Africa
Fresh produce industry news and analysis from Africa.
African avocados advantaged by China trade
Avocados set to be one of the winners of efforts to boost trade between China and Africa
BASF fast-tracks rugose-resistant tomatoes
Devastating tomato virus sparks urgent calls for resistant varieties, with breeder anticipating strong demand for new round cultivar
Paul Clüver handed conservation award
Former Capespan and Unifruco chairman rewarded for his conservation work on his family fruit farm in Elgin, South Africa
Maersk and IBM throw blockchain system overboard
Full collaboration across the entire global shipping business could not be achieved, admits carrier
Healthy outlook for citrus despite logistical headaches
There is plenty of room for growth in the citrus category with the right messaging on health and nutrition
El Teriak Farm on solid growth path
The Egyptian grower-exporter is confident of the continued potential of Egyptian produce on the world stage, expanding production and investing in packing and juicing facilities
Mixed plum breeds make their mark
New-look ‘interspecific’ plum varieties are making headway in South Africa, offering greater options for exporters
RSA stonefruit enjoys growth in US
South African stonefruit growers look for future opportunities in the US market
Warm European welcome for South African stonefruit
The first stonefruit of the season is already on the European market, with the first South African grapes of 2022/23 due next week
QC software specialist Clarifruit raises US$12m
Data-drive technology has “almost infinite” potential to cut waste in fresh produce supply chains, says company
Global Berry Congress makes impressive return
Retailers including Aldi, Lidl, Delhaize, ICA and M&S among those who attended the leading event for the global berry business
Fruit Logistica 2023: expert advice and practical solutions for all
Event programme for world’s leading fresh produce trade show in Berlin offers visitors valuable information to make better business decisions
123 Pledge aims to spur action on food loss and waste
Coordinated by Champions 12.3, UNEP and the FAO, the new ‘123 Pledge’ highlights the connection between food loss and waste and the climate crisis and calls for concrete steps
South African stonefruit volumes to rise
Hortgro anticipates increase in plum, peach and nectarine crops as part of a “high-quality export season”
Morocco continues bold UK export push
Government earmarks agriculture as top priority for the country’s development over the next 10 years, with particular focus on fresh produce exports to Britain
Uncover new berry trends at Global Berry Congress 2022
Fruitnet’s annual event for the international berry business returns to Rotterdam on 15 November
Agroberries moves into Morocco
Company will initially plant 300ha of blueberries, with goal of reaching 1,000ha across berry categories in the coming years
Fairtrade calls for “trade and climate justice”
Ahead of COP27, Fairtrade has released a position paper titled The Clock is Ticking! calling on leaders of government and the private sector to deliver on climate targets
First RSA grape containers could be loaded this weekend
Growers in the north of South Africa have started their new table grape harvest, with Namibia to follow from next week
Quality and safety of SA Raisins highlighted
South African raisin producers are investing in improvements across the supply chain to ensure the best quality, sustainable product reaches German consumers.
Drop in grape volumes for South Africa
First seasonal forecast predicts South African table grape export volumes will be smaller this year
Sweet C Mandarin brand bursts its way on to shelves in China
ClemenGold/Fruitalyst brand has experienced significant growth as demand for high-quality fruit increases
Continued potential for Tunisian fruits
Soaring costs, including for airfreight, are a huge challenge for Tunisia’s fruit sector, but exports to Libya are on the rise, while European expansion is in sight
Drug smuggling in fruit consignment uncovered
Unwelcome distraction for South African export industry as reports of drugs in fruit cartons emerge
Positive signs for South African stonefruit
The country is anticipating a much better stonefruit campaign than the one experienced last season
Fairtrade raises banana prices
As production costs soar, Fairtrade announces that it is raising banana prices in support of farmers
Record season for Summer Citrus from South Africa
The brand shipped record volumes of oranges to the US marker this year
South African port strike could be ending
There is new hope in the South African fresh produce export sector as one union agrees new terms with port operators to end strike
South African berry business counts cost of strikes
Dark days for South African berry export industry as ongoing port strike stops exports
Learn from the best at Global Berry Congress 2022
Hear from the industry’s leading players in Rotterdam on 15 November, and learn how the berry category will change in a post-pandemic world
South Africa highlights raisin health benefits
Raisins SA is looking to spread the word about the fruit’s health benefits through a promotional campaign in the UK
Retailers respond to concerns over banana worker treatment
Fairtrade’s latest annual report suggests some chains are working to address issue of low wages, despite increasing cost pressure
South African port strikes gain momentum
Attempts are made to prioritise essential and sensitive export products as port strike gains momentum in the country
Second setback for South African berry industry
Late season and port strike combine to disrupt normal blueberry exports from South Africa
World Citrus Organisation presents 2022-24 strategy
Organisation will look to strengthen the connection between stakeholders within the citrus community, increase consumption and enhance sustainability
BASF pushes boundaries with Green Queen artichoke
New hybrid artichoke promises reduction in food waste and significantly higher yields than standard varieties
