The seasonal window for South African blueberries is becoming increasingly significant in international markets. According to Barbara Botes, Fall Creek® Area Manager for Southern Africa, "Our region is making a mark in the market with exceptional fruit quality, and retailers are actively seeking our produce. Good genetics are key to this success." She was speaking at the Connect South Africa event, held on 19 September at Fall Creek's Paarl facilities near Cape Town. Botes emphasised the growing demand for the region's blueberries.
The event attracted growers, exporters, and industry stakeholders from South Africa, Namibia, and as far afield as Kenya. Attendees participated in berry tastings, including the popular Sekoya Pop® 'FCM14-052', Sekoya Beauty® 'FCM12-097', and AzraBlue™ 'FCM14-031', which is performing well across Southern Africa. Fall Creek also introduced new selections, FCM14-057 and FCM17-132, which are yielding promising results in Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Burgert van Dyk, Fall Creek Regional Director for EMEA, opened the programme, discussing the company's commitment to serving EMEA growers and future nursery developments.
Attendees also benefited from a demonstration tour and technical pruning session led by Jean Kotze, Fall Creek Grower Support Representative.
Antonio Alamo Bermudo, Fall Creek Operations Manager based in Spain, highlighted the company's focus on water management. "With the heat in Spain, we are focusing on precision irrigation and other methods to manage water more effectively," he said. Bermudo also noted that Fall Creek operates nurseries in South Africa, Spain, and the Netherlands, with a new nursery set to open in Morocco.
Mark David, Sekoya General Manager based in the U.S., shared a video message about the company's mission to supply quality blueberries year-round. "The consumption potential is significant. We project an increase from 12,000 to 29,000 hectares by 2030, with new markets in Argentina, Azerbaijan, Brazil, and Taiwan joining the programme," said David.
Attendees enjoyed the tasting of a wide variety of Fall Creek blueberry selections.
Herman Louw, Fall Creek South Africa General Manager, also addressed the audience, stressing the role of genetics in boosting blueberry consumption and showcasing the two new varieties added to the programme, noting that some are well-suited for colder areas such as Ceres, in South Africa. "New and improved genetics will deliver a better eating experience, stimulating demand. By testing new selections across various locations in Southern Africa, we help growers make informed decisions and mitigate risks when planting new varieties on a commercial scale," said Louw.
He highlighted the potential of selections like FCM14-057 and FCM17-132, which are being closely monitored. Louw also invited attendees to join Fall Creek at Fruit Attraction in Madrid, Hall 9, Stand 9F08 and Fruit Logistica in Berlin in February 2025.
For more information:
Elsa Fourie
Fall Creek South Africa
Tel: +27 72 503 7627
[email protected]
www.fallcreeknursery.com