According to Derek Donkin of Subtrop, speaking in Tzaneen, exports reached around 19 million cartons last year. Cool temperatures and rainfall between September and December helped boost the current season’s harvest.
Around 95% of South African avocado exports are destined for Europe, with France, Germany and the United Kingdom as the main markets. The remaining volumes are exported to the Middle East and other African countries, while smaller quantities are shipped to India and China.
South Africa currently does not have access to the US market due to phytosanitary restrictions. According to Donkin, efforts are underway to meet these requirements, although progress has slowed.
The harvest season begins in February in the northern growing regions and continues until December in the southern areas, including the Eastern Cape and George. Regions such as Magoebaskloof and Haenertsburg harvest later due to cooler temperatures and higher altitudes.
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The avocado sector contributes around 3.5 billion rand (approximately $190 million) to South Africa’s gross domestic product.
Donkin also noted that the sale of immature fruit in domestic fresh produce markets has declined in recent years. The change followed measures introduced by the South African Avocado Growers’ Association, which appointed Prokon to conduct early-season maturity inspections.
The sector also reports that avocado theft from farms remains an ongoing issue, although the level of impact varies between regions.
