Extreme weather and market uncertainty are weighing on canning fruit producers globally. From Europe to the U.S., growers report smaller harvests, tighter margins, and competition from the fresh fruit market for yellow cling peaches.
In South Africa, canning fruit growers remain under pressure. Jacques Jordaan, CEO of the Canning Fruit Producers' Association, said OABS data shows the average grower is close to break-even. In 2024, production costs, excluding land, salary, and return on investment, were about US$281/t for apricots, US$289/t for peaches, and US$211/t for pears. Average prices per ton after grading and juice contributions were roughly US$281/t for apricots, US$288/t for peaches, and US$210/t for pears.
The 2024/25 season delivered a normal harvest after below-average volumes in 2019/20 and 2023/24. Outlook improved with the announcement that Langeberg Foods, a consortium of producers and other stakeholders, will take over the Langeberg & Ashton factory from Tiger Brands on 1 October 2025.
The production area has contracted. Cling peach orchards declined from 5,800 ha to 3,500 ha over the past decade, with a 7% annual drop in recent years. Bulida apricots fell from 1,500 ha to 1,000 ha, and Bon Chretien pears from 2,800 ha to 2,000 ha. About 44% of Bulida apricot orchards are at least 18 years old, compared with 31% of cling peaches.
International producers report similar challenges. In Greece, frost reduced cling peach output by about 30%, to 270,000–300,000 t, with smaller sizes. Apricot volumes may fall 40%. In Spain, hail halved apricot harvests, and peach output is forecast to decline 10–15%. In the U.S., cling peach production is expected to fall 6% to 203,000 t. Growers there face uncertainty after Del Monte's liquidation application; the company processes about 35% of the U.S. canning fruit. In China, output is forecast to shrink 20–30% from 895,350 t due to hot, dry weather and undersized fruit.
Prices remain under pressure despite reduced supply. Jordaan attributed this to high carry-over stocks, weaker consumer demand, and new U.S. tariffs. "A third of the U.S.'s canned fruit is imported. South Africa is a key player in this market, but it is unclear how the new tariffs will play out. The EU has secured a reduced tariff of around 17%, while South Africa faces 40%. It's a setback, but we're still better off than China, which is paying 72%," he said.
Jordaan added that shifting exports to China is difficult as the country prioritises its internal market. He said alternative markets in Asia are being targeted and called for favourable trade terms.
He noted that processed fruit needs repositioning: "We need to market canned fruit as more than just a breakfast or dessert staple. It should be seen as a healthy, anytime snack."
Source: Farmer's Weekly