South African season peak: Tru-Cape laments weather conditions, 20% loss on production

28 Nov 2023
780

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


Cherry Times - All rights reserved

What to read next

German cherry harvest: an early start between frost and rain

Production

14 Jun 2024

'There is almost nothing to harvest,' says Joachim Lissner, general manager of the state horticultural association. With the April frost, the flowers and some fruit froze. The Thuringian farms could therefore only harvest 10-15% of the crop.

Orange peel: pre-harvest factors influencing the onset of this physiopathy

Post-harvest​

05 Dec 2024

The objective of this study conducted by 3 Chilean universities was to determine the phenological time of onset of orange peel disorder in relation to several factors that could potentially influence the incidence of the disorder.

In evidenza

The future of cherry cultivation in Emilia-Romagna (Italy): key challenges and new strategies

Production

23 Apr 2025

Cherry farming in Emilia-Romagna faces major challenges: labor costs, installation expenses, phytosanitary threats, and market pressure. Discover how to improve local cherry production while ensuring high quality in a global competitive scenario.

Traverse Bay Farms Launches “USA-Grown Cherries – Never Imported” Logo to Support Local Farmers

Markets

23 Apr 2025

Traverse Bay Farms introduces the “USA-Grown Cherries – Never Imported” logo to promote traceability, sustainability, and local sourcing. A bold move to support Michigan growers and ensure quality, transparency, and true American food pride.

Tag Popolari