South Africa's avocado industry makes waves with first shipment to China
Steenhuisen's enthusiasm comes on the heels of the season's inaugural shipment of South African avocados, which has successfully reached Shanghai, China, marking a significant milestone for the sector.
Image: Supplied
The Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, has expressed satisfaction with the South African avocado industry's proactive steps towards international market expansion.
Steenhuisen's enthusiasm comes on the heels of the season's inaugural shipment of South African avocados, which has successfully reached Shanghai, China, marking a significant milestone for the sector.
Among Steenhuisen's core priorities is the enhancement of market access for South African agricultural products.
Understanding that market access is paramount for the profitability and sustainability of the agricultural sector, Steenhuisen on Tuesday insisted that the Department of Agriculture must play a pivotal role in expanding and establishing new markets.
Steenhuisen said this 'early bird shipment' to China was a testament to the hard work, innovation, and strategic foresight within South Africa's avocado industry.
'South Africa is positioned as a major player in the global avocado market thanks to the investment made by businesses like ZZ2 in cutting-edge packhouses and nurseries, Core Fruit's well-established expertise in exports, and Mission Produce's global reach,' he said.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Next
Stay
Close ✕
Steenhuisen pointed to a unique logistical advantage: South Africa's shorter shipping times to China compared to major competitors such as Peru.
This logistical edge, combined with ZZ2's early production timing, allows South African avocados to enter the Chinese market at a period of reduced supply, positioning them favourably in terms of market demand.
The successful shipment follows the completion of a phytosanitary agreement between South Africa and China in August 2023, which facilitated the arrival of 21 tons of South African avocados from Westfalia Fruits in Shanghai on 8 October 2024.
With this achievement, South Africa proudly joins Kenya as the third African nation to successfully deliver avocados to the burgeoning Chinese market.
This development not only showcases the global potential of South African avocados but also signals a larger narrative of economic growth and job creation across the agricultural sector. As producers continue to seek opportunities beyond domestic borders, the South African avocado industry's advancements in market exploration may set a precedent for further agricultural expansion.
Visit: www.businessreport.co.za
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
16 minutes ago
- IOL News
Starlink on their mind: What's @Trending in Mzansi
Starlink founder and owner Elon Musk's Starlink is a hot top, with X users divided on whether we need it or not Starlink is trending again, this time over whether South Africa needs it. Social media users on X share their views: @WillarShoko Eswathini now has an average download speed of 255-355 Mbps, faster than all states in America. This has been made possible by utilising local infrastructure in Southern Africa. Data centres, IXPs, and fibre in both Mozambique and South Africa. It's possible for the whole of Africa to have better Starlink internet than the rest of the world by embracing technology and approving Starlink in Africa as a continent. The approval can be done today; any other option will probably take forever, be more costly, and will significantly widen the gap. All Chinese students are learning AI today, most Africa's students don't have access to the internet. @JenPeremore South Africans deserve Starlink operating in South Africa which will provide access to internet to rural communities, and access to news which gives a platform to a range of voices even government-opposing voices because that is what democracy is about and that is what freedom of speech is about. All the major network providers including Vodacom, CellC, MTN and Telkom must step aside and let Starlink operate in SA, because having Starlink operate in SA is not about protecting corporate interests but about the freedom of all South Africans. It's about access to unbiased information, a range of voices and empowering all Soutb Africans. BEE is not empowering anyone. @chante75967 If China had a superior technology to @Starlink, comrade @CyrilRamaphosa would've allowed it. He clings to local cellular service providers because it's keeping him rich. We do want Starlink, @elonmusk. South Africa is falling behind technologically. @Maso_241119 Not sure about Congo, but South Africa has one of the fastest internets in the world, and not as expensive as Starlink at that. Yet Elon forces his way through as if we need his internet, we don't. @mat24486 What's the obsession with Starlink. Most people don't even know why they want Starlink in SA. Every time I hear Starlink and South Africa in a sentence, it feels like there's something deeper than that. @Butch89803114 Old trick by ANC CRIMINALS to keep Starlink out of South Africa using techniques from an old bag of tricks to indefinitely delay Starlink's ability to enter the country without going through middlemen.-and will PUNISH THE MIDDLEMAN and all in South Africa. DAILY NEWS
The South African
16 minutes ago
- The South African
Vincent Tshituka scores big ambassadorship post Sharks
Vincent Tshituka, known for his powerful presence on the rugby field with the Sharks, has quickly become a household name across KwaZulu-Natal and beyond. Now, he's stepping into the property world as the official brand ambassador for the Devmco Group, one of KwaZulu-Natal's leading master developers. This new role marks an exciting chapter for Vincent, who is keen to build a future beyond rugby. 'I'm excited about my ambassador role with Devmco Group,' Vincent shares. 'I've already learnt so much about property and development through my involvement in the Salt Rock City project. I want this partnership to benefit everyone involved. I need to give back as much as I gain. I'm committed to learning and getting stuck into the details of their projects.' Vincent's enthusiasm for property development is clear. He's not content with just lending his name. Instead, he's diving deep into understanding the property cycle and development processes. His hands-on approach will see him working closely with the team behind the Sibaya Coastal Precinct, a flagship development that's reshaping the KwaZulu-Natal coastline. Schalk Theunissen, Managing Director of Devmco Group, praises the partnership. 'Vincent brings more than fame. He brings authenticity and a grounded presence to a sector often filled with jargon. We're proud to have him on board. Our goal is to build communities, educate buyers, and help people make smarter property decisions. Vincent shares these values. He's thoughtful and driven to understand this world and share that knowledge with his teammates and the wider community.' Vincent's journey is inspiring. Born in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo, and raised in Johannesburg, he has risen through the ranks of South African rugby, according to Sharks Rugby . Highlights include co-captaining the Sharks to a Currie Cup victory and debuting for the Lions Super Rugby team in 2019. His recent Springbok training camp inclusion is a career milestone, signalling more exciting times ahead. This partnership between Vincent and Devmco Group grew naturally. Both parties bonded over shared values—community impact, growth, and the critical need for property education. Vincent's involvement in the Salt Rock City launch showcased the genuine synergy between the athlete and the developer. 'Vincent's role goes beyond just representing a brand,' Theunissen adds. 'He's part of something meaningful. Following the successful Salt Rock City launch, we're thrilled to have him involved in the upcoming release of the final residential opportunities at Salta Estate, Sibaya. Devmco Group is known for bold, people-centred developments across KwaZulu-Natal. Their mission is clear: put people and purpose at the heart of real estate. With Vincent Tshituka on board, they're setting the stage for a new era. One where collaboration meets education, and where South Africans can make informed, meaningful decisions about their property futures. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
32 minutes ago
- IOL News
New Jaecoo J5 landing in South Africa soon - here's what to expect
The J5 shares a strong family resemblance with its larger J7 sibling. Image: Supplied The new Jaecoo J5 is set to reach South African shores during the third quarter of this year, Omoda & Jaecoo SA has confirmed. The company says the newcomer will bring the Jaecoo brand within reach of South Africans seeking a 'premium SUV experience' at a more accessible price point. The new J5 bears a strong resemblance to its larger J7 sibling, which itself has been praised for its elegant exterior lines, which many have equated to Range Rover models such as the Velar. Pricing has yet to be divulged, but we do know that it will slot beneath the J7, which currently starts at R549,900. Given that the similarly-sized and technically related Chery Tiggo Cross sells for between R399,900 and R449,900, it's likely that the majority of the J5 line-up will fall beneath the R500,000 mark. Jaecoo has confirmed that local J5 models will be powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine that delivers 115kW and 230Nm. Smooth lines define the new J5. Image: Supplied It will be paired with a CVT gearbox and the vehicle will have various selectable drive modes, including 'Normal', 'Eco' and 'Sport'. While in some overseas markets the J5 is offered with the J7's 1.6-litre turbopetrol engine, this is not known to be in the pipeline for South Africa, likely for cost reasons. ALSO READ: Omoda & Jaecoo confirm six new models for SA The local range is however, expected to grow to include plug-in hybrid and fully electric variants at a later stage. The interior boasts a best-in-class 13.2-inch vertical touchscreen with smart navigation, and wireless charging, while the optional panoramic sunroof is said to be the largest in the segment. Detailed local specifications have yet to be released, but O&J SA says it will be offered with options such as ventilated leather seats, automatic climate control and ambient lighting. Driver-assist features include adaptive cruise control and blind-spot detection, among others. 'With its advanced safety features, versatility, and refined interior, the new J5 is designed to meet the needs of modern South Africans who want more from their daily drive,' said O&J SA's brand and marketing manager Shannon Gahagan. An interesting fact about the J5 is that it was purpose-designed for pet lovers. Its specially extended seats were designed with pets in mind, while the air conditioning system has a powerful filtration system that can isolate pet hair. Overseas, it is also offered with specially designed boarding steps and a pet feeding system, although it's not clear whether these features will be offered locally. South African details, including pricing, will be released closer to launch. IOL
