South Africa`s production of apples, pears and table grapes is forecast to grow in the 2019/20 MY, based on available irrigation water following improved 2019 winter rainfall, normal weather conditions, and new orchards coming into full production.

South Africa's expectations for a good apple and pear season have been thrown into uncertainty due to the spread of COVID-19 around the world and the tumbling oil prices.

The pear harvest is in full swing in the northern hemisphere.

After a strong finish in 2020 with double-digit growth in apple and pear sales compared to the previous year, Tru-Cape Fruit Marketing, the largest exporter of South African apples and pears, is positive about the year ahead.

The European pear market currently appears to be at a minor impasse.