News about South Africa

South Africa’s 2025 cherry campaign blends seasonality, freshness and lifestyle-driven marketing

Markets

08 Dec 2025

South Africa’s cherry season launches with a 2025 campaign built on emotion, lifestyle and premium quality. By emphasising seasonality, wellness appeal, freshness and social content, the industry aims to make cherries the summer hero. An invitation to boost digital engagement.

South African cherry exports grow: UK leads, China set to open in 2026

Production

05 Dec 2025

South Africa’s cherry exports are growing fast: in 2024 over 800 hectares were in production. 60% go to the UK, followed by the EU and Middle East. China is the next frontier for 2026, with cold treatment protocols under evaluation to meet phytosanitary rules.

South Africa cherries 2025/26: record harvest and new varieties from Western Cape

Production

10 Nov 2025

The 2025/26 cherry harvest begins in South Africa’s Western Cape with new varieties and a 16% rise in production. Exports to Europe, the UK and China benefit from earlier harvests, larger fruit sizes and improved cold chain handling for premium quality.

Tru-Cape Cherries 2025: Early Harvest and Premium Quality in Ceres

Markets

03 Nov 2025

Tru-Cape's 2025 cherry season kicks off early in Ceres under near-perfect conditions. Yields expected to rise 5–7%, with fruit exceeding 25° Brix. Export markets show strong interest. New varieties, expanding shipments, and a focus on sustainability define this season.

China opens to South Africa: green light for stonefruit, cherries and blueberries next

Markets

21 Oct 2025

South Africa signs a new stonefruit export protocol with China and sets its sights on blueberries and cherries. The agriculture minister invites Chinese plant health officials to inspect orchards and packhouses, aiming to launch exports starting from the upcoming commercial seaso

Decoding Sweet Cherry Adaptation: The Critical Role of Local Testing

Tech management

12 Aug 2025

In South Africa’s Western Cape, sweet cherry success depends on varietal adaptation. An eight-year study across three environments shows how local trials and advanced models guide growers in selecting suitable cultivars, reducing risks, and ensuring yield and fruit quality.

South African cherries on the rise: new varieties and innovative systems

Production

30 May 2025

In South Africa, sweet cherries are expanding thanks to low-chill varieties and innovative growing systems. Dutoit leads development with high-efficiency orchards, varietal research, and farming techniques tailored to the country's diverse microclimates.

South Africa: good omens for the new season despite the cold weather

Production

26 Nov 2024

Despite the frost heavily affecting the early cherry varieties, cherry growers remain optimistic about the overall quality of this season's harvest and the promising opportunities available in both local and international markets.

South African cherries are ready to grow again

Markets

28 Oct 2024

'South Africa has an earlier season than Chile, and the long-standing relationships with the trade established through the marketing of our apples and pears give us an excellent entry point,' said Calla du Toit of Tru-Cape Fruit Marketing.

Understanding sweet cherry water needs through sap flow measurements

Tech management

05 Sep 2024

A study conducted near the city of Ficksburg, South Africa, from September 2017 to December 2018 highlighted the sweet cherry tree's sensitivity to soil moisture levels, especially during critical growth stages, where water stress can significantly impact the yield.