South Africa is set to resume the exportation of fresh apples to the Kingdom of Thailand, marking a significant achievement for the agricultural sector.
Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen announced the reopening of the market on Tuesday, following its closure for almost 16 years.
The closure of the market, which started in January 2008 to December 2024, was due to the changes in Thailand’s import requirements.
“Apples are one of the most important deciduous fruits grown in South Africa, taking into consideration its foreign exchange earnings and employment creation. The South African apple industry is export oriented with approximately half of the apples produced being absorbed by the export market,” Steenhuisen said.
According to Hortgro, South African apple exports have surged by 40% over the past decade, which was largely driven by exports to the Far East and Asia and currently account for about 35% of all South African apple exports.
Hortgro is an industry body representing the fruit production and export sector in South Africa, specifically focused on tree fruit production.
The industry serves as a platform for producers of apples, pears, and stone fruit, and it works to support the interests of these growers, particularly in terms of market access, export opportunities, and industry development.
Steenhuisen highlighted that in 2023, a total of 32 397 workers were employed on the farms, with 129 590 dependants benefiting.
“Increased production to meet export demand can lead to more jobs, especially in labour-intensive sectors like fruit and vegetables, as well as provide for more opportunities in agro-processing, packaging and logistics,” Steenhuisen said.
Requirements for apples exported to Thailand
In line with the newly agreed-upon import conditions, all apples exported from South Africa to Thailand must meet specific phytosanitary standards, guaranteeing that the fruit is free from quarantine pests of concern to the Thai authorities.
Commercial orchards, packhouses or export establishments wishing to export apples to the Kingdom of Thailand must be registered, and approved by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD).
In addition to registration, the registered orchards must implement stringent agricultural practices. These include effective integrated pest management (IPM) systems and strict orchard sanitation measures.
These protocols are designed to maintain the health of the fruit and ensure that it is free from pests and diseases that could affect both the local and international markets.
The final phytosanitary import conditions for the export of fresh apples from SA to the Kingdom of Thailand have been published and can be accessed on the DALRRD website: https://www.dalrrd.gov.za/images/Branches/AgricProducHealthFoodSafety/PlantProductionHealth/PlantHealth/export-from-sa/import-requirements-for-apples-from-south-africa-to-thailand.pdf - SAnews.gov.za
