Domestic demand is playing an increasingly important role in the South African cherry supply chain. Over the past five years, a growing share of the harvest has remained within the country: a trend reinforced in the 2024/25 season by declining export prices.
According to the Hortgro report, production increased by 17% compared with the previous season. The industry is thus continuing its expansion, having recorded growth of 78% in 2020, despite experiencing some less favourable seasons along the way.
These include 2022/23, when volumes fell by almost 30% year on year following a particularly abundant harvest. The latest increase therefore consolidates the recovery of South African cherry production.
The most significant shift concerns where the fruit is sold. According to the shares reported in the original text, over 60% of cherries are absorbed by the domestic market, while 35% are exported.
This change has emerged mainly over the past three seasons: production has increased, but export volumes have remained largely stable. In 2024/25, international shipments reached 1,254 tonnes, compared with 2,064 tonnes sold on the domestic market.
For growers, South African demand therefore represents an increasingly important outlet, able to accommodate growing harvests.
Declining export prices are further reinforcing this trend.
In the 2024/25 season, the value per tonne fell by 27%, from almost US$9,000 (approximately €7,998), equivalent to 150,000 rand (approximately €8,111), in 2023/24, to US$6,600 (approximately €5,865), equivalent to 110,000 rand (approximately €5,948).
The decline is attributed to a normalisation of prices following the particularly favourable market conditions of 2023.
However, resilient domestic demand has supported the industry’s overall value, which has remained at around US$18.6 million (approximately €16.53 million), or 310 million rand (approximately €16.76 million), over the past three years.
The domestic market thus continues to provide a profitable opportunity for local cherry growers.
In terms of varieties, Royal Hazel, Royal Tioga and Lapins account for the largest shares of planted area, at 13%, 11% and 9%, respectively.
Royal Hazel retains the top position, but its planted area declined by 10% year on year in 2024/25, to just over 280 acres (approximately 113.31 hectares).
Royal Tioga and Lapins, meanwhile, remain stable, covering 215 and 185 acres (approximately 87.01 and 74.87 hectares), respectively.
Royal Tioga stands out over the medium term: its planted area has increased by 357% since 2020, an expansion that could bring it closer to the variety currently grown most widely.
Although exports account for a declining share of the total harvest, volumes shipped abroad remain broadly stable.
The United Kingdom absorbs 60% of South Africa’s fresh cherry exports, maintaining its position as the leading destination market.
It is followed by Europe, listed separately in the text at 18%, the Middle East at 12% and Asia at 9%. The United States and Canada account for less than 1%.
For the South African supply chain, the outlook points to an evolving balance: the domestic market supports the value of production, while international markets continue to absorb stable volumes.
Price trends and further growth in harvest volumes will help shape future marketing decisions.
Source: freshfruitportal.com
Image credit: Stefano Lugli
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