Produce Pulse
Changing of the guard at Hortgro as Jacques du Preez takes over as CEO
A significant changing of the guard has taken place at Hortgro, with Jacques du Preez stepping into the role of chief executive officer from 1 October following the retirement of long-serving industry stalwart Anton Rabe.
Latest
TNPA separation could reshape port investment for South Africa’s fresh produce exports
South Africa’s fresh produce exporters could benefit from a major structural change in the country’s port system after Cabinet backed the separation of the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) from Transnet.
AGOA extension gives South African exporters breathing room, but tariffs still limit the benefit
The extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) to the end of 2028 gives South African agricultural exporters greater certainty in the US market, but it does not remove the additional tariffs currently affecting many products.
Grabouw's Stephan Beukes named Western Cape Farmer of the Year
Stephan Beukes of Dennegeur Farms in Grabouw has been named 2026 Western Cape Farmer of the Year, recognised for growing export performance and rebuilding quickly after the 2023 floods while investing in people and sustainability.
Global trade disruption creates new export opportunities for South African agriculture
Shifting global trade relationships are creating new openings for South African agriculture, but taking advantage of them will require faster market-access negotiations, stronger trade agreements and more reliable logistics at home.
CGA cuts 2026 citrus export estimate as weather, conflict and logistics hit volumes
South Africa’s citrus export estimate for 2026 has been cut to 197.9 million 15kg cartons as floods, Middle East trade disruption and logistics constraints weigh on the season.
Citrus Academy marks 20 years of building skills for South Africa’s growing citrus industry
The Citrus Academy Bursary Fund has awarded more than R35 million in bursaries to 1,093 students over the past 20 years, helping build the technical skills base behind South Africa’s expanding citrus industry.
CRI Launches Citrus Irrigation Handbook to Guide SA Growers on Water Management
Citrus Research International has launched a new handbook, Citrus Irrigation, developed with sole sponsor Netafim, to help South African citrus growers make informed water-management decisions amid growing water-scarcity pressures.
Lower Orange River downgrade raises concern for Northern Cape irrigation growers
Northern Cape irrigation farmers are concerned that plans to classify the Lower Orange River as a Class III water resource could coincide with lower flows and worsening water quality, placing additional pressure on one of South Africa’s most important irrigated production regions. The lower Orange River region is South Africa's second biggest table grape production region.
Meet tiqi™: the bold new table grape brand
A distinctive new table grape brand is entering the international market with an offering designed to stand out in both flavour and presentation. tiqi™ brings consumers red, seedless grapes that are sweet, juicy and crunchy.
SATI's first 2026/27 table grape estimate: 78.4 million cartons and a season up to two weeks early
The South African Table Grape Industry (SATI) has put its preliminary 2026/2027 export crop at 78.4 million 4.5 kg-equivalent cartons. That is below last season's 81.3 million but in line with the five-year average. SATI's chairperson says warmer weather could bring the season forward by 10 to 14 days.
Tru-Cape reports strong Pink Lady growth in UK and European markets
South African Pink Lady apple exports continue to strengthen in Europe, with Tru-Cape Fruit Marketing reporting sharp growth in shipments since 2020 and more than 16% growth in UK retail volumes this season. The performance highlights the importance of branded cultivars and reliable counter-seasonal supply for South African apple exporters competing in mature northern hemisphere markets.
Hortgro Awards Honour Industry Leaders as Anton Rabe Steps Down After 38 Years
Hortgro honoured researchers, transformation leaders and sustainability pioneers at its 2026 Awards in Somerset West, and marked the retirement of long-serving Executive Director Anton Rabe after 38 years.
South Africa is well established as a leading Southern Hemisphere Pink Lady® apple producer
South Africa has firmly established itself as a frontrunner producer of Pink Lady® apples in the Southern Hemisphere. With an annual output of approximately 5 million cartons, the country is a major player from the Southern Hemisphere, competing with Chile, New Zealand, and Australia for Northern Hemisphere markets. This achievement is the result of strategic […]
Checkers and BerryWorld turn blueberry sales into support for breast-health screening
Checkers, BerryWorld and Discovery Vitality have launched Booberries for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with the specially branded blueberry cups available exclusively at Checkers stores nationwide during October while stocks last.
New blueberry genetics face Southern Africa’s toughest test: local conditions and market fit
Southern African blueberry growers are being encouraged to look beyond headline yield when selecting new cultivars, as breeders test genetics across the region’s highly varied climates and export requirements continue to shift.
New markets offer limited short-term relief for South Africa’s growing avocado crop.
South Africa’s avocado industry is producing more fruit, but the bigger challenge is now finding profitable markets for it.
South Africa’s Kiwifruit Industry: A Sweet Surge of Innovation and Opportunity
South Africa’s kiwifruit industry remains small by global standards, but rapid expansion, improved varieties and a valuable early-season marketing window are positioning the country as an emerging premium supplier. New yellow- and red-fleshed cultivars are proving particularly well suited to South African conditions and are driving renewed investment in the crop.
Potato prices weaken while onions hold firm despite higher market volumes
South Africa’s potato and onion markets have moved in sharply different directions this season, showing that higher volumes do not necessarily translate into stronger grower returns.
Tomato and potato prices climb as supply tightens on SA fresh produce markets
South African fresh produce markets recorded sharp price movements this week as seasonal supply changes, weather disruptions and stronger month-end demand affected several major commodities.
Good Life Show opens new buyer opportunities for South African fresh-produce growers
The Johannesburg Good Life Show gave South African fresh-produce businesses a direct route to new buyers, with matchmaking between producers, retailers, distributors and investors forming an important part of the three-day event.
Agrico and Absa launch finance option for centre pivot irrigation systems
South African farmers looking to upgrade irrigation infrastructure will have access to a new financing option through a partnership between Agrico and Absa AgriBusiness.
Ramaphosa targets 2.5 million hectares for new black farmers as industry partnerships gain focus
Government plans to release about 2.5 million hectares of state-owned agricultural land to black farmers, but President Cyril Ramaphosa says access to land will need to be matched by training, finance and stronger links into established agricultural value chains.
China’s zero-tariff framework starts lowering costs for South African exporters
South African exporters are already seeing tangible savings under China’s new zero-tariff framework, with early shipments of apples, wine and cut flowers clearing customs at lower cost.
FPEF calls for industry input into next phase of Post-Harvest Innovation Programme
The Fresh Produce Exporters’ Forum (FPEF) has invited interested industry associations within South Africa’s fresh horticultural export sector to participate in the next phase of the Post-Harvest Innovation (PHI) Programme, opening the way for industry to help identify research priorities that could influence the future competitiveness of the country’s fresh produce exports.
Packaging becomes a bigger part of export risk management for SA fruit growers
Packaging is becoming increasingly important to South African fruit exporters as port congestion, longer logistics routes and changing market requirements place more pressure on fruit quality.
Citrus Research International hosts 13th Citrus Research Symposium
A total of 870 delegates, including citrus growers, researchers and industry stakeholders gathered at Champagne Sports Resort in the Drakensberg, KwaZulu-Natal for Citrus Research International’s (CRI) 13th Citrus Research Symposium, which was held from 23 to 26 August 2026. The event showcases the latest scientific research and technical developments relevant to the southern African citrus industry.
