Fruit export to USA doubles
2007-04-19
David Joshua
“WE believe we have the ability to supply deciduous fruit according to international best practice and can comply with all the necessary requirements for the expanding export of deciduous fruit to the US,” said Anton Rabe, Chief Executive Officer of the Deciduous Fruit Producers’ Trust (DFPT), during his briefing of the American Ambassador, Eric Bost, on the Industry’s activities and functions.
Bost and US Consul-General in Cape Town, Helen La Lime, recently visited Paarl and Ceres to have discussions with roleplayers in the deciduous fruit industry concerning the expanding export of SA fruit to the US.
“The value of SA fresh fruit exports to the US has doubled since 2002, and in 2006 reached a record $67million US,” says Petro Mayoss from the US Consulate-General’s Office in Cape Town.
“SA exports of processed fruits, vegetables and fruit juices reached $21million US in 2006,” she said.
During the briefing, Rabe gave an overview of the industry and the export market internationally, also identifying the DFPT as an umbrella service organisation with roleplayers such as the SA Apple and Pear Producers’ Association (SAAPA), SA Stone Fruit Producers’ Association (SASPA), Dried Fruit Technical Services (DFTS), SA Table Grapes and the Canning Fruit Producers’ Association.
In Rabe’s identifying of the 8 strategic areas and programs where the DFPT are involved with, Bost wanted to know whether Black Empowerment and Land Reform are an inhibiting factor in US exports.
Rabe was optimistic, but admitted that there are unique challenges and that change must be managed continously to ensure competitiveness, sustainability and profitability.
Finding common grounds for research, expanding capacity, funding, irridiation and climate change amongst others were further identified as imperatives to give South Africa the ability to conform to all market requirements.
Ambassador Bost has been actively involved with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations in efforts to improve nutrition and promote food security.
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