Africa
Fresh produce industry news and analysis from Africa.
South Africa’s 2026 lemon season navigates rain and geopolitical headwinds
Despite weather-hit harvests and export route disruptions caused by Middle East conflict, the lemon season remains on track to deliver 49.4mn cartons
Third-country imports continue to grow in Spain
New customs data processed by Fepex reveals that non-EU suppliers are increasingly driving Spain’s fresh produce import growth
Comment: Can science help save bananas, the world’s favourite fruit?
In an extract from his new book The Future of Bananas, Australian scientist Professor James Dale explains why a lack of genetic diversity and an overreliance on a single variety have put bananas at risk of commercial extinction
Banana Link remains determined after three decades
Despite a bunch of successes, the UK-based NGO still faces some familiar challenges as it strives for supply chain sustainability
South Africa citrus sector faces critical market access challenges
CGA chief executive Boitshoko Ntshabele has called on South Africa’s new ministerial appointments to act swiftly on trade negotiations
South Africa’s fruit leaders demand private sector port reform
Hortgro’s outgoing chief executive Anton Rabe says private sector participation in South Africa’s ports is ‘no longer negotiable’
Tempestuous season takes toll on South African grape trade
Geopolitical, logistical and climate disruptions all combine to prompt major shakeup in country’s grape export business
OZblu Global Grower Conference advances blueberry brand
Event examined how to strengthen the production and marketing supporting the premium blueberry offering
How EU realignment risks global fruit imports
In the latest FPJ Podcast, Nina Pullman is joined by the FPC’s Nigel Jenney to discuss how the EU-UK reset deal could spell trouble for imports
South African growers recover from devastating flood disruption
Apple and citrus growers in South Africa’s Cape regions are getting back on track after catastrophic floods damaged roads, cut power supplies and halted harvesting
Tropical fruits outperform wider produce market, congress hears
Suppliers and retailers gather for Fruitnet Tropicals Congress, where commercial outlook is very positive despite major challenges
How Gen Z is reshaping the grapefruit category
As Gen Z consumers prioritise sustainability alongside health and wellness, the grapefruit category is repositioning itself for a new era
Del Monte on pioneering premium tropicals across European markets
Gianpaolo Renino of the newly-rebranded Del Monte Corporation discusses the group’s strategic approach to tropical fruit innovation
Egypt’s Pico navigates evolving grape landscape
As warming climate changes production seasons and influences consumer purchases, supplier says adaptability is key
South African lemon deal will end ‘abruptly’ with higher volume
Citrus Growers’ Association updates export forecast after cooler weather and rainfall accelerate fruit development across key regions
Morocco overtakes Spain as UK’s top mandarin supplier
Combination of Brexit, government investment, and improved access to Nadorcott propels country to top spot
South Africa raises 2026 lemon export forecast
The CGA has increased its lemon export projection by nearly 4mn cartons following favourable growing conditions
South African industry responds to Port of Cape Town’s lowly ranking
South Africa’s fresh fruit export organisations have expressed strategic concerns after Cape Town port was ranked last globally
Leading the avocado charge across Africa
South Africa remains the market leader, expecting to ship around 21mn cartons this year, while Kenya has emerged as Africa’s second-largest exporter
South Africa risks losing India apple advantage without tariff reform
India remains a key growth market for South African apples and pears, but industry leaders warn the country risks losing its competitive edge
Summer Citrus from South Africa season begins in US
Summer Citrus from South Africa launches its 2026 season with the first US arrivals expected this month
South Africa faces tough avocado season
Some wind damage has been reported in two key growing regions, but other areas are still looking at excellent crops
The Fresh Ideas Show: El Niño and Trump create waves of disruption
Mike Knowles and Maura Maxwell consider the potential impact of a Super El Niño and continued geopolitical tensions
South Africa’s Flash Gala apples hit record volumes
Premium volumes surge as growers overcome challenges and expand plantings, with over 80 per cent of orchards now at maturity
Cape Town props up port league table as Sati highlights challenges
Logistics continue to be a problem for South African grape growers who use the container port in Cape Town
South Africa eyes cherry growth as industry expands
After a successful season and expansion from 185ha to 819ha over the past decade, the cherry industry is positioning itself for export growth
Eosta plans organic mango expansion in Côte d’Ivoire
Dutch organic importer-marketer is to expand organic mango production following a successful first full season with regional supplier Fruiteq
Importers urged to consider impact of checks on non-EU produce
Checks on imports from the rest of the world could raise food prices and jeopardise ‘just in time’ supply, while spreading risk across shipping lines and ports is helping suppliers take control, Festival of Fresh delegates told
Progress for South African grapes despite ongoing challenges
The country’s table grape sector showed resilience during 2025/26, achieving record inspection volumes of 81.25m cartons
Chile sets sights on North African markets
Frutas de Chile has identified Morocco as a key strategic market and gateway to other African countries
New international network brings together protected horticulture sector
Wageningen University has launched a new membership network for those working in controlled and protected horticulture to share best practice and the latest research from around the world
More heavy rain batters South Africa’s citrus producers
With growers in Eastern and Western Cape still unable to assess flood impact on farms, CGA says damage likely to increase
Maersk launches weekly service linking North Europe with Egypt
The logistics group’s Baltic Sea-SLA service links Gdansk, Bremerhaven and Genoa with Port Said and Alexandria, offering direct routing to reduce transit times and improve supply chain reliability in a corridor where EU-Egypt trade reached €32.3bn in 2025.
Soviet-era cafe shot wins World Food Photo Awards
World Food Photography Award winners highlight power of food stories and the essential role of food in communities across the world
Tru-Cape celebrates 25 years of apple and pear leadership
Leading South African apple and pear exporter Tru-Cape Fruit Marketing is celebrating its 25th anniversary