South Africa has surpassed New Zealand as a key supplier of red Braeburn apples to Europe.
Once almost exclusively sourced from New Zealand, Braeburn apples now mostly come from South Africa, notes Malte Wegener from Wegener fruit wholesalers in Germany.
“Five years ago, almost every Braeburn apple came from New Zealand, whereas today, every second Braeburn apple comes from South Africa,” Wegener told Fresh Plaza.
“I am convinced that South Africa will capture further market shares in the coming years.”
The fruit importer points to the continued high demand for the varietal in Germany and Great Britain.
New Zealand’s exports to Europe are also declining due to longer transit times (12-13 weeks) and rising demand in Asia, where countries like Japan, China, Taiwan, and Vietnam offer higher prices.
South African pears to boot
From March until the beginning of the local top fruit harvest in the European autumn, Wegener importers offers its retail customers apples and pears from South Africa, South America, and New Zealand.
Wegener also sources around 80% of its overseas pears from South Africa. This is supplemented by South American produce (namely Chile, and organic pears from Argentina).
“Rosemarie and Williams Bon Chrétien pear varieties from South Africa traditionally mark the beginning of the season, followed by Cheeky and Celina in calendar week 10 and Abate Fetel, also from South Africa, from calendar week 12-13,” added Wegener.
While inflation has led to increased price sensitivity in the fruit import sector, the freight situation has at least stabilised.
“In contrast to last year, the goods can be loaded in the port of Cape Town as planned, without having to switch to other ports.”
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