South Africa's peach exports showed 60% year-on-year growth reaching 2,485 metric tons (MT) in the season to Jan. 6, thanks to undersupply in the Northern Hemisphere.

Hortgro agricultural economics information manager Mariette Kotze, said the U.K. accounted for 51% of all exports, with Britain registering a 41% year-on-year rise in nectarine imports and a 3%  increase in peach imports.

"One of the reasons there was an increase in demand from the U.K. is there were lower stock volumes from Italy and Spain and their market was under supplied. Also, the exchange rate also between the pound and the rand has been more favorable," she said.

Nectarine exports reached 6,000 MT representing, a 24% year-on-year increase.

Exports to the Middle East at 23% were much lower, which Kotze believes is due to the Middle East getting its fingers burnt by buying citrus last year on a fixed price basis, above the actual rate when prices slumped due to Egypt's late supply to the region.

The majority of peach and nectarine estimates for the season, 84% and 80% respectively, have been inspected up to and including Jan. 6.

Plum exports showed a 2% year-on-year decrease although the season still has another three months to go with the high volume varieties, Leatitia and Songold yet to be picked.

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Middle Eastern fruit market shifting to consignment deals

Photo: FPEF

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