USDA projects increased apple, pear exports from SA in 2024

SOUTH AFRICA – The USDA has projected a 7% increase in South Africa’s apple production and a 6% rise in pear production for 2024.

Given these projections, South Africa’s deciduous fruit sector is set for a positive turnaround in 2024 after a challenging previous season.

This follows a difficult 2022-23 season, where hail damage significantly reduced yields. The projected recovery is a welcome relief for the agricultural sector, which faced numerous challenges last year, including an energy crisis that caused frequent blackouts and disrupted farming operations.

The energy crisis, known as “load-shedding,” had severe consequences for agricultural production, causing widespread blackouts that halted farming operations and delayed production schedules.

 These blackouts, coupled with increased input costs and limited processing and cold storage capacities, hampered apple production.

Despite these hurdles, yields are expected to stabilize at 25,300 metric tons (MT) in the 2023-24 season. Industry experts attribute this improvement to limited new plantings and newer varieties, as well as investments in hail nets, reliable energy sources, and vertical integration.

Weather events in 2023 also played a significant role in agricultural output. Floods in the Western Cape, particularly in regions like Elgin, Grabouw, Vyeboom, and Villersdorp, disrupted spray programs and pollination.

However, the impact on yields was minimal. In April 2024, storms and strong winds caused some damage, but the cold weather that followed improved the color development of later red and pink apple varieties.

Pear production is also on the rise, with projections reaching 530,000 MT, a 6% increase from the previous season.

This growth is attributed to the cold and wet winter of 2023, which provided excellent chilling hours, resulting in good fruit set and quality.

Although early frost damage slightly affected summer pears in the Ceres region, overall production is expected to increase.

Blushed pear varieties such as Cheeky, Celina, and Rosemarie are anticipated to boost overall production, while Abatel Fetel volumes may see a slight decline due to earlier harvests and frostbite.

The USDA forecasts a 7% rebound in South African apple exports this season due to increased production of exportable varieties like Gala, Cripps Red, and Big Bucks in the Pink Lady category.

Similarly, pear exports are expected to rise by 16% to 280,000 MT. This increase is driven by higher production, a weaker Rand exchange rate, and reduced freight costs.

The harvest season began 7-10 days earlier than usual, with the summer pear variety Celina entering markets that had lower-than-normal production from the northern hemisphere.

Industry sources are optimistic about the future, stating that the combination of better weather conditions, strategic investments, and improved market conditions should grow South Africa’s position in the global fruit market. 

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