Cherries: South Africa Experiencing Largest Global Production Eve
In many countries, the cherry production has been hampered by poor weather conditions, with Spain being battered by heavy rains and pollination being affected by winds in North America.
Interestingly, other countries, have seen record productions, with South Africa experiencing its largest production of cherries ever. In Australia, Tasmanian cherry exports have risen by 40% this season.
South Africa
The total production for 2020/2021 was approximately 900 tonnes and exports around 440 tonnes, the biggest cherry crop South Africa has ever had.
73% of that went to the United Kingdom, 8% to Europe and 8% to the Middle East, 5% to Africa.
During the 2019/20 season the total production was 624t of which 23% was exported (less than the year before, 2018/19), 63% were for the local market and 7% were for processing.
Most of the exports are to the UK, followed by Europe and the Middle East, from around week 40 to week 51. A bit is also sent to Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands.
In the five years leading up to 2020 there was a 98% growth in cherry hectares in South Africa. There are 520 hectares of cherries in South Africa, primarily around Ceres (Western Cape).
