Good outlook for pome fruit

Varieties of fruit could be the key in growing the pome fruit sector, writes Glenneis Kriel.

- Glenneis Kriel

Despite early seasonal challenges, Tru-Cape is optimistic about the current apple and pear crop. 

While Hortgro estimated apple and pear exports to increase by 7% and 1% respectively this season, Calla du Toit, procurement manager of Tru-Cape, said Tru-Cape’s total volumes might be lower than initially expected.

“Income-wise, I’d say the season is above average, and production-wise it’s average.”

In the Langkloof volumes were lower, but quality was good. Du Toit said producers experienced issues with rain during flowering, but the region had the least hail damage in 14 years.

Attie van Zyl, managing director of Two-A-Day Group, said that pear volumes from Elgin, Grabouw, Villiersdorp and Vyeboom were slightly lower than expected, yet in line with last year’s crop. “The floods of 2023 were detrimental to varieties such as Forelle, whereas the good water supply benefitted later varieties, emphasising the importance of having a variety of cultivars.”

Apple volumes, especially of Royal Gala, Bigbucks and Kanzi, were higher, but not as much as expected due to sunburn problems.