South Africa’s subtropical fruit exports offer growth potential — Steenhuisen

MINISTER of Agriculture John Steenhuisen has said that South Africa's subtropical fruit sector remains a cornerstone of the country's agricultural economy and a critical driver of export growth, particularly as the government pursues new market opportunities in Asia and beyond.

- YOGASHEN PILLAY

Speaking at the Subtropical Marketing Symposium this week, Steenhuisen said that when he assumed office last year, he pledged to ensure that South Africa's agriculture would compete “not just on volume, but on value.”

“Nowhere is this more relevant than in the subtropical sector. Our avocado industry produces around 155 000 tons a year, and nearly half of that is exported as fresh fruit,” he said.

“Of the fresh exports, 75% go to the European Union and Russia, 22% to the United Kingdom, and a smaller but growing 3% to Africa and the Middle East.”

Steenhuisen noted that emerging markets such as India, China, and Japan still account for less than 1% of exports but present “enormous potential.”

“India presents a substantial opportunity for our avocado growers, especially from May to August when South African exporters can offer a competitive alternative to the South American product, supplying large-sized avocados to Indian consumers during a key window,” Steenhuisen said.