Stone fruit industry body Hortgro has forecast a significant export volume increase for the 2020/2021 season compared to the same period last year – and its optimism is largely based on generally favourable weather conditions.
The organisation said good winter rains in most parts of the Western Cape as well as good winter chill and moderate spring conditions were contributing factors.
“Although very early in the season we are particularly optimistic about the anticipated volumes of apricots and plums. While the drought conditions that have plagued the Little Karoo for the last number of years is not fully broken, water availability has improved slightly and things are looking better than the past two seasons for this region.”
Apricot exports are estimated to increase by 23% while nectarine export volumes are expected to increase from last year’s five million cartons to 5.6 million. “The growth in export volumes is driven by young orchards coming into production, mainly in the mid-season, as well as more favourable weather conditions. Similarly peaches are expected to increase by 5%.”
For plum growers export volumes are forecast to increase by 22%, returning to normal volumes.
With the logistics chain having normalised, the industry is confident that the Covid-induced port challenges have been successfully addressed.
