South African apple and pear export outlook for 2017

Amid Budget Speech shock, yet another Land Bill proposed

Katja Hamilton

Despite the drought affecting certain production areas, a normal pome fruit season is expected. Although fruit size is smaller than expected, the overall quality (including sugar content) is good, and colour development and cosmetic pack-outs look promising.

abelvanderdrift via pixabay

The harvesting season commenced roughly a week later compared with the previous season. The overall expectation for the export crop remains good with apple volumes expected to increase by 3% whilst pear volumes are anticipated to be in line with last year.

Pome fruit export estimate (12.5 kg equivalent cartons)

South African apple and pear export outlook for 2017

The increase in apple volumes is mainly driven by new plantings and young orchards coming into production. The major varieties contributing to the growth in apple export volumes are Fuji (+7%), Royal Gala/Gala (+3%) and Golden Delicious (+2%).

Despite the growth in pear plantings over the last couple of years, pear volumes are expected to be in line with last year. A decrease in export volumes of Williams Bon Chretien (-16%) is expected due to smaller fruit size, a good demand from the canning industry and a lack in demand from the Northern Hemisphere importing countries. On the other hand, export volumes of Packham’s Triumph (+3%), Forelle (+3%) and Abate Fetel (+5%) is expected to increase compared to the previous season.

A tough season in terms of grower returns and profitability levels is anticipated as a result of the strengthening of the Rand against the major currencies (dollar, pound and euro).