The first direct South African apple shipment to the Chinese mainland is due to arrive on May 2, after exporter Core Fruit sent the inaugural consignment this week comprising 1,120 cartons of the Royal Beaut variety.

In a release, Core Fruit apple and pear marketing manager Thomas Mouton described the Chinese market opening as a huge breakthrough for the South African industry.

"The Chinese market not only promises to reward producers well for good quality, but will also help to diversify our markets. It has the potential to grow significantly over the next few years and serve as a springboard to other Eastern countries," Mouton said.

(L-R) Adelaide Madavha and Francois Moller of the National Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, together with Louis Giliomee and Fanna du Toit of Core Fruit and Jacques du Preez of Hortgro, proudly look at the cartons of Royal Beaut apples that have been approved for the first exports of South African apples to China.

"So far it seems that there is especially a good demand for Royal Beaut, Fuji and Granny Smith apples in China, but it is all new territory so it’s too early to estimate the real demand or market potential."

The South African Apple and Pear Producers’ Association (SAAPPA) said it was "over the moon" about the market access agreement, which is the result of eight years of negotiations.

SAAPA chairman Nicholas Dicey said the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries had done a sterling job in opening the market, which is of strategic importance for the sector's growth.

"The maintenance of traditional markets and development of new markets is of critical importance to us, so that we can maintain our position as one of the largest apple exporters in the world and stay ahead of other apple producing countries," he said.

"This on the other hand is important for the implementation of sustainable land reform and transformation, as well as the creation of job opportunities, especially in rural communities.

Dicey believed the deal should fast track market access to China for other fruit, such as pears and stonefruit.

"Negotiating market access for other fruit should be easier, since we have been through the ropes and now have a better understanding of the market requirements and who to deal with during negotiations," he said.

The industry leader was optimistic about the future for apples in China.

"The Chinese market is different from our traditional markets, such as Europe and the United Kingdom, but South African producers are highly adaptable and will soon be able to adapt to these new market requirements," he said.

"We have already proved this in other countries, such as in Africa, which has now become our biggest export destination, as well as in the Middle East and in Russia."

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