These apples, picked from a sapling only 1,5m tall, marks the beginning of a burgeoning and profitable industry in South Africa.
Today, South Africa is one of the Southern Hemisphere’s top apple exporters, with over 51 million (12,5kg-equivalent) cartons of apples expected to be exported in the 2025 season.
According to Hortgro’s 2024 season overview, the Far East and Asia are the biggest export apple markets for South Africa, accounting for over 30% of the South Africa’s apple exports. African markets absorb over 20% of the country’s apple exports, the UK 15%, and the Middle East 12%.
The country’s apples are also exported to America, Canada, India and Mexico, with new market access to countries like Thailand promising even further expansion.
Apples are predominantly grown in the Western Cape, especially in the Langkloof Valley, and the Eastern Cape, as well as in Limpopo and the Free State.
“The oldest variety commercially grown in South Africa is the Granny Smith, imported from Australia in 1919,” said Jeanne Fourie, a cultivar expert from Tru-Cape.
It is still one of the top three most-planted apple cultivars in the country, together with Golden Delicious and Royal Gala.
Commemoration
A Wijnapple tree, grafted from a specimen found in a Dutch garden, can be seen at Tru-Cape’s heritage orchards near Elgin in the Western Cape.
“In commemorating this milestone, we honour the roots of an industry that feeds the world and sustains thousands of local livelihoods,” said Roelf Pienaar, general manager of Tru-Cape.
