The South African deciduous fruit industry finds itself in uncharted waters, according to Hortgro’s Jacques du Preez.The coronavirus has crushed expectations of a positive outlook – after crops had finally recovered from the prolonged drought – and is forcing fruit.
The industry is finding itself facing bigger challenges than ever before.“We are having to find new and innovative ways of procuring input materials and managing the wellbeing and health of workers, logistics, payments and cash f low, and new consumer behaviour,” said Du Preez.Market access is an additional concern.
“Plans were in place for the Minister of Agriculture and key officials to travel to China during March to sign the pear protocol,” he said. “This visit has been postponed but a formal request was lodged to request a “remote” sign-off of the protocol given the extraordinary times we are experiencing. Seemingly international custom requires such protocols to be signed in person.”
Given that it may take months before international travel is resumed, South Africa has asked China if the commencement of exports can begin despite the protocol not being signed as yet.Du Preez said one positive was that both apple and pear exports to Russia had risen significantly in the past few weeks.“In the Far East and Asia demand is also starting to pick up, especially the retail sector, as countries get to grips with Covid-19 restrictions and adapt to a new normal.
Taiwan and China are examples of these. Demand in Malaysia, however, remains very slow.”Commenting on his outlook for the future, Du Preez said business had fundamentally changed from orchard level, pre- and post-production right through to people who consumed fruit, making it difficult to predict.“As a sector we will have to adjust our thinking and working methods.
The different fruit industries have also been collaborating, learning from each other and sending out consistent messages to our clients locally and abroad.”Du Preez said across the world currencies, the oil price and economies had tanked and there was no denying that there were tough times ahead.“Added shipping complexities won’t make it easier.
Lockdowns in African countries, as well as in the likes of India and the Far Eastern markets, where a lot of fruit is sold outside the retail sector, will put pressure on fruit f low.
