New varieties are expected to stimulate growth in South Africa's cherry industry, which is still relatively young. The UK is currently the largest importer, but markets in the East are also promising due to high demand. Recent developments have created optimism for future growth, with growers ready to plant new varieties.
A cherry orchard in Western Cape (South Africa)
South Africa's earlier season compared to Chile, along with established trade relationships for apples and pears, provides a strong foundation for cherry exports. Between 2021 and 2023, exports more than doubled. This year, a crop increase of 15-25% is expected if conditions remain favorable.
Last year, 2,000 tonnes were produced, with 45% exported, primarily to the UK. Growing markets in the Middle East and Asia, including Malaysia, Hong Kong, and now Vietnam, are also being targeted. The South African season, mainly in December and January, benefits from lower competition in shipping compared to other fruit seasons.
Read full article: Fruitnet
Tech management Post-harvest​ Press review Varieties
25 Sep 2023
Is a solution possible? The expert is optimistic and has already taken an important step by defining that one of the important variables affecting post-harvest sensitivity is maturity and therefore its monitoring. But this is not the only challenge.
05 Oct 2023
In Prunus species, it forms complexes with sorbitol and fructose, which allow it to move through the phloem. During the initial growth phase, fruits exposed to boron exhibited a lower presence of heat shock proteins.
20 Aug 2026
U.S. tart cherry production is forecast at 91 million pounds in 2026, down 36% year on year. Spring freezes hit Michigan and Utah, cutting the crop and increasing pressure on inventories, processors, product availability and grower prices across the domestic market now.
20 Aug 2026
A study on sweet cherry dormancy combines plant physiology, metabolomics and NDVI/FAPAR vegetation indices from Sentinel and Landsat imagery, highlighting scalable tools to monitor canopy senescence, physiological activity and orchard phenology across the seasonal cycle.
