The South African apple and pear season is underway, with forecasts indicating export increases for both fruits in 2025. Favorable weather conditions and improved agricultural practices are driving production growth. Despite challenges, South Africa is positioned as a leading producer in the Southern Hemisphere, with bright prospects for the future of its fruit industry.
The South African apple and pear season has officially begun, with pears primarily produced in the Western Cape from February to August and apples from January to May, peaking in June. In 2025, exports of pears are projected to be 1.1 million cartons, a 4% increase from 2024, while apple exports are expected to reach 51.3 million cartons, marking a 5% rise over the previous year.
Hortgro attributes the growth in pear exports to favorable climatic conditions, especially cooler nights, while apple growth is supported by newer orchards and high-yielding varieties. According to Jacques du Preez, Hortgro’s Trade and Markets General Manager, the harvest this season began slowly but has now gained momentum. “The 2025 pear and apple harvest and exports started slowly, but we’re in full swing now,” he stated.
This year, the pear season commenced later than projected, though it returned to a normal schedule after an early start in 2024. Du Preez remarked, “Fruit color is expected to be good, and the fruit is clean and ready, so we expect that packing will also go well.”
Despite a delayed start, the apple harvest is now building to its peak. Du Preez forecasts that exports will increase to approximately 51.34 million cartons of apples, a 6% rise, and 21.25 million cartons of pears, a 5% increase, noting that conditions have been favorable.
Currently, over 842,000 apples have been exported, primarily to Africa, with smaller amounts going to Asia and the Middle East. For pears, 2.68 million have been shipped, with key destinations being the Middle East, the EU, and Russia. Du Preez is optimistic about market prospects, highlighting South Africa’s strong position in apple production compared to other Southern Hemisphere countries.
He believes that South African apple and pear production is on an upward trend despite facing common agricultural challenges. Du Preez noted, “South Africa has now firmly established itself as the largest Southern Hemisphere apple producer… As for pears, SA is the second largest producer and is trending upwards.”
Looking ahead, Du Preez expressed confidence in maintaining South Africa’s growth trajectory in the apple and pear markets, suggesting it may become the largest pear producer in the Southern Hemisphere. He highlighted that both local and international markets face challenges, yet the overall outlook remains positive based on current trends.
The South African apple and pear industry is set to thrive in the 2025 season, with projected increases in export volumes and overall production. Favorable climatic conditions and advancements in agricultural practices underpin this optimism. Despite facing challenges common to global agriculture, South Africa maintains a leading role in the Southern Hemisphere’s apple and pear markets, indicating a bright future for growers and exporters alike.
Original Source: www.freshfruitportal.com
