Africa
Fresh produce industry news and analysis from Africa.
Westfalia unveils avocado ’orchard of the future’
The ‘genetic library’ hosts over 140 avocado varieties from around the world as researchers breed the varieties of the future, including novel shapes, jumbo sizes and different flavours
South African citrus exports surge past 200mn cartons
South African citrus growers are celebrating a record export season, with shipments now expected to exceed 200mn cartons despite early closures to key EU and US markets due to regulatory and tariff challenges
Fruit Attraction claims record participation
Organisers of fresh produce trade show report significant growth in visitor and exhibitor numbers at this week’s three-day exhibition in Madrid
IBO Summit 2025 brings together global blueberry participants
The International Blueberry Organization Summit 2025 brought together 575 participants from 32 countries in South Africa, highlighting the region’s growing role as a key producer and exporter in the global blueberry market.
Polytunnel refusals are troubling: We need them to climate-proof UK production
Tunnel installation is a small price to pay for climate resilient food production and planning rules should reflect that, writes Nina Pullman
UK’s first white maize grower visited by Princess Anne
David Mwanaka said royal visit was ‘highlight of career’ after building farm tenancy business around UK-grown exotic produce
United Exports appoints former Nando’s executive
Group names marketing and strategy expert as global Chief Growth Officer, effective early 2026, to drive international expansion of its OZblu blueberry brand
Fairtrade announces new minimum prices for bananas
Fairtrade has announced new minimum prices for bananas at Fruit Attraction 2025, with average prices increasing by 6 per cent at ex works level to support over 37,000 farmers and workers globally
Tru-Cape achieves record Pink Lady apple packout rates
South African apple supplier says it achieved its highest ever packout of Pink Lady apples this season, with both packhouses achieving increased qualification rates through targeted investment and precision orchard management
Sati issues estimate for South African grape crop
If present weather conditions persist, export volumes for South African grapes could exceed 81mn cartons, according to industry association Sati
The water challenge: why embracing the Raingrown concept offers a real solution
As water resources come under mounting pressure globally, Eosta says its Organic Raingrown concept offers a sustainable alternative for water-intensive crops, relying solely on natural rainfall while supporting better soil water retention through organic farming methods
South Africa seeks US tariff relief for fruit exports
South African fresh produce exporters are hoping for adjustments to 30 per cent US tariffs before the new season, as trade minister Parks Tau confirms negotiations have entered a critical phase
Fawakih eyes Asia potential for Kenyan avocados
Challenges remain, but Kenyan avocados must be ready for big opportunities in Asia, according to Fawakih Import and Export
TSBC to unveil South Africa partnership at Fruit Attraction
UK-based berry supplier scales blueberry and strawberry production with new venture to deliver premium fruits year-round
B20 highlights challenging global trade environment amid geopolitical tensions
The influential G20 business engagement group has warned that geopolitical tensions are creating a challenging global trade environment, with economic growth prospects revised downward
Southern African grape growers confident ahead of new season
Southern African grape growers are expressing confidence ahead of the new season following a successful 2024/25 export campaign, with good weather conditions supporting vineyard development after winter
CarbonXtras scheme empowers Ghanaian farmers with climate-smart technology
A £100,000 initiative is supporting Ghanaian smallholder farmers to adopt climate-smart, regenerative farming methods using advanced soil sensor technology to combat soil degradation and climate change pressures.
Global blueberry leaders gather in Cape Town for IBO Summit
The International Berry Organization Summit opens in Cape Town this week, bringing together global blueberry players as Southern African producers seek new market opportunities and regional cooperation
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