South African avocados gain access to China

South African avocados have been granted access to the Chinese market. The export agreement was signed by South Africa’s Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Thoko Didiza and the Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi. 

“Gaining access to China is a vital step in driving an export-led growth for South African avocados, which is a commitment the government has made under the Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan. In recent years, the avocado industry has expanded by 4,750 hectares (11,700 acres) increasing the total hectare to over 18,000 (45,000 acres),” Didiza said.

China is expected to become one of the world’s main avocado consumers, which offers a great opportunity to expand the South African avocado industry. South Africa’s avocado exports go primarily to Europe, the Middle East and other southern African countries, and the sector currently employs 15,000 people on farms and in pack houses.