Tru-Cape is setting the stage for an exciting pear season. Marked by new blush pear varieties and a promising harvest, industry experts are excited about the path ahead.
The head of procurement at Tru-Cape Fruit Marketing, Calla du Toit, said this year marks the first time some of their new blush pear selections are bearing fruit, and they anticipate their first commercial yield of Cape Blush.
“We are looking forward to a solid harvest with good volumes, which is encouraging. Additionally, we are preparing for the largest Cheeky crop we have ever had.
“We expect a fruitful blushed pear season with enhanced colour across the board,” Du Toit said.
Exciting season ahead
Jeanne Fourie, a new variety specialist at Tru-Cape, explained that Cape Blush is harvested just before or shortly after New Year, making it one of the earliest pear varieties in South Africa.
“We’re opening our season with this coveted variety, known for its lovely red blush, so we have high hopes for its market performance, particularly in the East,” Fourie said.
Managing director of Tru-Cape Roelf Pienaar said blush pears generate a lot of excitement in the pome industry, particularly due to the strong demand in the Far East and Middle East.
“The interest in blushed pear varieties is on the rise, and we have numerous global opportunities to market these pears,” he said.
Pienaar noted that the pear harvest in Europe was slightly below average, creating favourable prospects for South African growers in the upcoming season.
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Global and logistic challenges
“We do have some concerns regarding the United Kingdom, where a normal-sized crop is expected. There is a significant movement to support local producers, which could pose challenges for us. Winter conditions were ideal.
“Although it’s still early to assess the forthcoming apple harvest, the Western Cape experienced a late yet severe winter, which typically signals a promising season ahead,” he said.
On the logistics side of things, Pienaar expressed optimism that the Port of Cape Town would improve its performance, though he conceded that the logistics landscape may remain challenging this year.
“Given the geopolitical situation, our competitors are also facing difficulties in reaching their markets, which could work to our advantage. Another concern is the closure of the Taiwan market following the discovery of codling moth in a shipment. This is a significant problem that needs resolution, as Taiwan is a key market for Fuji apples,” he said.
Pienaar noted opportunities within the value chain and Tru-Cape’s successful cross-border operations.
“We’re thrilled about our state-of-the-art cold storage facility in Kenya and the capabilities of our City Deep facility to cater to cross-border clients out of Johannesburg. While Africa may be lagging in pricing, it remains a vital market right at our doorstep.
“Although the outlook for the coming season is promising, the next few weeks are crucial. “It is a delicate period in the orchards, and anything can happen. Nevertheless, we choose to stay hopeful and anticipate another outstanding apple and pear season,” he said.
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