South Africa: 60% market share

A combination of excessively high rainfall and limited agronomic knowledge of the new PSI/BGI varieties introduced by Well-Pict European brought last season (04/05) to an abrupt  end. Although nothing could have been done about the weather the positives have been the  vast variety experience that has been gained, and growers are now enthusiastically planting and preparing for the new season ahead.

Last season, average yields ranged from 8.5tonnes per ha to 25 tonnes per ha. Choice of variety to suit geographical location and a better understanding of the nutrient   requirements of the plants in addition to improving the nursery handling of the plants(lifting and grading) will ensure a substantial export crop is available this season.

Whilst the strawberry export business is just beginning to grow, on the home market the Well-Pict Marketing Trust has been actively recruiting growers (strawberries and raspberries) from around the country, as they enter the new season they will be representing around 60% of the total South African Market; and they intend to increase this share.

PSI / BGI plantings for the 05/06 season are around the 5 million mark, with a number of new growers’  trialling the varieties for the first time.

Well-Pict’s Cape Gooseberry and Table Fig season have been the best ever, with sales up nearly 100% year on year. Imports of Gooseberry from Zimbabwe have supplemented the localsupply and the season should be year-round now. Table figs have become a very popular product with our primary retailer Woolworths Foods and planting of them continues in an attempt to match demand.

Over the next few months, Well-Pict Marketing Trust will be preparing all their systems to ensure a smooth transition for export to the UK. In addition they are in talks to export other products such as avocados.

Spring 2005