South African avocados make their way to Japan

SOUTH AFRICA – A significant milestone for South African avocado growers has been achieved as the first container of avocados is shipped to Japan from Durban this week.

This marks the beginning of a new market opening for South African avocados in the East.

The shipment follows an agreement between South Africa and Japan earlier this year, establishing a protocol for the export of avocados.

“The fruit has been cleared for shipment,” said Subtrop’s Derek Donkin. “We are using this container to finally test all aspects of the new protocol agreed between our two countries. Once this goes well, we can expect further shipments.”

The agreed protocol requires a cold treatment of 2°C for 19 days. Donkin confirmed that South African research has shown Hass avocados can withstand this treatment, with successful trial shipments to the UK under the same regime.

“Nonetheless, we still feel we have to make sure that we can properly deliver in terms of the protocol and we start our new future of sales in Japan on the right foot,” he added.

The year 2024 has been pivotal for South Africa’s avocado industry, opening new markets in China, Japan, and India.

The first South African airfreighted avocados have already arrived in India, with sea shipments expected to follow. Additionally, a Chinese delegation recently visited South Africa, resolving all outstanding matters.

While initial shipments to these countries will be limited this year, a significant increase is expected in 2025. This expansion comes during an avocado season marked by a substantial crop and a strong market in traditional regions.

“We are still expected to ship around 20 million cartons, and due to lower competitive shipments from Peru, our growers are having an excellent season,” Donkin noted.

South Africa is a key player in the global avocado market, producing both black-skinned Hass avocados and green-skinned varieties such as Fuerte, Pinkerton, Ryan, and Reed.

The bulk of production is Hass, known for turning black when ripe, but all varieties are celebrated for their taste and nutritional value.

With more than ten avocado varieties grown in the country, South Africa offers a diverse range of avocados that cater to different preferences.

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