Africa
Fresh produce industry news and analysis from Africa.
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
Demand grows for Zawadi raspberries
Retail enthusiasm in the UK and beyond fuels Mediterranean ramp-up of Zawadi raspberry plantings, with more than 140ha projected this year
Egypt provides early edge with Arra grape varieties
Arra varieties are redefining the start of the table grape season in Egypt, with premium Arra varieties allowing growers to offer consumers a differentiated experience
South African stonefruit exports increase
Hortgro says the 2024/25 season is favourable, with volumes rising and consumer demand steady
Justin Chadwick has left the building
CGA chief executive Boitshoko Ntshabele pays tribute to Justin Chadwick after 25 years at the helm of South African citrus
South African avocados on target
As the first shipments are sold in China exports to traditional markets have been strong, although prices have now dropped
Maersk offers glimpse of Cape Town’s logistics future
South African exporters get a sneak peek into Maersk’s upcoming coldstore facility in Cape Town
New direct air link set to boost Ugandan exports to UK
Ugandan Airlines route furthers country’s export push as growers level up to access international markets
Diversification crucial for South African citrus
The country should expand its citrus markets to counter challenges such as the US trade tariff dispute
Kenyan vegetable exports hit by EU roadblocks
Fresh vegetable exports halve as tightened pesticide checks impact trade
South African citrus industry optimistic following Washington talks
Details of trade talks in Washington DC between the US and South Africa and reaction thereto are slowly beginning to emerge
Local focus for Belgian suppliers
Global instability is encouraging Belgian suppliers to stay close to home when it comes to strawberry and tomato exports, with the UK remaining a key destination despite the post-Brexit uncertainty
Tru-Cape supports drive to deliver 8mn meals for World Hunger Month
South African fruit exporter and local marketer joins campaign to relieve hunger in the country
Competition may intensify in UK citrus market after EU deal
Egyptian citrus suppliers to the UK may need to adapt to maintain export growth following a new trade agreement between the EU and the UK, says Osama Saleh of HoudElNile
South African eyes are focused on Washington
Uncertainty remains as South African citrus growers gear up for conventional shipments to the US
UK and EU agree major agri-food deal
Removal of checks on fresh produce and plant health certificates among the detail now released under new ‘sanitary and phytosanitary zone’ and major realignment of food safety standards
New Marshal Papworth student cohort arrives at Harper Adams
Students from six different African countries will take part in the 10-week sustainable agriculture course at Harper Adams as vice chancellor notes benefit of bringing people together
Karakuta avocado facility aims for top quality from Kenya
The Kenyan avocado specialist’s new facility aims to address the main issue hindering the country’s success on global markets: achieving a consistently high quality export
Lengthy list of challenges for Anton Rabe
The long-serving executive director of Hortgro has taken over as chairperson at Fruit South Africa
Brand building pays off big for Flash Gala
Leading South African apple and pear growers and marketers say they are pleased with the progress of Flash Gala as it passes milestone
Flash Gala exports surpass 1mn cartons
South African apple brand celebrates milestone as demand grows in eastern markets
Sun World debuts Ruby Rush as it ushers in early grape season
The early-season red seedless grape is “proving its value to growers” and is now cultivated in ten countries, with production expanding
Climate change will decimate banana production in Latin America and Caribbean, says report
Christian Aid report suggests almost two-thirds of areas’ banana regions will no longer be able to support the fruit’s production
South African citrus executive lifts the veil on tariff issues
South African government and growers can come together to overcome imminent challenges, says the CGA’s Boitshoko Ntshabele
Avocado Africa 2025 set for Nairobi
The fifth International Africa Avocado Congress takes place in the Kenyan capital on 27-30 May, with a focus on how to boost the competitiveness of African growers
Major new Essex glasshouse ‘will replace tomato imports’
A 40-hectare low carbon series of glasshouses in Essex is out for consultation as developers say it will provide climate resilient tomato production and replace imports from Holland, Morocco and Spain
New variety boosts South Africa’s early season blueberry business
Blueberry growers in South Africa and Zimbabwe have started harvesting the 2025 crop, with good demand locally and overseas
Morocco announces new subsidy plan for citrus exports to Europe
Five-year plan aims to boost the competitiveness of citrus industry
Autumncrisp gains ground in Southern Africa
It has been another year of progress for the Autumncrisp grape variety in South Africa
First South African avocado containers arrive in China
Early shipments of South African avocados land in Shanghai, marking the first arrivals of the season
Ifad launches first-ever project to help Libyan farmers combat water scarcity
The US$9.2mn investment project will help 57,000 smallholder farmers and pastoralist households in chronically dry areas
USAID cuts a “threat” to small farmers in developing world
The consequences of the termination of USAID-funded technical assistance programmes are hard to predict for the global fruit and vegetables business, but small producers are likely to be the first to feel an impact
Comment: Who profits from proprietary produce?
Horticultural IP lawyer Darron Saltzman argues there could be a fairer way to structure variety licensing agreements