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
24 May 2024
Water availability influences cherry tree growth, yield and quality. The application of biostimulants results in the activation/regulation of metabolic pathways that influence processes that can improve production in both quantity and quality.
03 Dec 2024
MaCrops-Lab has conducted evaluations of its products in commercial orchards in the municipality of Gorbea, with positive results such as increased nutrient solubilization and root mass development, frost protection, better stress tolerance, and improved health.
02 Apr 2025
Thermal imaging is an innovative method to monitor water stress in 'Regina' cherry trees. Optimising irrigation, improving water management and reducing water wastage, without compromising productivity and fruit quality.
02 Apr 2025
Gene Drive could revolutionise biological control of Drosophila suzukii, the red-eyed midge that threatens cherry trees and small fruits. Find out how this advanced biotechnology could lead to the collapse of the pest's population.
