South African fruit growers' body Hortgro says apricot exports were up 43% year-on-year in the season to week 52, reaching 1.26 million cartons.

Hortgro says the apricot season is nearing its end, while nectarine and peach harvests are well underway with inspections completed for 74% and 81% respectively in the season to week 52.

During the period peach shipments were up 18% year-on-year to 1.18 million cartons, while nectarine exports rose 17% to 2.97 million cartons.

Plum exports were down 4% year-on-year to 8.99 million cartons, but the crop is yet to hit its peak, which occurred in late January during the last season.

Stonefruit export volumes were 4% higher by the end of December, with 43% of shipments sent to the U.K. Other large markets include the rest of the European Union which imported 34% of volumes, and the Middle East which purchased 20%.

Related story: South African apricot and nectarine exports set for record

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