South Africa’s avocado industry is undergoing a notable transformation.
Traditionally dominated by the subtropical north-east, avocado cultivation is increasingly taking root in cooler southern regions like the Helderberg Basin and Riebeeck Kasteel — while George in the Garden Route is emerging as the standout growth area.
Last May The South African reported on how avocados have become increasingly popular among fruit farmers in the Western and Southern Cape.
At a recent South African Avocado Growers Association (Saaga) event held just outside George, experts and industry players gathered to discuss the region’s booming potential.
Dr. Guy Witney of Great Brak Avos revealed that avocado cultivation in the Western Cape has expanded from 135 hectares in 2017 to over 1 250 hectares today.
“We harvested just over 3 000 tonnes in the 2024/2025 season, and with new orchards coming into production, we expect between 5 000 and 6 500 tonnes this year,” he said.
This southern shift in production brings strategic advantages. The Western Cape’s unique climate allows producers to harvest later in the season — from September through January — after the main Lowveld crop has ended.
This opens a critical window for exports, particularly to Europe, where demand for avocados continues to surge.
Export prospects aside, local consumers are also likely to benefit. Witney noted that domestic markets were undersupplied last season, which caused prices to spike.
With a larger crop forecast for 2025, local avocado supply during the festive season is expected to increase — a development that could help stabilise prices.
The use of modern farming tech
Stellenbosch University meanwhile is bolstering this growth with significant research investment in the George region.
To that end, the university’s subtropical research unit has partnered with international tech firm NIK Group to trial AI-enhanced ‘agridrones’ capable of lifting up to 60kg.
Dr. Anelle Blanckenberg, the university’s lead researcher on subtropical fruits, emphasised the importance of embracing precision farming technologies.
These innovations can help maintain South Africa’s global competitiveness, particularly as producers seek access to new markets in China and India.
“The Western Cape climate provides an attractive opportunity to extend the export season to Europe, with its strong demand for avocados as a superfood,” she added.
Do you think avocados should be available year-round?
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