The South African Avocado Growers Association (Saaga) recently hosted an event in George, highlighting the expansion of avocado production in areas such as George, the Helderberg Basin, and Riebeeck Kasteel. The focus was on industry prospects and implications for local farmers. The next Saaga study group session is scheduled for May 6.
Stellenbosch University has increased its research initiatives on avocados, particularly in the George region. The university's subtropical research unit has partnered with the international NIK Group to utilize AI-enhanced agridrones capable of lifting 60kg. Initial trials are set for the George area.
At the event, Prof André Jooste and Dr Anelle Blanckenberg from Stellenbosch University presented insights. Jooste discussed diversification and market opportunities, emphasizing the need for South African producers to access markets in China and India. Blanckenberg shared updates from a recent research symposium in Tzaneen and outlined planned research in the Southern Cape. She noted a shift in production from the subtropical north to the Western Cape, which offers a chance to extend the export season to Europe.
Dr Guy Witney of Great Brak Avos highlighted the Western Cape's growth in avocado production, from 135ha in 2017 to over 1,250ha currently. "We are a late-season producer, and our crop is harvested after the main Lowveld crop finishes in September. We pick fruit in the Western Cape from September through January. In this period [last season, 2024/early 2025], we harvested just over 3,000 tons of fruit in the Western Cape. Since there are a lot of new orchards coming into production in 2025, the early-crop estimates put the crop somewhere between 5,000 and 6,500 tons," he stated.
Witney also addressed the supply for local markets, noting, "From December 2024 through February 2025, local markets were undersupplied with local fruit, and prices escalated. We expect that consumer prices will moderate this coming season versus the previous season, since we have a much larger supply of fruit."
He further commented on export market volatility due to tariffs imposed by President Trump on foreign goods, including those from avocado-growing countries.
Source: George Herald