Sapex started the 2024/2025 pomegranate season by packing the first Angel Red in the Limpopo province. The first fruit was supplied by the Al3 farm and packed by Midway Packhouse near Polokwane. This was followed by fruit from Sunfox close to Groblersdal.
Normally we start packing in early January but this year the first fruit is ripe about two weeks earlier. The quality looks good but what is apparent is that the size is a bit smaller than expected. We expected the Angel Red to peak at count 12 to count 14. However, the first harvest looks to be peaking at count 14 or slightly smaller. This might be a result of the early season but might also be an indication of what the rest of the season can look like. If this smaller sizing carries through, the South African volumes might be about 10% to 15% less than anticipated. In general, the pack-out was good with about 80% Class 1. It is expected that the Wonderful pack-outs will be lower than this.
The first Angel Red is all aimed at the local market. We expect the prices in South Africa in the pre-Christmas period to be very good. If there is enough volume available in early January, we will export the fruit if the market is favorable.
We think the first Wonderful will be packed in the middle of February and should reach our export markets in early March. This fruit will be from the early areas. We have growers all over South Africa and cover the whole season till the packing stops towards the end of April or the beginning of May. The Sapex marketing plan looks good for the coming season. We have good programs for all the fruit, small and big, class 1 and industrial grade. We wish all our growers and clients a good packing and selling season in 2025 and everybody a happy festive season.
For more information:
Kobus Louw
Sapex
Tel: +27 21 883 8280
Email: [email protected]
www.sapex.co.za