Africa
Fresh produce industry news and analysis from Africa.
Berry business faces up to new challenges as growth continues
Investment in varieties, segmentation, marketing and technology will help build more profitable berry business, delegates heard at Fruitnet Berry Congress
The real reasons behind the rise of blueberries
Fruitnet’s Mike Knowles speaks exclusively to Cort Brazelton, CEO of Fall Creek, about the product’s recent impressive growth
Oscar Gold kiwifruit season underway in South Africa
France’s Primland says season looks ‘very promising’, as company highlights importance of grower partnerships
Flash Gala apple campaign reaches over 100mn people
South African premium apple brand has significantly expanded its global reach through a digital-first marketing strategy
South African stonefruit gains foothold in Chinese market
The country has achieved its first successful sales in China, with sugar plums and interspecific varieties welcomed by the market
South Africa announces rail and logistics reform plans
The South African government has announced sweeping transport reforms – but will they make a difference?
Iran conflict continues to disrupt South African fruit shipments
Around 90 per cent of country’s fruit exports to Middle East by sea have been blocked by the crisis, forcing suppliers to divert cargo
AVA Dalicia strawberries to launch in UK by end of year
Scottish berry breeder hoping for high demand when Mediterranean variety opens for UK sales in 2026/27 following strong performance this season
NCP to appeal High Court judgment on Nadorcott
Group to fight on after court ruled Asda had not infringed plant breeders’ rights with sale of Tang Gold mandarins
High court decision on mandarins could have wider implications
UK judge’s decision to dismiss Nador Cott Protection’s case could mean retailers continue to sell Tang Gold variety
‘Resilience is about more than just multiple origins’
Wealmoor CEO Avnish Malde tells Fred Searle about the grower-importer’s rich history, his journey into fresh produce, and why supply resilience is in the firm’s DNA
Risky business in the Gulf hits produce trade
The Gulf faces the possibility of fruit shortages, as vessels remain stranded at sea and new routes are sought, with few willing to take the risk
South African fruit stranded as Middle East problems mount
South African fruit exporters are grappling with mounting losses as vessels carrying stonefruit and table grapes remain stranded in the Gulf
‘Some fruit supply chains may no longer be viable’
Reefer shipping expert and former Maersk Line executive Thomas Eskesen explains what conflict in the Middle East means for the fresh produce business
‘Customer focus key to growing avocado category’
Fred Searle speaks to Wim Destoop, global chief customer officer of Westfalia Fruit, about the avo supplier’s customer-led marketing strategy, the potential of the Gem variety, and the growing importance of supply diversification
Claus Larner champions DP World Atlas service
Claus Larner, vice-president of DP World Atlas, discusses the new dedicated shipping solution between Morocco, the UK, and Europe
Fruitnet Berry Congress still the best place to track innovation in berries
Conference and networking event brings business leaders together to discuss better products, stronger supply chains, and new market trends
Agri-food is the top sector for seasonal worker abuse, report finds
New analysis has found the global agri-food sector saw most alleged instances of abuse against seasonal workers with UK retailers among 600 major employers linked to cases
South African avocado campaign begins in UK and Europe
First shipments reach UK and Europe as South Africa forecasts 22mn-carton season, up 16 per cent year-on-year
Dole South Africa and Mahela form joint venture
Two major players have formed an equal partnership to enhance operational efficiency and service delivery through the Letaba Pakkers facility
Middle East conflict threatens South African fruit exports
South African fresh produce exporters are grappling with uncertainty as conflict in the Middle East threatens a crucial market
Comment: Middle East conflict threatens European exports
Philippe Binard of Freshfel Europe considers the potential fallout for fresh produce suppliers after military action escalated in the Middle East
The Fresh Ideas Show: Are fruit and veg trendy at last?
Hear about the latest fresh produce business trends in the latest episode of Fruitnet’s video podcast, sponsored by Kanzi apples
South African raisin crop forecast cut to 86,500 tonnes
Despite the lower forecast, the industry remains optimistic about long-term growth as competing nations face their own challenges
Zimbabwe steps up blueberry production
Favourable market window and climate augur well for export growth
Increased shipping around the Cape comes with other risks
With traffic around the Cape set to increase sharply because of the conflict in the Middle East, there are now other risks facing global fleets
Gulf conflict threatens major disruption to fruit trade
As shipping lines suspend operations, leading importer says conflict creates ‘big problem’ for international fresh produce suppliers
Ceres Fruit Growers wins BRCGS Site of Year award
Tru-Cape member Ceres Fruit Growers received the BRCGS Certificated Site of the Year 2026 award in London
Fairfruit expands product range and market reach
Company widens speciality portfolio while building on long-term partnerships with growers in Europe, Latin America and Africa
Climate is ‘top challenge’ facing European producers
European trade representative says climate is making risk management increasingly difficult, as competition with North Africa intensifies
Eosta talks Raingrown initiative and Organic Fruit Heroes brand
Organic specialist is driving transparency with its Raingrown initiative, while targeting young consumers through its Fruit Heroes brand
Fruitnet Grape Congress brings global experts to LUV Fiera
Fruitnet’s conference and networking event takes place in Bari, as part of a trade fair dedicated to the international table grape category
Maersk rolls out support initiatives for Kenyan avocado exports
Group offers enhanced training programmes, capacity optimisation, and strategic resource positioning to ensure ‘seamless transportation’
South African blueberry season shows strong growth and quality
South Africa’s blueberry quality is high and volumes have increased this year, Berries ZA chief executive Brent Walsh told Fruitnet at Fruit Logistica
Tru-Cape welcomes zero-tariff access to China
South African exporter calls for continued tariff reforms following South Africa’s comprehensive economic partnership agreement with China
South Africa pledges logistics overhaul for fruit exports
The CGA has welcomed the president’s state of the nation commitment to transforming the country’s logistics infrastructure