Although South Africa’s cherry exports are relatively small (0,1% in 2024) compared to Chile’s (49% in 2024), the industry has grown by leaps and bounds.
In 2012, South Africa had 185 hectares of cherry plantings, and by 2024, 819 hectares were recorded.
According to a 2025 producer survey (representing 99% of cherry plantings), 58% of cherries are exported, 28% sold on the local market, and the rest are discarded.
In the 2024/25 season, 60% of South African cherries were exported to the United Kingdom, 18% to the EU and 12% to the Middle East.
The South African cherry industry is optimistic about the current negotiations with China for market access.
There’s a possibility that virtual cherry inspections will take place before the end of the year, and if that goes well, the road will be paved for the first exports to China in the 2026/2027 season.
Dr Renate Smit is conducting a second season of trials to determine the effect of cold treatment on cherries, ensuring we can meet the protocol negotiated with the Chinese government.
The first season’s trials yielded promising results, but they need to be confirmed with data from a second season.
The cherry industry is working tirelessly behind the scenes with the Department of Agriculture and several other sectors to address the presence of the Spotted Wing Drosophila, a relatively new pest in SA.
This pest caused extensive damage to blueberries last season and may also affect cherries, so growers are closely monitoring the situation.
There have been a few emergency registrations of chemicals to support integrated pest management.
The fly has a very short life cycle under ideal conditions; therefore, growers need to act quickly should the fly numbers start to increase.
Regarding this season’s harvest, the harvest up north (Mpumalanga, etc.) has been completed, so it’s the Free State and Western Cape that are currently harvesting.
The volumes up north have been better than expected, and we are also hoping for a bumper crop in the WC.
The weather has been ideal this season (lots of cold, rain at the right time, no frost), so it can only be a better harvest than 2024/25.
Our main competitor in the international market is Chile, and their weather appears to be presenting some challenges.
Hopefully, this will create opportunities for us.
In the meantime, South Africans will find cherries on the shelves ready for the festive season.
This high-value fruit is only available for a short period, so don’t waste time and get yourself some cherries.
Karien Bezuidenhout
Hortgrow
Image source: Farming Portal
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