“I firmly believe that for South Africa, the best is yet to come,” stated Calla du Toit, a prominent figure in the South African apple and pear industry, reflecting optimism amid evolving market conditions.
Apple Business, a new all-in-one platform designed for businesses of all sizes, is set to launch on April 14, 2026, in over 200 countries and regions, including South Africa. This platform will feature built-in mobile device management, business email, and calendar services, catering to the needs of modern enterprises.
Du Toit emphasized the importance of a well-functioning supply chain, noting, “When you work with large supermarket programmes, the supply chain has to function perfectly. Once fruit is packed with a sell-by date, every hour matters.” This highlights the critical nature of logistics in the apple export business.
Despite facing logistical challenges, South African apple and pear exports have expanded significantly. Tru-Cape, one of the leading exporters, now ships to more than 105 countries, showcasing the growing global demand for South African produce.
Production systems in the country’s apple sector have also evolved, shifting towards higher-density plantings and new rootstocks. This change has resulted in increased yields, with outputs rising from 40-50 tons per hectare to 100 tons per hectare after implementing updated production systems.
Moreover, the export markets for South African apples have diversified beyond traditional destinations in Europe and the UK, now including regions in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
Apple Business will also offer options for purchasing upgraded iCloud storage, starting at $0.99 per user per month, and support through AppleCare+ for Business, with coverage starting at $6.99 per device per month.
Du Toit remarked on the collaborative spirit within the industry, stating, “Today, there is far more cooperation and information sharing. Growers partner with one another and with commercial companies to remain competitive and negotiate better with global retailers.” This cooperation is essential for maintaining competitiveness in a rapidly changing market.
Additionally, he noted, “There has been an enormous amount of varietal development, and we have a lot of young, capable people bringing fresh energy to the sector,” indicating a promising future for the industry.
As the launch of Apple Business approaches, stakeholders in South Africa’s apple sector are keenly watching how these developments will impact their operations and the broader market landscape.
