This marks a significant milestone for SA's fruit export sector, with Hortgro, the organisation representing the country's fruit producers, expressing excitement about re-establishing ties with Thai importers.

Anton Rabe, Executive Director of Hortgro, explained that the industry is keen to reintroduce SA apples, highlighting the unique taste and characteristics of the fruit. Rabe mentioned that a market development campaign will be launched to showcase these qualities to both Thai traders and consumers.

Although SA has not exported apples to Thailand since 2007 or 2008, exports to other Asian markets have grown substantially over the past 15 years. Rabe noted that SA previously sent approximately 200 000 cartons of apples to Thailand in 2007, and the current export target is to reach 500 000 cartons, which would amount to about 6 000 tons of apples.

In 2024, Thailand imported over 200 000 tons of apples, and Rabe believes there is a gap in the market for SA apples, offering unique flavours that can appeal to Thai consumers. This could lead to increased returns for SA growers, new plantings, and potential job creation in the industry.

Rabe also explained that SA apples stand out due to their high-quality specifications, including their size and colour. The apples are cultivated with new plant materials and modern techniques, and netting structures are used to protect them from adverse weather conditions, ensuring better yields and packable percentages.

The long delay in resuming exports was due to communication issues and paperwork submitted late in 2008, which caused apple exports to fall down the priority list. However, with improvements in trade relations and stronger collaboration with government officials, exports are now set to resume.

The first container of SA apples is expected to be shipped to Thailand next week, marking the beginning of a promising new chapter for the country's apple industry.

--ChannelAfrica--