Westfalia Fruit stands united with the South African avocado industry in celebrating a momentous achievement that will undoubtedly shape the future of agriculture in the country. As the leading exporter of avocados in South Africa, Westfalia Fruit represents half of all avocado exports. The recent announcement of South African avocados gaining access to the vibrant Chinese market is not only a triumph for the avocado industry but also a testament to the vision and dedication of the South African government and the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development, Thoko Didiza.

This remarkable achievement, marked by the signing of the protocol during the BRICS summit, holds profound significance for South African avocado growers and the agricultural community as a whole. Westfalia Fruit extends its wholehearted appreciation to the government and Minister Didiza, as well as the South African Avocado Growers Association, for their unwavering commitment to unlocking new avenues of growth and prosperity. Through collaborative efforts, the company has collectively navigated the path to securing this significant milestone, fostering growth and expansion opportunities for all stakeholders.

Westfalia Fruit’s active engagement through SAAGA, collaborating closely with industry peers to facilitate market access, is something the company takes great pride in. Westfalia Fruit has actively driven and supported market initiatives and hosted the Chinese and South African authorities during the final verification visits in April 2023. This recognition underscores the company’s commitment to adhering to the highest quality and production standards.

As a global leader in the avocado industry for decades, the company has proudly served China with various fruits, including avocados. The company’s familiarity with the Chinese market is extensive, and their operational prowess within this territory positions it strongly to provide excellent service to its growers, ensuring the establishment of high-quality supply chains.

Moreover, through its existing Latin American businesses, the company has already established a robust presence of Westfalia Fruit avocados within the Chinese market. This creates an exciting springboard for Westfalia Fruit to supply South African avocados into China, strategically complementing our shipments from its Latin American operations.

According to Paulina Criticos, EMEA CEO of Westfalia Fruit, “The breakthrough access to the Chinese market marks a monumental leap forward for the South African avocado industry. We are not only opening doors to a nation with immense culinary and dietary diversity, but also paving the way for unprecedented growth and economic enhancement for our avocado growers for the long term.”

Criticos further emphasized, “China’s emergence as a potential leading consumer market for avocados presents us with an opportunity to showcase the exceptional quality and flavour profile of South African avocados. As a company deeply rooted in innovation and sustainability, we are excited to introduce our sustainably grown and premium avocados to Chinese consumers.”

By securing access to the Chinese market, the avocado industry is poised to impact both local economies and the global stage. The potential for South African avocados to be embraced by Chinese consumers is an exciting prospect that underscores the exceptional quality and taste that South African produce is known for.

This achievement is a testament to the power of collaboration between the public and private sectors. The concerted efforts of the government and industry stakeholders have set the stage for a new era of growth, innovation, and sustainable agricultural practices. As the largest exporter of avocados in South Africa, the company is fully committed to supporting this, furthering the success of our avocado industry. Westfalia Fruit looks forward to embracing the opportunities that the Chinese market presents while remaining dedicated to delivering premium-quality produce to consumers worldwide.

In conclusion, Criticos stated, “The future of the South African avocado industry shines brighter than ever before. We are excited about the journey ahead, one that will undoubtedly shape the industry’s trajectory and contribute to the economic well-being of our nation.”

About Westfalia Fruit

The multinational Westfalia Fruit Group is a leading supplier of fresh and processed produce to international markets, offering a diverse range of quality fruit and related products via its vertically integrated supply chain. Founded over 70 years ago on guiding environmental, social, governance & sustainability principles. These practices, premised on the legacy of Dr Hans Merensky, are at the heart of all that is done by the Group – “To Do Good,” – which continue to underpin our approach today.

Today, operating in 15 countries spread over 5 continents, the Westfalia Fruit Group prides itself on advancing sustainable agricultural practices and being a responsible corporate citizen within the communities in which it operates.

As a frontrunner in the avocado industry, Westfalia grows, sources, ripens, packs, processes, and markets accredited avocados across the globe throughout the year. Value-added products include avocado oil, low-preservative guacamole, frozen avocado, and dried fruit.

Westfalia grows fruit in all major origins in the Americas and Africa and sources from partner orchards, giving the Group the most diverse avocado-growing footprint in the world. Westfalia’s dynamic and integrated supply chain, from research to the consumer benefits all stakeholders. The Group’s research division, Westfalia Technological Services, is the world’s largest privately funded subtropical fruit research unit. Its dedicated team of scientists and technicians focuses on varietal development, innovation, and environmental matters and provides a pivotal role in defining the future of the global avocado industry.

A supplier of choice to retail, wholesale, and food-service customers, Westfalia operates sales offices in the UK, Europe, North America, Latin America, southern Africa, and Asia. Fruit is packed in diverse formats and expertly ripened to deliver optimal eating quality. For more information, visit www.westfaliafruit.com.