By Lungile Ntimba
Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has praised the South African avocado industry’s efforts to expand into international markets, following the successful arrival of the season’s first avocado shipment in Shanghai, China.
“This early bird shipment to China is a testament to the hard work, innovation and strategic foresight within our avocado industry,” Steenhuisen said in a statement on Wednesday.
“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 that enhancing market access for the country’s agricultural sector was one of his key priorities as this was critical for its sustainability and profitability.
The minister said the department was playing a key role in expanding existing markets and opening new ones.
“The expansion of markets stimulates the demand for South African products, and this demand in turn drives economic growth and job creation across the sector.”
Steenhuisen also noted that South Africa benefited from a shorter shipping time to China compared to major competitors like Peru.
He said this logistical advantage, coupled with ZZ2’s early production, allowed the country’s avocados to reach Chinese consumers during periods of lower global supply.
South Africa and China signed a deal in 2023, which paved the way for the country’s first avocado shipment of 21 tons from Westfalia Fruits to Shanghai in October last year.
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