Happy anniversary, Fruit South Africa!

As this industry body celebrates a decade in service, it must indeed pride itself on the gains it has achieved in promoting fruit sales in South Africa and abroad

- Dr Sifiso Ntombela.

Fruit South Africa, an umbrella body of fruit industries, celebrated a 10-year anniversary on 31 October 2023. Although as an entity it was only registered a decade ago, the concept of an umbrella body was actually born in 2002 when fruit farmers and exporters realised the need to coordinate efforts to promote a united South African fruit brand in international markets. They also understood the power of collective bargaining in engaging and influencing government’s policies and farmer support programmes.

Today, policymakers and investors know the significance of the industry in creating jobs, exports and investments. In 2022, fruit and nuts were ranked number seven in the South Africa’s top 10 exported products, generating R73 billion in foreign earnings. According to the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy, the fruit industry has attracted approximately R8 billion in investments for new vineyards and orchards.