For the industry, by the industry Michelle Kruger: 083 703 4373

History of fruit industry: Roots stretches back to middle of 17th century Exports to UK, Netherlands and other parts of Europe at the end of the 19th century Now exporting to more than 70 countries worldwide

South African Export Markets Canada/USA: 5% Russia: 10% Far East: 10% Middle East: 18% Indian Ocean Islands: 1% UK: 22% Africa: 1% Europe: 33%

What to have in place when you want to export your fruit Register on DoAs food data base for a PUC and/or PHC. Go to www.nda.agric.gov Contact local PPECB offices. Nelspruit – Koos Retief 013 755 2879 Register for SA GAP or Global GAP and/or SA GMP. PPECB can assist. International quality, environmental and food safety systems: International quality control systems Purpose and where it applies ISO 14001 Sets standards for protecting the environment Nature’s Choice (Tesco) Applies to farms and on-farm packhouses Globalgap (certain European retailers) LEAF (Waitrose) Applies to farms supplying Waitrose The British Retail Consortium (BRC) Global Food Standards Applies to pack houses supplying British retailers HACCP Applies to pack houses

The importance of traceability: Any problem can be linked to a specific producer instead of a whole group Fast, accurate and limits risk Limits unnecessary costs Limits public concerns Carton Marking: Product of SA Class of product Name of exporter and/or pack house PUC code Product type Variety Count (size)

Optimum temperatures Fruit Type Optimum temperature in degrees Celsius Practical shelf life (PSL) Grapes -0.5 to 0°C Up to 150 days Avocados 3.3 to 4.4°C 14 to 28 days Apples -1.1 to 4.4°C 90 to 240 days Pears -1.5 to 0°C 60 to 180 days Stone Fruit -1.1 to 0°C 14 to 35 days Citrus 4 to 5°C Oranges: 35 to 90 days Lemons: 30 to 120 days

Documents completed in the export process Customs: DD550 Port Authorities: Cargo dues order and terminal container order Agricultural Authorities: PPECB – Export inspection certificate; DoA phytosanitary certificate Terminals: Mate’s receipt Shipping Line: Bill of lading Origin documents

Why South Africa is well-suited for large scale production of fresh fruit: Relatively low labour costs Availability of land Wide variety of climatic zones Well developed infra structure Counter seasonal production to Northern Hemisphere Challenges for SA fruit industry: Oversupply of fruit Withdrawn subsidies from government New legislation from importing countries Global crisis Increasingly competitive international export markets (Chile, Brazil) Downward pressure on produce prices - retailers Burdensome input costs from monopolies and cartels The price of crude oil Fluctuation of the exchange rate Successful land reform

Solutions: Increase in quality Market driven industry - not production driven Open new markets Develop the local market Sell expertise to counter seasonal markets Generic promotions Continued education – Top of the Class programme

Established 1998 as non profit organisation Membership voluntary Approximately 60 members which export 76% of all fresh fruit exported from SA Strict code of conduct Members are exporters (agents and traders), producer exporters, service providers and other industry organisations

FPEF objectives for 2008 Assist members to find international markets for their principals’ fruit Promote the FPEF members collectively within producer circles Continue to refine the accreditation criteria Facilitate access to relevant, accurate and timely generic information Sourcing of funds for projects within the industry Provide innovation for its members in the value chain – Post Harvest Innovation Programme Continued education in the value chain – Top of the Class programme

Five main stages of the export process: Pre-season planning with producers Buying fruit and contracting with the producers and service providers Marketing the fruit Managing operations during the season Analysing the previous season Roles played by the exporter: Ensuring all documents are properly completed at each stage Delivering a quality product from the farm to the consumer Satisfying buyers Making sure that products and packaging compete with competitors Controlling costs in the value chain