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Early warmth reduced Tru-Cape cherry harvest, but ensured high fruit quality
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Food For Mzansi
foodformzansi.co.za

Early warmth reduced Tru-Cape cherry harvest, but ensured high fruit quality

Tru-Cape recorded a significant decrease in cherry production volume in the first harvest season, yet achieved the best fruit quality. Since the harvest occurred earlier than in previous years, cherry production is expected to decrease by approximately 50% compared to last year.

Kalla du Toit, Procurement Director at Tru-Cape Fruit, explained that the current season was challenging for cherry volume due to early flowering, weather conditions, and a short pollination period. He noted that many early cherries bloomed during an exceptionally hot week at the end of August. In his opinion, the heat shortened the effective pollination window, leading to poor fruit set. Following the hot weather, cold weather also occurred, which could have contributed to cold damage.

Du Toit also discussed how fruit size affects the company's expectations regarding quality and preferred fruit size. He added that the cherries look magnificent, and sizes up to 30 mm are being observed for the first time.

The sugar level in the berries is very high, so excellent taste quality is expected. Although the company naturally prefers a larger harvest, the smaller volume allows more attention to be paid to picking each cherry at the optimal ripeness, as there is sufficient manpower for this.

One of Tru-Cape's largest packing facilities in Witzenberg Properties helps improve fruit quality and supply high-quality cherries to consumers. Tru-Cape aims to supply products from major retail stores where demand for these products is high, including Food Lover’s Market, Freshmark, and Pick n Pay.

Johan Brink, Sales Director at Tru-Cape, reported on the rapid expansion of the company's exports. Last year, they exported about 15% of their cherry harvest. This season, the company hopes to increase this share to 20%, but due to the smaller harvest volume and high local prices, export decisions will require careful weighing of risks and costs.

Nevertheless, despite the drop in cherry production volume, the company forecasts product availability in stores during the holiday season.

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A series of events planned for the current week, from October 26 to 30, has been announced to agricultural producers.

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On Tuesday, October 27, cattle auctions will be held daily at 11:00 at the BKB Gouda auction in the Western Cape. For further information, please contact Willem van Niekerk, BKB marketer in Malmesbury.

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foodformzansi.co.za

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Food For Mzansi is organizing the Western Cape Farmers’ Day event, which will take place on Friday, October 30th, at Pine Haven Farms in Stellenbosch. Farmer Sydney Klassen will host participants, offering a packed day with practical knowledge, networking opportunities, demonstrations, and insights into agricultural innovations. Additional information can be requested at info@foodformzansi.co.za.

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On Tuesday, October 20th, the Commonwealth Agriculture Conference will be held. Organizer Agri-Expo invites registration for the 31st Agriculture Conference in Cape Town, South Africa, running from November 1 to 5, 2026. Leaders, innovators, and change-makers from Commonwealth countries will gather to define the future of sustainable agriculture. A Pre-Conference Tour (October 29–31, 2026) is also available, providing a unique opportunity to experience South African agricultural excellence before the main conference.

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