By Lebogang Mashala
Westfalia Fruit, a leading multinational supplier of avocados and fresh fruit, has completed its first shipments of avocados from South Africa to China and India.
The first container from Westfalia Fruit arrived on 8 October in Shanghai, where it underwent customs inspection, and a fortnight later the company’s first shipment of South African Hass avocados reached India.
According to Westfalia, this is a milestone for the company’s export efforts and the South African avocado industry.
Hans Boyum, the commercial director for Africa at Westfalia Fruit, said the Shanghai shipment follows the conclusion of a phytosanitary agreement between South Africa and China, signed in August 2023 after years of effort to gain access to this important market.
With demand for fresh produce increasing in China, especially for premium fruits such as avocados, he said South Africa is well-positioned to diversify its export markets.
Boyum said South Africa’s geographical advantage, which results in shorter transit times compared to Latin American suppliers, gives the country a competitive edge in delivering fresh, high-quality avocados to China.
As one of the world’s largest markets, China presents a tremendous opportunity for Westfalia Fruit, he said. Access to this market will enable the company to ensure a steady supply of avocados during critical periods, enhancing its position as a global leader in the avocado industry.
“We are thrilled to celebrate our first shipment of Westfalia Fruit avocados to China,” said Boyum. “This achievement not only highlights our commitment to quality and sustainability but also reinforces our dedication to expanding our global footprint.
“We look forward to sharing our exceptional avocados with consumers in China and establishing a strong, lasting presence in this vibrant market.”
China’s growing middle class and their increasing interest in healthy, nutritious food make it a significant growth market for South African avocados.
According to Zac Bard, business development executive at Westfalia, the company’s Indian entry market follows the finalisation of a long-awaited phytosanitary agreement with South Africa.
South Africa’s proximity to India’s rapidly growing fruit market, compared with Latin American competitors, means excellent export opportunities, particularly between April and October.
“We look forward to establishing a strong presence in India and strengthening the ties between our two countries. Supplies of high-quality, large-sized Hass avocados from South Africa to India will complement our sourcing abilities from other origins,” Bard said.
He added that although South Africa is nearing the end of the 2024 supply season, the shipment ensures Westfalia Fruit can provide a quality product that complies with India’s import protocol requirements. He added that the company expects to ramo up shipments in the 2025 season with a campaign in India to support growing consumption.
Bard said East Africa, which faces logistical challenges with shipping to Europe due to the Suez Canal closure, is increasingly focusing its efforts on eastern markets, ensuring sufficient supply from all African sources to meet growing demand in the Middle East, India and Far Eastern markets.
Ajay TG, general manager at Westfalia Fruit India, said India has a smaller avocado market than Europe but holds immense potential for growth.
“India’s growing interest in avocados presents a significant opportunity, and we are eager to build strong partnerships within the market. With our focus on quality and sustainability, we look forward to playing a role in meeting the rising demand for avocados in India” he said.
Avocados are a relatively new product in India, so efforts to educate consumers have become crucial. “Westfalia is committed to supporting this growth by not only supplying high-quality fruit but also partnering with initiatives aimed at raising awareness around the nutritional benefits and versatility of avocados,” he said.
