South Africa's 2026 apple exports projected to climb five percent while pear volumes decline
The 2026 South African apple industry season is expected to experience a five percent increase over initial projections, reaching 49.6 million 27.5-pound cartons.
In its first seasonal report, Hortgro, industrywide representative of South Africa's deciduous fruit producers, says increased volumes can be attributed to young orchards reaching full production potential and improved orchard performance. The organization also pointed to the apple sector’s recovery from challenges experienced in the previous season.
The news is not so good for apples’ cousin. Hortgro expects pear export volumes to decrease by four percent compared to the previous season, whose numbers have yet to be finalized. Shipments in the 2025/26 season are estimated at 22.3 million cartons.
The report attributes this slight reduction mainly to orchard removals, smaller fruit size, and the exceptionally strong export volumes achieved in certain pear varieties during the previous season.
Season challenges for South African apples and varietal breakdown
Hortgro says the South African pomme fruit season started relatively early this year, with a head start estimated between seven and 10 days. Growers are also experiencing some water constraints in growing areas, which might lead to uneven distribution of final volumes.
However, the industry association remains positive and assures that overall fruit quality remains good.
Red bi-coloured apples such as Royal Gala are expected to drive the bulk of the volume increase, with Royal Gala/Gala types export volumes projected to increase by 12 percent compared to last season. Although fruit size is smaller at this stage, the South African organization anticipates increased export volumes due to favorable growing conditions and young orchards coming into production.
Golden Delicious export volumes are expected to decline by three percent. The 2025 season marked a record year for Pink Lady® exports, and with additional orchards continuing to come into production, Cripps Pink/Pink Lady® export volumes for the 2026 season are estimated to increase by five percent.
The South African organization also has positive expectations for Cripps Red/Joya®, with many orchards reaching their peak production phase. Export volumes for this variety are projected to increase by four percent.
Meanwhile, Fuji apples had an average export season in 2025. However, Hortgro says this year new plantings are maturing, leading to improved yield projections and increased export volumes, which the sector anticipates will grow by 11 percent in 2026.
In general, fruit quality remains good, although smaller fruit size is expected to affect overall export volumes.
The Port of Cape Town is under pressure due to high volumes, wind delays, and operational complexities. This pressure is expected to continue into the pome fruit season, presenting ongoing operational challenges.
While new port equipment is being phased in, the industry anticipates initial “teething issues” associated with the introduction of new systems and machinery, but remains optimistic.
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