Most South African apples have finished exporting to the Chinese market this season, and the export volume has set a new record. Hortgro pome data show that as of the 33rd week, South Africa's apple exports to China have exceeded 10000 tons this quarter.
Hortgro pome is an organization representing the apple and pear industry in South Africa. It is composed of 622 apple and pear producers in South Africa. In 2021, hortgro pome cooperated with well-known online and offline retailers to promote South African apple in the Chinese market for the first time. The representative of Baiguoyuan said, "the sales performance of apple in South Africa in Baiguoyuan this quarter is very good, and the average annual growth is expected to reach 30%." At present, Baiguoyuan has more than 4700 stores nationwide. "Baiguoyuan consumers have always liked South African apples, and Baiguoyuan will continue to recommend South African apples to our customers."
The overall export volume of South African apples increased significantly this quarter, especially one apple variety bigbucks (flash Gala). As of the 33rd week, bigbucks' exports to the Chinese market this quarter had increased from 20 tons last year to 700 tons this year. This variety is a new variety launched in South Africa in recent years, commonly known as flash Gala, which is sold and promoted in the market. With the expansion of planting area, the yield also increased significantly. Bigbucks has a dark red appearance, high sweetness and low acidity, which is very in line with the needs of the Chinese market and has also been highly concerned by importers and retailers in the Chinese market.
"We are very pleased to see that Chinese traders and retailers have shown great interest in South African apple," said Jacques Du Preez, general manager of trade and marketing at hortgro pome. "The record high export volume in this quarter is very encouraging. We hope that the export volume will continue to grow on the basis of this year in the future. We will further consolidate our trade relations with China and continue to cooperate with Chinese traders and retailers to promote South African apple in the future. At present, we are still waiting for the final signing of the pear access agreement. Once the pear is admitted to the Chinese market, South African pear will also be included in the Chinese market promotion plan. "
South African apple industry has invested in the construction of storage infrastructure in recent years. Thanks to this, South African apples will continue to be exported to China before the end of the year.