Trade risks and logistic woes limit SA fruit industry growth

South Africa's fruit exports are booming, but trade barriers, rising costs and logistical inefficiencies are holding back the sector's potential.

- By Glenneis Kriel

Over the past decade, citrus value increased from R14,23 billion to R34,53 billion in 2024, pome fruit value more than doubled to R17,98 billion, while table grapes, despite a dip after peaking in 2021, recovered to R13,29 billion.

Stone fruit has been more volatile, but rebounded to R4,12 billion, and blueberries emerged as the “breakout star”, soaring from R424 million in 2015 to R3,9 billion in 2024, according to the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy (BFAP).

MIXED FORECASTS

From 2025 to 2027, the BFAP expected soft citrus (up 24,2%) and blueberries (up 18,6%) to have the fastest export growth, driven by global demand, young orchards coming into production and improved cultivars and production practices.

By 2034, soft citrus exports could rise by more than 55% and blueberries by nearly 70%, cementing high-value crops as the sector’s growth engine.

Other commodities will grow more modestly, reflecting their maturity and established market presence, yet remain vital for the stability and resilience of the broader fruit sector.