The South African Apple and Pear Producers' Association (SAAPPA) and the South African Stone Fruit Producers' Association (SASPA) will now be known as Hortgro Pome and Hortgro Stone.

Industry group Hortgro said the name changes of the two largest associations in the deciduous fruit industry would streamline future services, industry identity and branding, as well as communications locally and abroad.

"Within the horticulture group we are committed to continuous and proactive adjustments in a dynamic and diverse environment, to minimize duplication and ensure cost-effective service delivery to a wide range of interested groups", said Hortgro executive director Anton Rabe.

"Restructuring and aligning of our associations within the broader industry were agreed upon by the various stakeholders in order to improve and accelerate decision-making as we are operating in a rapidly changing and demanding industry".

Both Hortgo Pome and Hortgo Stone will continue as non-profit companies with the same chairpersons (Nicholas Dicey and André Smit respectively), however the number of directors on the boards will be reduced and streamlined.

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