South Africa hosts first kiwifruit field day drawing global interest
The event brought together international specialists and local experts to explore South Africa’s potential in kiwifruit production.
SOUTH AFRICA – The Kiwi Connection, a collaboration between TopFruit and the RSA Group, recently hosted South Africa’s first Kiwifruit Field Day, featuring key locations such as Worcester, George, and Grabouw in the Western Cape.
Dedicated to testing, supporting, and commercializing kiwifruit varieties across Southern Africa, The Kiwi Connection welcomed 30 international specialists from countries including Portugal, France, Chile, New Zealand, Australia, China, and India, along with 20 local experts.
The gathering provided insight into production techniques under different climatic conditions and reinforced global interest in South Africa’s growing kiwifruit sector.
Approximately 95% of South Africa’s kiwifruit is exported, with shipments running from mid-February to late April. This schedule positions South Africa to supply global markets during a crucial window between harvest seasons in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
The country’s kiwifruit industry, which focuses primarily on red and yellow varieties, is gaining momentum due to favorable climatic conditions and a well-organized supply chain.
Unlike green kiwifruit, which requires colder winters, South Africa’s warm climate is ideal for producing yellow and red-fleshed varieties. Pieter de Jongh of The Kiwi Connection told Fresh Plaza, “The warmer South African climate is more suited to produce yellow- and red-flesh kiwis.”
The Kiwi Connection, a collaboration between TopFruit and the RSA Group, plays a key role in testing, supporting, and commercializing new kiwifruit types across Southern Africa. The organization holds the master license for KiwiKo’s varieties in the region.
KiwiKo, established in 2020 by TopFruit and Miko Asia, works closely with Yanoon BioTech in China on a breeding program designed to improve kiwifruit strains.
This partnership is helping develop high-quality fruit that meets global standards while adapting to changing environmental conditions.
Meeting international demand
Despite local consumers preferring green kiwifruit, yellow-fleshed varieties are gaining ground in international markets due to their sweeter taste and suitability for warmer climates.
Producers carefully choose kiwifruit varieties based on climate and market demand, using a selection process similar to that of the wine industry.
The increase in Braeburn apple exports highlights how South African growers are adjusting to shifting trade patterns and consumer preferences.
With ongoing research and international collaborations, South Africa’s kiwifruit sector is expected to become more competitive in the global market.
The worldwide kiwifruit market was valued at approximately $7.8 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach US$9.98 billion by 2030, growing at an annual rate of 4.67%.
Asia-Pacific remains the largest consumer region, with China and Japan driving demand. Europe and North America are also seeing rising interest in vitamin-rich fruits, further boosting export opportunities.
The demand for yellow- and red-fleshed kiwifruit is projected to increase faster than traditional green varieties due to their sweeter taste and adaptability to warmer climates.
Additionally, the market is experiencing a rise in organic kiwifruit production as health-conscious consumers seek more natural and chemical-free produce.
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