Africa
Fresh produce industry news and analysis from Africa.
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 govt 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
Kenya’s avocado exporters scale up
As Kenya rises in the global avocado ranks, exporters like Karakuta and Keitt are investing in infrastructure, orchards and market diversification to stay ahead of the competition
Egyptian avocado producer Pico plans significant plantation expansion
Suppliers eyes strategic growth in avocado production, taking advantage of Egypt’s advantageous supply window that largely avoids the dominant producers
South 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
South 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
Oppy begins Southern Hemisphere Envy apple imports
The global apple programme will deliver uninterrupted supply of the premium variety with imports from New Zealand beginning in early August
Poland seeks new apple opportunities
Apple group Genesis Fresh has maintained its export volumes and is actively exploring new markets despite a weather-affected drop in volumes this season, according to Jan Nowakowski
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