What is the supply outlook for South African stone fruit in 2025/26?

The 2025/26 crop is estimated at 17% year-on-year growth, with significant increases in cherries (111%), peaches (41%), and nectarines (28%).

What are the key requirements for stone fruit in the Chinese market?

Chinese buyers prioritize sweet flavor, firm texture, consistent sizing, and premium packaging suited for gifting seasons.

Webinar

South African Stone Fruit Entering the Chinese Market: Webinar Recap & Strategic Insights

Q: What stone fruits are included in the South Africa-China trade protocol?

The protocol allows for the synchronized export of peaches, nectarines, plums, apricots, and prunes from South Africa to China.

On October 15, 2025, South Africa and China signed a historic trade protocol allowing the synchronized export of peaches, nectarines, plums, apricots, and prunes. With a 17% projected crop growth for the 2025/26 season, South African exporters gain a strategic "early-entry" advantage in the Chinese market from October to April.

January 29, 2026

The Historic China-South Africa Trade Protocol

On October 15, 2025, a turning point for global trade occurred in Shanghai. China and South Africa signed a first-of-its-kind agreement allowing for the synchronized export of:

Peaches & Nectarines
Plums & Apricots
Prunes

This signals a massive opportunity as it is the first time China has negotiated access for multiple fruit types from a single country under one agreement.

Market Analysis: Why China is a Strategic Priority

China is a high-growth, high-value market. Rising demand for premium imported fruit and expanding e-commerce channels position China as a top priority for South African deciduous fruit exporters.

South Africa Production at a Glance

Total Deciduous Area: 53,748 hectares
Stone Fruit Share: 29% of plantings
Primary Region: Western Cape (88% of deciduous area)
Key Growing Hubs: Ceres, Tulbagh, Robertson, Ladismith, Wolseley, and Wellington.

2025/26 Supply Outlook & Volume Growth

The stone fruit crop is estimated at +17% year-on-year growth. Significant volume increases include:

Cherries: +111%
Peaches: +41%
Nectarines: +28%

Competitive Advantages: Timing and Positioning

The October–April Export Window

South Africa enters the Chinese market earlier than Chile, enabling:

Reduced Competition: Capitalizing on the early-season void.
Premium Positioning: Aligning with high-demand Chinese festive and gifting periods.
Market Access: Full access is secured for all stone fruits except cherries (agreement pending).

Understanding Chinese Consumer Dynamics

The market is highly segmented, requiring targeted strategies for:

Premium Buyers: Located primarily in South & East China.
Younger Consumers: Driven by branding and online visibility.
Sales Channels: While wholesale remains dominant, e-commerce and live-stream sales are the fastest-growing sectors.

Roadmap to Success: What Chinese Buyers Want

To succeed in the Chinese market, exporters must prioritize:

Product Quality: Sweet flavor, firm texture, and long shelf life.
Aesthetics: Consistent sizing, clear varietal differentiation, and premium packaging for gifting.
Logistics: Strengthening cold-chain performance to manage long transit distances and port efficiency.
Brand Storytelling: Differentiating through origin stories and unique varieties.

Conclusion and Industry Impact

The webinar highlighted the IFPA’s critical role in facilitating knowledge exchange and connecting global markets. As new trade pathways emerge, these insights support informed decision-making for growers and retailers alike.