-7 summit in Canada
EU has a taste for Moroccan fresh produce
The value and volume of EU fruit and vegetable imports from Morocco climbed in the opening quarter of 2025
The Philippines seeks access to Egypt for mangoes and bananas
Negotiations come after the country gained access for durian in May
Study backs port privatisation in South Africa
Calls for privatisation in South African ports grow, with a leading supply chain management company publishing a study backing the move
Transnet lifeline a positive move for South Africa’s produce industry
New government guarantee of R51bn will provide opportunities for public and private sector partnerships
Success of Flash Gala in India gets South African industry talking
South African sources say trade dynamics in India have created new opportunities for South African apples and pears
Fepex calls Moroccan tomato entry prices “obsolete”
As exports to Spain rise, Fepex says the tomato entry prices established in the EU Association Agreement with Morocco have not fulfilled their function
New genetics will transform the South African nut industry
TopNut is set to bring fresh genetics to the South African nut industry, with the goal of giving it an edge in global markets
South Africa exports record volume of table grapes
Industry association chief Mecia Petersen suggests retaining market share in expanding markets like the US must be priority
Could trade wars derail exciting fruit branding initiatives?
Successful cultivar branding initiatives rely on worldwide production of high-quality fruit that meets strict requirements