The avocado packing season in the Southern Cape commenced at the end of August, following the conclusion of the harvest in Limpopo's high-altitude regions. Dr Guy Witney, an avocado specialist, highlighted the necessity of shifting focus towards exports due to the expansion of avocado cultivation in the Western Cape. "As the Western Cape has expanded its avocado hectares, we need to be looking more at exports," he stated.
Witney reported a significant increase in avocado cultivation in the Southern Cape, from 140ha in 2017 to approximately 1 400ha. The region's production is expected to rise from last season's 2 000 tonnes to 2 800 tonnes this year, with an additional thousand tonnes projected from the Heidelberg/Swellendam vicinity.
For the first time, the Southern Cape is expected to sustain avocado exports into December, thanks to the substantial growth in production. Despite challenging weather conditions, including a notably cold and windy winter, Witney praised the quality of the current crop. The initial shipments of Maluma avocados have already commenced, with positive feedback on both yield and quality.
However, the Hass variety has experienced up to 30% losses in certain areas due to high winds, though quality fruit remains available. The Gem variety is anticipated to enter the market late September or early October, despite a 20 to 25% decrease in yield in older orchards due to adverse weather during the flowering period.
Witney also mentioned the potential need to import avocados from Tanzania during periods of local scarcity to meet retail demand. The agricultural community in the Western Cape shows a strong interest in avocado cultivation, with optimistic prospects for the region's avocado industry.
Source: Mossel Bay Advertiser