South Africa's largest single avocado producer completed its first shipment of 80 tons to Shanghai, marking a milestone in opening new markets for the African fruit.

The renowned agricultural company ZZ2 has completed its first shipment of Hass avocados to the Chinese market, marking a new phase in its export strategy. With 80 tons sent to Shanghai, the company aims to establish a foothold in a market with high consumption potential, where South African fruit enjoys a key logistical advantage over competitors like Peru.

Clive Garrett, marketing manager for ZZ2, noted that the geographical proximity between South Africa and China allows for a faster transit route with better product preservation. The process was facilitated by Core Fruit, a firm specializing in exports to Asia, which handled the logistics and paperwork to ensure an efficient and seamless operation.

In addition to avocados, ZZ2 plans to include cherries in its offering to China, taking advantage of a prime market window in October, before Chilean production arrives. Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen highlighted the initiative as an example of the strategic role the private sector plays in consolidating South Africa's position as an agricultural exporting powerhouse in new markets.

Source: portalfruticola.com