Increase in SA pomegranate exports expected

The 2024 South African pomegranate harvest could be as much as 10% higher than the 2023 harvest, according to SAPEX CEO Kobus Louw, an exporter and importer of fresh fruit.

“Although the 10% is not cast in stone a considerable spike in production is expected. One hundred thousand hectares [is dedicated to] pomegranate plants. Last year we packed two million 3,8kg boxes for the export market. Local pomegranates, mainly grown in the Western Cape, are exported to between 30 and 35 countries, including the UK, Scandinavian countries and the Far and Middle East. The fruit is also produced along the Orange River and in Limpopo,” he told Farmer’s Weekly.

This year’s pomegranate picking season in South Africa started in the first week of January and would probably last till mid-May. The first pickings started in the northern parts of the country with the Angel Red variety. According to Louw, only limited volumes of this cultivar will be available, and it will be the first time it will be exported by the company.

“We are keen to see how Angel Red will handle the export conditions. This variety is renowned for its internal quality and colour. The first of the wonderful variety will be harvested in weeks five and six. The season is a couple of days later than last year, but shipping will probably start at the same time as last year. Shipping is a bit of a concern at the moment, and we hope the problems in the ports will be resolved soon,” he said.

Peru remains South Africa’s biggest competitor in the Southern Hemisphere. Louw, however, said that while the Peruvian pomegranates boasted an excellent outer colour and skin, the local fruits’ seed quality was much better. The history of pomegranates starts in the tree’s native range, from current-day Iran and the Himalayas. The trees were cultivated and the fruit harvested throughout the Mediterranean for centuries. It was even featured in Egyptian mythology and mentioned in the Bible and the Talmud. The fruit has been carried by desert caravans for its juice. The Latin name, translates to “seeded apple”, according to Foodreference.com.

SUPPLIED A bumper pomegranate season is expected this year.