South Africa's cherry season is underway, and despite a 20% drop in harvest compared to forecasts, Tru-Cape producers are enthusiastic about the quality and size of the fruit. Calla du Toit, procurement manager, points out that these cherries are among the best ever seen, while Nico Verhoef, director of Witzenberg Properties, describes the size of the fruit as phenomenal.
Due to unfavorable weather conditions during flowering and fruit set, the total Tru-Cape crop dropped from an estimated 520 tons to just over 400 tons. Frost in mid-September caused significant losses, especially in the Ceres area, where producers were powerless to combat it with irrigation.
Despite the decrease in volume, the market seems to appreciate the exceptional quality of South African cherries, with growing demand in the Middle and Far East, particularly in Malaysia, Vietnam and Hong Kong. Tru-Cape is exploring opportunities to extend the availability of cherries on local shelves, considering optimal storage to prolong their presence.
Prices realized by producers are satisfactory, with the exchange rate and weak rand in their favor. The market, both local and international, is stable, with prices averaging between 10 and 20 rupees per kg higher than the previous season. All Tru-Cape cherries are exported by air, relieving pressure on the port of Cape Town.
Producers are optimistic about the opening of the Chinese market for South African cherries, considering the significant potential of this market. With a 98 percent expansion of cherry-growing hectares in the past five years, Ceres is now the largest cherry-producing area in South Africa. Cherry cultivation integrates well with apple and pear cultivation, allowing producers to optimize resource use.
Read the full article: Farmers Review Africa
07 Nov 2025
In 2024/25, Hort Innovation drove a full-scale strategy to promote Australian cherries: targeted social campaigns, retail training, and Asian export promotions led to an 11.8% sales boost in stores and a 46% export growth in Vietnam, strengthening the entire supply chain.
10 Jan 2025
While the market for cherries destined for processing continues to lose steam, two growers shared their experiences in the new planting of sweet cherries for the fresh market, with modern densities and which could generate higher profits.
13 Oct 2026
A study of 125 wild cherry trees in western Poland reveals how temperature and rainfall influence annual growth rings. Analysis of five populations highlights the importance of March weather, July temperatures and habitats in shaping tree growth and climate responses.
13 Oct 2026
US fresh cherry exports are forecast to fall to 62,000 tonnes in 2026/27 as frost damage cuts total output to 317,200 tonnes. California's early harvest contrasts with losses in the Pacific Northwest, reshaping production and export prospects. Asian markets remain key.
